trip to Rhode Island, NY, and NJ

hazzayoungn · Apr 1, 2007

I'm going to Brown in Rhode Island to watch college rugby. Since I need to stay a few more days because of flight plans and stuff, I will more than likely have a few days to myself to go do whatever I want...ie shopping and photography.

Ive poured through this thread http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68905 but found that the suggestions there are a little off of what i need. Since I'm not sure about many of the good spots in the area (except for times square...) I was hoping you guys could help me out a bit in planning a few sidetrips to go to while in the area.

I will be in RI for 2 days (including the rugby stuff) and in NY and NJ the remaining 2 days. I'm also familiar with their transit systems, so I'll be comfortable riding the trains

Also, if anyone knows any good places for shopping, its much appreciated :thumbup:

thanks

craig · Apr 1, 2007

Could you be more specific on what type of shots you are looking for. I do know that times Square (and the city in general) is not what it used to be. I would definitely avoid that area all together.

Love & Bass

hazzayoungn · Apr 1, 2007

In Rhode Island, i want to find some nice lighthouses, scenery and whatnot. Ive heard that its a beautiful state, and I want to capture some of that. however, i have no idea where to start on my search of places. If there are any quirky little streets or breathtaking landscaping and architecture, it's something i'd love to see

NJ and NY, i've seen the majority of the normal touristy stuff. I guess I want to see things that are off of the beaten path, but i have no problem with the generic stuff too (ie, the times square night shot)

As a whole though, I seem to be pretty good at people and portraits, so any places where public performances tend to take place are also good

because im a girl though, i cant help the urge to go shopping. cmon ladies, help me out here :biggrin:

craig · Apr 1, 2007

Washington Sq Park in NYC is a good start. Definitely touristy though. There is more flavor in the Lower East side area. Specifically Thompkis Sq Park. Amazing shopping can be found in the nearby Tribecca and SOHO areas.

Love and Bass

myopia · Apr 4, 2007

newport, ri

TheOtherBob · Apr 4, 2007

I live two blocks from Times Sq., so maybe I'm a bit desensitized, but I don't see any reason to linger there for more than a minute or two. Here's my suggestion - Central Park. There are several great shots to be had there (even in winter, but especially in spring). I'd start with the northern part of the park, and head up into the Ravine, Loch, Great Hill, and Blockhouse. There are also very nice things to shoot in the Ramble, on the Bow Bridge, and Turtle Pond. And there are usually interesting people, too.

Here's a map: http://www.centralparknyc.org/virtualpark

Outside of that, I'd just head into a neighborhood - pick whichever one you want - and start shooting whatever interests you. The Lower East Side is probably the best place to shoot interesting people. NYU / Wash. Sq. Park and Union Square are also usually good for people shots. I'd stay away from downtown.

What are you shopping for? I'd say to just walk up Fifth Ave.; that's the traditional approach. Or you could go down to the Village and wander around.

hazzayoungn · Apr 5, 2007

myopia: my mom and I are planning an excursion to newport. are there any especially intriguing places you know of?

TOB: i guess alot of why i want to go back to times square is because im coming back with the knowledge of how to take pictures...and to see the naked cowboy. im a sucker for gimmicks...

im definately planning to go to central park and washington park from the looks of it. as for shopping, the stuff i can find online looks out of my price range, but i know theres at least 2 H&m's right off of fifth. im shopping for clothes~im 18~i like shopping in NY (and the east coast) because everything that comes out there takes a year or so to show up here (seattle) in full force, and because i know the chances of someone having the same wardrobe are tiny

forgive me for my lack of jargon comprehension...but which "village" are you referring to?

thanks

TheOtherBob · Apr 5, 2007

You know, maybe it's too cold, but I haven't seen the Naked Cowboy in a while.

Greenwich Village - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenwich_Village

Not quite the bohemian refuge it once was, but still a pretty interesting place to walk around and photograph - and the styles / stores / etc. down there is stuff you'll never find anywhere else. Washington Square Park is at the center of the Village - so it's the same sort of vibe.

(You could similarly go over to SoHo - but the stores there are more "national." On the other hand, though, the warehouse architecture over there can make some great photos. Chelsea also has some nice stores, and good architecture.)

I hope you have fun - and get good pictures!

hazzayoungn · Apr 6, 2007

thanks!

NEPats37 · Apr 6, 2007

I live in Rhode Island so here are some places.

Since you'll be at Brown ask for a street called Prospect Street. There will be a park on that street that views the skyline of Providence, it's great.

Go to Roger Williams Park, there are many things in that part to photograph.

Newport is really nice, you cant go wrong anywhere there really but the best places are the mansions as well as Fort Adams. It's an old military fort that is now a state park.

Go to thayer street if you want to photograph some interesting people.

As far as shopping go to the Providence Place Mall. Huge waste of space, I mean ....mall.

James

lkWinnipesaukee · Apr 8, 2007

Could you be more specific on what type of shots you are looking for. I do know that times Square (and the city in general) is not what it used to be. I would definitely avoid that area all together.

YOu're right, it has changed, but for the better. It's really been cleaned up over the past few years.

As far as the Village... gahhhhh. After witnessing a shooting there a few weeks ago, I can't say I really care for it...

burtharrris · Apr 8, 2007

Times Square depends on when you're there. I see it as pretty harmless as long as you're not a tourist idiot. Walk through, stop to watch the street performers, take some pictures, put your camera in your bag and continue on your way.

Definitely a fan of Central Park, you can spend a month there and not see it all. Down toward the Village is pretty cool; check out the Lower East side but avoid Alphabet City. Check out the financial district, but keep in mind it's a ghost town after 6pm. If you want to see the WTC go for it, but try not to contribute to the novelty tourist atmosphere it has sadly taken on.

Edit: I don't mean "tourist idiot" in a bad way, I just mean don't be oblivious. By all means enjoy the great city that is NYC, but recall sometimes bad things happen. Keep aware of your surroundings and have fuN!

Garrentee · Apr 10, 2007

hazza, from cape cod and my girlfriend is from RI/MA border...u gotta get to little compton, RI and westport, MA...these towns are amazing ocean port towns...westport is an old school farming town with a lot of farms, stone walls, barns and vineyards...

newport is amazing as well along with the whole coast line in these 2 states...

have fun!!!
garrentee

hazzayoungn · Apr 11, 2007

thanks to everyone for the continued input

burtharris: i was a really bad tourist last time i was there. around 5 when everybody was going home from work, i stopped right in the middle of a busy sidewalk to take several shots of the big macys sign...needless to say, i got yelled at

back from that digression,

im sad to say that because the dates got mixed up...i wont be going to rhode island or new york...for now that is. the down side is i have to take two midterms...the up side is i dont have to board a plane on friday the thirteenth...though it doesnt match up to a weekend respite...

theres a pretty good chance of going over the summer though, so ill keep all your suggestions in tact

and in case i end up in the bad part of town, ill just carry a machete with me. theyll know they f***ed with the wrong mexican...i mean, korean

(i hope somebody understands that joke)