Last week, my cousin’s wife and her sister arrived for a quick visit and whirlwind tour of New York.
After playing museum tour guide for them last Friday (more on that later), we ventured into Central Park for a nice change of scenery.
We had to figure out how to find the lake without a map to help us, which put my tracking skills to test. We eventually managed to find it with the help of the sun, a passable sense of direction, and the trusty old lazy person’s rule (when you come to a fork on the road and have no idea which way to go, go downhill – you may still end up lost, but at least it’s easier on the legs).
Of course, it’s kinda hard to miss a 22-acre lake in the middle of the city, but in my defense, that’s a 22-acre chunk of an 843-acre space. Or 2.6% for all you math geeks.
Of course, after walking from The Met on the east end of the park all the way to the west end, they decided they wanted to go back and go window shopping along Madison Avenue in the Upper East Side. So back we went, again relying on those faux tracking skills.
The caveat to the lazy person’s rule is that, if you ever need to retrace your steps, then all those breezy downhill trails you took the first time are now nasty, unrelenting uphill climbs just when you’re about ready for a long nap.
But I didn’t mind it so much. Not with great views and scenery hiding behind secret corners. Even the kids seemed mesmerized.
With buildings now back in sight, we made our way to Madison Avenue. In a future post, I will explain the story behind my cousin-in-law’s epiphany, when she said to me later that day: “Fashion is your kryptonite.”
At least she didn’t tell me she’d beat me for every mile.
Looks like a beautiful autumn afternoon. Every time I’ve been to NYC the weather has been chilly or downright cold! I’d really like to try to get there sometime in the nice weather.
My best friend was in NYC last week too! Love the glowy effect on your boat picture, did you use an action? It reminds me of Boutwell’s Super Fun Happy! Also enjoyed your flower photos over at Ree’s.
Hi Kat! Nice of you to drop by. That glowy effect comes from duplicating the background layer, then blurring that layer. It’s a Photoshop version of the Orton effect, which I learned from a visitor (hey Sherweld!) over at Shrew’s Daily Shutters (another excellent photo blog by an equally excellent gal – link on my blogroll over on the right side).
Love the middle picture of the lake! Gorgeous editing!!!
I found you through PW’s site and I was so excited to read we have the same camera! Which means I’m dying for your help! Have you managed to get good action shots inside with it, and if so, at what setting? I’m going crazy trying to get the kids on the basketball court. Either it’s too dark or blurry . . .
I also found you through PW’s site. I love your photos….especially the macro flower shots. Would you consider doing a post on lighting?? This is where I have the most trouble and your lighting is beautiful!! Thanks!!
Just came over from P-Dub. LOVE your shots and am amazed you’re shooting with a point-and-shoot!
Hello! So nice to see these new visitors here.
Jill, are the basketball games indoors or outdoors? For action shots, you’re best off in shutter speed priority. Try to shoot at no slower than 1/125 or 1/250 in order to freeze the action. If you don’t have enough light for that, try upping the ISO speed. But not too high, or you’ll get a lot of noise in your photo. I try to never go above 200, and will venture into 400 only if absolutely necessary.
Joni, a post in lighting might be fun to write. I’ll let you in on a secret, though. Some of my best macro shots have been taken using the flash. I use a homemade flash diffuser that transforms the typical harshness of straight flash and makes it look like your subject is bathed in lovely, evenly-distributed light.
I meant indoor basketball shots, specifically with the Canon S5 series. The indoor setting doesn’t work for this and neither does their action setting.
Wow – you get some amazing shots out of that little point and shoot – my D70 is mad now that it has to live with me. Saw you on PW – will be back for sure!
Jill, I’d put that hotshoe on the S5 to use if you’re trying to shoot indoors AND freeze action. Or, if you can get close enough, maybe you can get by with the built-in flash. Maybe. I’d use a flash diffuser, too, so the lighting won’t be too harsh.
Dlyn, if your D70 is mad, tell it that it can cool its heels over at my place. :)
Those are wonderful photos. I have been to NYC about 6 years ago. We went to Central Park and it was so wonderful to see such a vibrant park in the city.