 Jordan |
Film for Photographing New York City Hi all, I will be going to NYC in a few days. What would be a good all-around film to use? I am trying to decide between Kodak E100G, Fuji Velvia, Kodak 400UC or 100UC, or one of the slower-speed Portra films. I'm going to be using a 35mm SLR with 50mm prime lens. Any suggestions? Thanks.
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Andy |
This will be my choice: slides Kodak E100GX, prints Kodak Portra 160VC. If from your list only, I will choose Fuji Velvia and Kodak 400UC (wonderful for Times Square pictures).
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George Anderson |
An NYC trip with some B&W film along is a blast, IMHO, especially in the grey days of winter. If you don't develop or use a B&W lab, take one of the C-41 films like Kodak 400CN, Ilford XP2 or Neopan 400CN ... they'll develop them at the minilabs.
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Jordan |
Andy & George, thanks for the advice. I decided to bring some 160VC, Velvia 100, Sensia 100, and some Ilford XP-2 with me. I'll try to post some pics when I get back. I only have a 50mm lens on my SLR right now, I'm wondering if that will be wide enough for the city streets. What do you think?
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Andy |
If you try to "copy" the images that you saw on the postcard, then it is not wide enough. But be creative. Try different perspective. Hope this helps.
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Jordan |
Andy, thanks again. I think I will just try different perspectives and see what happens. I had one other question, however, which has to do with exposure. The last time I was up there, I had only a telephoto lens because my normal lens was busted. I shot Kodak E100G (I think). It was a Kodak slide film. Anyway, I used my Canon Rebel G and when I had exposed off the buildings, which are lighter in color, I tended to add some exposure. The results turned out well, albeit they seemed a bit contrasty for the most part. My question is, was it necessary that I add exposure for such trivial things as buildings, which are not extreme in reflectancy? Would the latitude of the film still allowed for acceptable results had I not compensated? That was my first and only roll of slide film so far so I have little experience as to how often you really need to be adjusting the camera's exposure values. I think I will use Sensia most of the time. I got the vibe that one only needs to compensate in extreme situations, such as snow. Buildings hardly seem extreme.
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Andy |
It's all depending on the material of the building. Some with big reflective glass windows and some with metal walls. I usually avoid those or look for something not reflective to take the exposure and then lock it down. For slide film, we try not to overexpose (usually 1/2 stop under or 1/2 stop over is acceptable). For print film, we try not to underexpose (usually 1 stop under or 2 stop over is acceptable). So it depends on how much you have compensated. If you cannot find any middle tone subject to take your exposure, then bracketing would be a good idea. Next Tuesday I will be heading to NYC with only the 50mm lens and see what I will get. It should be quite a challenge ;)
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Jordan |
Andy, Thanks for your help! Funny thing, next Tuesday is also when I'm going. Maybe I'll see you there amongst the millions of people there working and holiday shopping. Should be pretty crowded.
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Andy |
Are you familiar with NYC? Are you also going tomorrow (you said next Tuesday)? If you like, we can meet at some place and I can show you around NYC before we start taking photos. Email me if you want. I took a couple photos of Christmas tree around Wall Street area last Friday. Happy holidays all BPers.
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Jordan |
Andy, Those are some great shots! The middle one looks like it was taken with a 50mm itself. The ones of the NYSE I particularly like, especially the time of day you shot them. I've noticed that when using the 50mm it's easier (for me anyway) to get more creative compositions than I ever did using my 28-80 that broke. It's been almost a year since I've been to NYC. I won't be going until Tuesday the 20th (last minute holiday shopping). I guess when you said "next Tuesday" tomorrow was really the next one. How was it carrying around a tripod in the city? Sounds like you live fairly close to there. We ought to compare what we come up with afterwards. Happy holidays!
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Andy |
Jordan, I live in NJ and commute to NYC every day to work. Those photos were taken with a digital point-and-shoot camera and I used a small antique (over 50 years old) tripod (from my dad). These two items easily fit in my backpack. Let's see what we each come up with later.
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Andy |
Hi Jordan. How is your NYC photo trip? I took a roll of Kodak Ultra 400 using only the 50mm lens on 12/16. It was Friday afternoon during rush hours in holiday season. You can imagine how crowded the streets were. I sent the film to KodakGallery to develop and I did not get it back until today. I had uploaded a few to my gallery (number 2 thru 11). They were mostly taken handheld. Hope you had a good time while in NYC and don't forget to post yours to share. Andy.
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Jordan |
I can see the buses were still running when you were there! We went on the first day of the transit strike. At first I was thinking it would be really crowded because of the additional people walking, but it turned out to be not very crowded at all. It seemed most people just skipped work. Needless to say, I was disappointed because I wanted to focus on the large amounts of people that never came. So, didn't take too many pictures this time but will be going back soon again. I'll be sure to post some as soon as I get the film developed. I'm impressed with the ones you took though. The shot of the globe infront of St.Patrick's Cathedreal is awesome! I've seen that statue a couple times and never thought of shooting it at that angle. You've given me some inspiration for next time...
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Andy |
Thanks Jordan. I have to confess I did not spend too much time looking for better angle and composition. I just wanted to finish the roll of film and go home before stampeded by the tourist ;) You can just forget about using tripod in Times Square. At Rockefeller Center, I was able to use a tripod across the street. With the limitation of only one 50mm lens, it's tricky to compose. About Atlas and the Globe, I had seen numerous times with the same angle as mine, but were taken with a fish eye or wide angel lens. I may be the first one to use a 50mm lens to photograph it, haha. But I did like this challenge and I had fun. Can't wait to see yours. Andy.
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