Places-NYC

[lorenww]

Got this from Bryant park with the Empire State Blg. in the background

[Bynx]

Very nice and a tricky exposure.

[lorenww]

Thanks Bynx.

I learned a very valuable lesson on that trip.
I wasn't getting the shutter speed I needed so upped the ISO to 1600, first time shooting in that range.
(You cant use a tripod in NYC)
Got back home to find so much noise the photos were near worthless.
Topaz de-noise just made the image soft.
I had bracketing turned on with the idea I may want to do some in hdr.

Then opened Photomatix to see if the noise would go away, somehow the noise got amplified.
I kept searching for a way to eliminate the noise and keep the details.

Eventually I came across a tutorial to get rid of noise and it said you would need three different exposures.
(luck)
It said to stack them in layers with the darkest image at the bottom and lightest at top.

>> Align layers (they were hand held)
bottom opacity 100%
middle layer, opacity 50%
top layer, opacity 25%
>> Flatten Layers
Perfect image and no noise. exact same exposure as the middle (First shot) image.

I saved my nighttime images with a little work but the HDR idea is not possible.

[Bynx]

Wow, interesting tip. What do you mean no tripods in NYC. Are you serious? No where are tripods allowed?

I have since googled this strange thing. It seems tripods are ok on public property with caveat. Some people with authority might try to exert that authority and surpass it because they can. Not that they are right. Just because they are dickheads. Private property such as MTA and department stores, and inside other buildings such as Empire State or Rockafeller dont allow tripods and in some cases even photography. We have the same thing in Toronto. Just be vigilant when shooting and keep an eye out for security people.

[lorenww]

I did bring my UltrapodII
http://www.amazon.com/Pedco-UltraPod.../dp/B000ANCPNM

and used it to brace the camera on signposts etc...

Tripods would be impossible to use just because of the sheer volume of people.
when I say a lot of people, the entire sidewalk was packed, I was constantly stepping on peoples heels, when I wasn't, people were stepping on my heels.

You could probably get away with a tripod in Central Park but in the city, It would get kicked around a lot.
Best trip I ever had and will definitely be going back.