Help with location to shoot Hou. Downtown

[Photofan#1]

Hi Guys ,
I am new to photography and am loving every moment of it . I just did attended a worshop in Canmore (nxt to Banff), Alberta-Canada .(Breathtaking views) . I did learn quite a bit but mostly landscape photography . I wanted advise on locations in Houston to practice what I have learnt . Any suggestions on locations to shoot Downtown Hou. or any other place in Houston that is good to take some good pics. .
I would appreciate some directions , timing of the day and even any specail tips on how to shoot would be helpful .

I have taken some decent shots of sunrise in the mountains , will post them soon.
Thanks Guys

[RobyMD]

Welcome to TPF and photography. Just a few questions, what kind of photography are you looking to do (on location suggest portraits right). Also what kind of looks are you looking for downtown. There are a few parks going towards the west side of downtown, I love shooting near the Reliant (@ main and McKinney) building using the rail station, and sidewalks near there. Also the warehouse district offers a nice contrast to a beautiful subject.

As for time of day I like to shoot in the not so hot part of the day for 2 reasons 1. it's hot and 2. to avoid a lot of squinting. This may have been obvious but the weekends are in my opinion much better than the week days.

good luck, I hope I answered a few of your questions...

[jchooper12]

If you can, take the NYIP course on Professional Photography. You will learn a ton of good stuff. I have been shooting for 4 years and started that class, wow, I was really blind. There is so much more to photography than meets the eye. You should take a college course or do the NYIP course. I am learning a ton.

Good luck!!!

[Photofan#1]

Thank You Buddy
Main & Mc kinney sounds good > I just want to take good pics of the city and surroundings all I have learnt uptill now is landsscape photpgraphy.

I have Nikon D40x AND 18-55 MM ; 70-300MM AND 50 MM Manual focus fixed focal lens and also Feisol tripod with a few graduated neutral density filters

[Steelsun]

Check out the Houston Section of TPF, as there are many threads about great places in Houston to take pictures.

Also the link in my signature has many ideas.

[LoungeLizard]

...and don't forget that Google Earth now has photos of Houston by area/location!

[RobyMD]

So are you looking to do cityscape photos or portraits of people or both?

[LadyShutterBug]

there's a bridge at sabine street and allen pkwy that has a lovely sunset view of the downtown skyline. the other way there is a path down to the park along the bayou-- walk away from downtown and you will come to a lovely section of eleanor tinsley park.

[Photofan#1]

Originally Posted by RobyMD

So are you looking to do cityscape photos or portraits of people or both?

I have just learnt Landscape photography but i do want to do portraits

[laanba]

I'd suggest stopping by the Shoot Houston Forums. They have a wealth of information and it is one of my favorite places to get ideas for locations.

You can also look through the completed assignments at the Assignment: Houston Flickr group for examples of shots at specific locations.

[Photofan#1]

Originally Posted by RobyMD

Welcome to TPF and photography. Just a few questions, what kind of photography are you looking to do (on location suggest portraits right). Also what kind of looks are you looking for downtown. There are a few parks going towards the west side of downtown, I love shooting near the Reliant (@ main and McKinney) building using the rail station, and sidewalks near there. Also the warehouse district offers a nice contrast to a beautiful subject.

As for time of day I like to shoot in the not so hot part of the day for 2 reasons 1. it's hot and 2. to avoid a lot of squinting. This may have been obvious but the weekends are in my opinion much better than the week days.

good luck, I hope I answered a few of your questions...

Thanks a lot, Roby

[Photofan#1]

Originally Posted by RobyMD

So are you looking to do cityscape photos or portraits of people or both?

Hey Roby
I just check out your wesite and your pics are awesome . How did you get the B&W wedding pic with colourful red roses. Great idea.
I am a fan

Sam

[RobyMD]

Thanks for the compliment. There are many ways to do it but for that one I used adjustment layers.

I started to go off the top of my head on how to do it but the information would be inaccurate. I'll try to post the details later. Another way to accomplish this effect is CTRL + Shift + U which desaturate the photo (I think if not - CTRL + U brings up the dialog box where you can remove all the color). Step 2 use the history brush to bring back the color. I believe that is the "Y" key. This is how I used to do it until I was introduced to adjustment layers.

Adjustment layers give the ultimate control IMO