Sydney night tourist shots

[HappyFotographer]

Glen, works for me.

Hubby has agreed to look after ALL the rugrats, but I might be pushing it by having food, I will have to get home to feed the baby (assuming I have actually had it by then ), the others can easily be catered for by my man, but he doesn't have the right equipment for the newbie.

So if you don't mind on holding off on the eating until after the pictures, I would surely appreciate it.

Deb

[Glen]

Deb, good news.

My take based on your criteria would be meet at Luna Park, up to an hour photographing there, quick drive across the Bridge to either Dawes Point (the spot next to the Park Hyatt which is always full of wedding photogs on a saturday) for similar large scale stuff or alternatively another spot for small scale stuff (sandstone terraces, gas lamps, etc, maybe someone has an idea- I don't).

All up photography should take 2 - 2.5 hours, then a relaxing meal with friends. The other thing is as Birddog pointed out, it is getting colder so we should be inside by 8 - 9pm.

[Nikkofan]

Sunday 22 May is the absolute BEST day for me - so glad you picked this one. I've been going along reading the posts, with the progressively sinking feeling that you guys were going to end up picking a time that I couldn't come - which is basically, anytime after Sunday 22 May. So thanks for picking that day - perfect as far as I'm concerned!

As far as parking in the Rocks is concerned, there are 2 or 3 parking stations in Harrington St (parallel to George St going west) which are in the Rocks, just down the road from Argyle St and which are pretty reasonably priced for quite a few hours parking. From my (dismal) memory, I don't think it was more than $16.00 for about 4 hours. IMHO, the best one to go to is the 2nd one on the left heading north towards Argyle St.

We also discovered a suberb restaurant/bar - went in there to escape the rain and found it was great shooting, which the managers had no objection to - full of candlelights, mirrors, coloured lights. Worth a visit if you're into this sort of thing.

[Nnnnsic]

The other thing is as Birddog pointed out, it is getting colder so we should be inside by 8 - 9pm.

It's supposed to be Autumn and cool by now.

It isn't.

You think it'll be cool by late May? I'm not so sure...

[Glen]

Good point Leigh, but weather is one thing I would never try to predict. Unless it is raining cats and dogs we should be ok.

[Nnnnsic]

Unless it is raining cats and dogs we should be ok.

Phew... be thankful that we live in Sydney and not Melbourne. I'm always weary about needing to dodge canines and felines with our screwed up Australian weather systems...

[MCWB]

22ND MAY

Should suit me just fine. My brother has a crap cheapy tripod, I'll see whether it can take the D70 + 12-24; if not I might take you up on that tripod offer, thanks mate! I'll let you know closer to the date.

[Geoff]

Hey this is fantastic I'm not working that Sunday so I/we should be able to come.

[SoCal Steve]

Glen - I almost missed seeing these pictures. It sure would have been my loss. You do the city proud. Simply gorgeous stuff and to think you hadn't even PP'd it yet!

That opera house doesn't have a bad side, does it?! It's always impressive, but you make it stunning. Bravo. Speech! Oh, you've probably already left the building, haven't you? Glen? Glen...? Hello... (hmmm... I guess they all left.)

[gstark]

I assume that you're not including the crap that's been happening around The Rocks as of late?

The "crap" that the media claims has bein going on in The Rocks has, not to put too fine a point on it, not been going on in The Rocks.

While it's not exactly a media beat up, how good would the headlines be were they to say "two killed in drive-by shooting in Walsh Bay" or "two killed in drive-by shooting on Hickson Rd" ?

The Rocks makes for far better headlines and, on tv, ratings.

If we were to start around Luna and then head back to Millers Point, would that work? On a Sunday evening, there would probably be adequate parking up on Fort St, or perhaps closer to sea level on Hickson Rd near Pier 1.

I'd say both of those regions are quite safe, but an alternate location could also be Mrs MacQuarie's Chair, which might afford us a different viewpoint with all three elements (Coathanger, Sailboat, and nearly full moon) from the eastern perspective.

And then retire for a meal towards Wooloomooloo.

But I'll add this to the calendar now: Sunday, May 22, City Skyline Nightshoot.

[gstark]

Parking is another fun on Saturday evening around that area, after shooting, you have to pack your gears in the car and walk to the pubs or find something to eat? is it safe? and the cold is now approaching very fast in the early evening.

Exactly my thoughts, and why I suggested the Sunday, rather than the Saturday.

[SteveGriffin]

Just love #1. Fantastic composition

[Glen]

Gary, great suggestion about Mrs Macquarie's Chair. I think your schedule sounds good. Lets leave it to the participants to decide where in the rocks. I see three choices A) Mrs Macquarie's Chair B) Dawes Park near the Park Hyatt or C) somewhere like the Argyle Cut or Nurses Walk which is smaller scale. Maybe all can put up their preferences?

Leigh, most of the drama happens in Hicksons Rd (why I didn't recognise drama at the rocks), sort of closer to the King St wharf entertainment precinct. I don't think anyone will mistake me or your father for teenagers, my suggestion is if you own a WRX or EVO8 don't bring it, all others will probably be ok.

To all I have a few tripods, a gitzo which has arca swiss fittings if you have the same, a big heavy 10kg Manfrotto, a lightweight cheapy and a few others which will be too small for this night. A tripod is required, we will have enough, but one per person is best (it also allows everyone to get familiar with the one they are using). If someone doesn't have transport I am sure if you can get a train to Milsons Point we can ferry you around for the evening and deposit you back at a station. Ask anything I haven't covered

[birddog114]

Charter a fleet of limousine with D70User.com banner on each to ferry those "night hawks" around, included champagne onboard.

[Glen]

Charter a fleet of limousine with D70User.com banner on each to ferry those "night hawks" around, included champagne onboard.

I'm in

[Justin]

Sunday 22nd May - I'm in.

[idioms]

Thought i would post some old shots of same scene from the other side for comparison. Unfortunately the sharpness is terrible since these were taken before the days of my d70 and show my complete lack of scanning prowess

Opera%20House%201.jpg" alt="Image" />

[Frankenstein]

Pencil me in for the 22nd - not exactly sure if I can make it yet, but will if I can - would be great to meet other members of this group.

Frank

[Glen]

Well the tentative group is Nikkofan, HappyFotographer, Onyx, MCWB, Sirhc55, Gstark, Rokkstar, Geoff and possibly Frankenstein for the 22nd.

Start time is 6 pm at Luna Park. Could all coming vote on their preference for the second site, either A) Mrs Macquarie Chair offering a great vantage point back towards the city and bridge B) Dawes Park near the Park Hyatt (sth eastern corner of bridge) which gives good views of the bridge, Opera House, etc or C) The Rocks proper, maybe Playfair St or similar for smaller scale stuff like terraces.

Does anyone have any suggestions for eating establishments afterwards, bearing in mind parking and affordability for all? Also can we confirm who is coming for any restuarant bookings?

Thanks

Glen

[Onyx]

I vote for low cost establishment.
And Mrs Mac's chair. Although Dawes point might be good/better too, I dunno - I'll go with the majority.

[Glen]

Both get good shots, Chi

[gstark]

Mrs Mac's Chair, and the Wooloomooloo Hotel, opposite the Finger Wharf, for eats.

[Paul]

I can make the 22nd if there's space left.

[HappyFotographer]

I'm going to be really unhelpful and say I have no preference as to where the shoots take place. Just make it easy to get to, or the instructions detailed, as I am only a new driver and driving in Sydney at night by myself should be interesting to say the least (better make sure my insurance is uptodate!).

Still no sign of expected child doing the right thing and coming early or even on time, so am keeping fingers crossed that I will even be able to make the shoot.

Not expecting to be able to stay for eats at this stage.

Cheers
Deb

[Hlop]

Aw, I was desperately looking for a discussion of "Sydney City skyline night shoot, Starting from Luna Park" event and finally found it!

Can I get into the list of participants, please? Are familiy members welcome or it's a "single-bachelor-photographers" party?

[Glen]

Mikhail, bring all you like. Paul and sorry I missed you first time Justin, you guys are counted as well. Deb, hope timing works for you, come in any condition, we will post maps later but Luna Park is fairly easy to find

Any choices for second location from others?

[Glen]

Just to throw a further option for the second location, Darling Harbour was suggested to me today as well. Any thoughts? So far two votes for Mrs Macquarie's Chair.





ps Idioms, the water has a surreal feel in your photos

[Paul]

I vote for Mrs Macquarie's Chair for the 2nd location and Harry's Cafe De Wheels for a pie afterwards.. only kidding Gary mentioned the hotel which I'm fine with.

[Glen]

Okay, in light of no further suggestions it looks like Mrs Macquaries Chair, which is an excellent choice as there will be no one else around so we can set up to our hearts content. Then for those who can, down to the Woolloomooloo Hotel for a bite afterwards.

What would be good to bring is a camera kit, TRIPOD and TORCH. If anyone is short for a tripod please put your hand up and I or other members will do what we can. Bring the widest angle lens you have, I can also loan mine to others on the night. The kit lens is a perfect start, 12-24 even better. I stuck this post up now so people can have time to purchase any of these items if they wish to.

We will meet outside Luna Park wharf, which is ten metres from the Luna Park Face at 6pm. Luna Park is at 1 Olympic Drive, which is at the bottom of Alfred St South. For those coming by train, get out at Milsons Point Station, walk to the bottom of the stairs, turn right (you come to a fifteen metre wide park, if you end up in a side road you have gone the wrong way), then walk down the hill to the bridge. It is about 500 metres, you cant miss it, if you do, ask someone, Luna Park and the Bridge are well known around these parts I only have a two seater, but if you come by train I am sure someone can ferry you around the stops. Estimated time is up to an hour at Luna Park (maybe a little more if people want to take park shots from the inside, maybe 1.25 hrs), another hour or maybe less at Lady Macquaries Chair, then enjoy the company of your fellow photographers company at the Wooloomooloo Hotel. If you have a partner who doesn't like getting dragged all over the countryside, they could meet you there. Nearer the time I will ask for indications of who will be there so we don't leave anyone behind.

Here is a map of Milson Point with LP marked and an X where we will meet. Any questions just ask.

[Frankenstein]

blah, can't make this meet - the wife has organised visiting some friends that afternoon/evening, and as they're off OS soon I'd better make an appearance. And I was looking forward to meeting the group - maybe next time.

Frank

[ozimax]

Glen, no1 is an outstanding shot (as are all the others), the inward leaning aspect of the bridge pylons, shot from Luna Park, make for an amazing shot. Is the EXIF data in this post somewhere?

Max

[Glen]

Max, exif data is in the shots, haven't got it on this pc, but it is roughly f8 - f10 and 10-15 secs

[birddog114]

With the weather like this, the photo excursion on the evening of 22/5 should be cold and freeze, hope and wish all you guys will have lot of fun!

[Glen]

I should have put warm jacket next to torch, thanks Birddy

[birddog114]

Glen,
You haven't go to bed yet

[Glen]

No, started the day again. Light sleep night tonight, only a few hours. Paperwork and using the beautiful new printer late into the night

[birddog114]

No, started the day again. Light sleep night tonight, only a few hours. Paperwork and using the beautiful new printer late into the night

Any new capture of a "special moment" from the 800mm (+ TC) as suggested yesterday and print it with the new printer?

[Glen]

No special moments yet, maybe with new AFS 300?

[Matt. K]

Glen
Your long shot of the Opera House is one of the most spectacular shots of that icon that I have ever seen. Bloody well done....it's boooutiful!

[Glen]

Thanks Matt, lets hope everyone gets one of those on the 22nd. Looks great printed out

[Jenno]

Hi Glen,

Just found this thread and would luv to be involved provided you can guarantee my shots will turn out as good as yours.

Ray

[jethro]

glenn one word brilliant!

[Glen]

Ray, everyones will turn out like this, it's the city and its nice lights which work in this case, not the photographer. Look forward to seeing you. Thanks Jethro

[sirhc55]

You are such a sweet talker Glen - fess up and tell everyone that you have taken years to perfect this shot

[Nnnnsic]

I'm going to take two CF cards that night, Glen, just to prove you wrong.

I'm going to take some nice, spiffy shots on one to prove you right.

And then some horrible, blurry, RTFM shots to prove you wrong.

[Glen]

Leigh, I always bring my own card for the horrible blurry shots. Seems I always manage to forget a card for the good shots

Chris, notice the X on the map? Don't deviate even one metre from that spot. It is akin to Matt K's magic park bench. That is where these shots come from

[thaddeus]

i live a couple of hundred metres from there, so i'll drop down if i am around!

there's lots of good spots around luna park.

the obvious one is this type of shot which i did for the sculptor of the fanfare ball. the reason there are not clear flares around the lights is that i was doing it in drizzle, which worked out really good for the shots at the front, but not the shots at the back like this. (my avatar was shot in foggy drizzle)


if you walk along the boardwalk to the west, you can get this type of thing, all dark and moody!

however, they've turned the lights on now so it destroys it a bit


the interior of luna park is really interesting. again, this was to show off fanfare, but there's lots of colour, movement and people all through luna park. just make sure not to take leek or else the security guards will toss you out (it's right next to north sydney swimming pool)


jeffrey st whaf, about 100m to the east of luna park, is excellent for cliche shots of the bridge


mrs macquarie's chair is also a top spot


so if i see a gaggle of photographers milling around i'll say hi!

[Glen]

Nice shots Thaddeus, the one from Jeffrey St wharf is a real postcard. Hope we see you down there

[Nnnnsic]

Hmm...

I love that interior of Luna Park shot there... that evil Harbour Bridge ball looks like a weird moon or planet sitting in the background... or even an evil sun!

[Justin]

What time are we meeting - might be already posted but I couldn't see it in my morning blurriness...