Photo Field Trip: Grand Central Terminal - 3 Hour Workshop

Skill Level(s): Level II, III and IV Students
Location: 89 E 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017 (Meet in Vanderbilt Hall) map
Instructor: Scott Dengrove
Date and Time: Saturday, Jan 31st, 2:00PM - 5:00PM

DESCRIPTION

For over 100 years Grand Central Terminal has endured as one of the premiere transportation hubs in the world. Although departing trains are only kept local these days and no longer travel the entire country, GCT's gorgeous Beaux-Arts architecture, and amazing legacy still draw 21 million visitors annually through its gates.

During this field trip, you will learn how to photograph not only the beautiful architectural spaces GCT has to offer, but delve into its rich detailed history and decipher what all those symbols around the terminal mean that keep popping up in your images.

Topics covered include low-light photography, hand holding techniques for getting steadier shots, improvising tripods, composition, storytelling, and photographing architectural details.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The workshop will begin with an introduction to the history of Grand Central Terminal. Low-light and compositional photography techniques will be taught throughout the workshop with instructor led demonstrations and ample time to practice.

We'll visit and explore the famous Main Concourse, Vanderbilt Hall, the Whispering Gallery, the "Kissing Room", and some additional surprise spots.

The workshop concludes with plenty of free time to take your own photographs with our instructor close at hand for assistance and a photo scavenger hunt which will have even the most knowledgable, die-hard Grand Central fan scrambling to capture all the photos on the list (Google can't help you).

As there are very few seating areas at Grand Central comfortable shoes are a must, as there will be lots of standing and walking.

WHAT TO BRING

Please bring your fully charged camera, and something to write with in case you'd like to take notes.

Grand Central Terminal does not allow tripods or monopods, and as this is a natural low-light workshop we will not be using flash, so please leave them at home. Multiple lenses are fine and encouraged, especially if you have an ultra-wide angle.

To get the most out of this workshop students should be comfortable shooting in manual mode and have a DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses that allows manual exposure settings.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

We will be photographing in public indoor spaces, all across Grand Central and there will be a photo scavenger hunt so wear comfortable shoes. There are very few seating areas in Grand Central and none during our workshop, so it is recommended to pack light and minimize items that you'll need to carry.

Grand Central is accessible to wheelchair users. All participants must pre-register for this workshop anyone showing up the day of who has not pre-registered will be turned away.

WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR?

This workshop is open to level II - IV photographers with any type of camera including high school students. Not sure what level you are? Click here to find out. Students should be comfortable shooting in manual mode and have a camera capable of manual exposure settings. Anyone 18 or under must be accompanied by an adult.

ABOUT GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL

Opened to the public in February 1913, Grand Central Terminal is a story of great engineering, survival, and rebirth. This historic world-famous landmark in Midtown Manhattan is not simply a transportation hub, but is also a shopping, dining, and cultural destination with 65 shops, 35 places to eat, and a full calendar of events all under one magnificent roof. For more information about visiting Grand Central including visitor policies, please visit their website by clicking here.

TRANSPORTATION

This special field trip takes place solely at Grand Central Terminal in NYC, participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Grand Central. You will meet your instructor on-site in Vanderbilt Hall. Grand Central is easily accessible by train, subway, bus and car.

Participants may view directions by clicking the link below:

View directions by public transportation including train, subway, and bus

REGARDING COVID-19

The safety of our participants and instructors is of the utmost priority. As per updated guidelines, masks are no longer required, but are highly encouraged as this workshop takes place completely indoors, inside Grand Central Terminal. Participants agree to refrain from attending the workshop if they are not feeling well, they develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19, or have knowingly been around others that have tested positive for COVID-19 or are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.

TESTIMONIALS

What Our Customers Say...

"The combination of Grand Central history and photo recommendations were very helpful. Techniques of low light photography and white balance adjustment were very good. I like that we had lots of time to wander around. The review of basics was also helpful for me." -Michael, Bronxville, NY

"I really enjoy this workshop format. Visiting a specific site and being given guidance on the best way to photograph the area. I am most interested in photographing architecture, and art deco." -Trish, Westwood, NJ

REFUND POLICY

Registration cancellations and refund requests must be submitted in writing no less than 7 days prior to the start of the workshop. Refunds will not be given for no shows or latecomers. As this workshop takes place 100% indoors it will take place snow, rain or shine. No refunds will be given for no shows due to weather. In the case of an extreme weather emergency or closure of either Grand Central Terminal, or cancellation of service by Metro North an alternate date will be selected for the workshop. If you cannot attend the alternative workshop date a credit will be given for use towards a future Dengrove Studios workshop. In the event that official guidelines regarding COVID-19 change in a way that prevents us from holding the workshop or the venue cannot open due to COVID-19 guidelines, a full refund will be provided.

Questions? Feel free to contact us before you register.

Leading up to the workshop you will receive several email communications from us. In order to ensure they get delivered properly and do not get filtered or blocked we suggest adding the following emails to your safe sender list or address book, info@dengrovestudios.com and courses@dengrovestudios.com

$69
Saturday, January 31st, 2:00PM - 5:00 PM

What type of photographer are you?

Level I - Students are new to photography and either have no formal training in photography or perhaps took a class a long time ago. Level I students are unsure of the operation of their gear or may feel intimidated by taking their camera out of "auto" mode and playing with the manual settings. Photographs of Level I students show significant technical issues as well as compositional issues as they have not yet received training. There's nothing wrong with being a Level I photographer, we all started there, and remember what it's like.

Level II - Students have some understanding of photography principles and may have taken a class or two. Level II students are somewhat familiar with their gear and try to use manual camera settings when they can. As a result, they have gotten lucky from time to time by creating great photographs that were the result of "happy accidents". Although their pictures are applauded by friends and family, they are still at the beginning of learning their craft and their images may have technical issues. Additionally, they can be so caught up with using the right settings they may forget to focus on the artistic side of photography such as composition and lighting.

Level III - Students have a solid understanding of photography principles, thanks to some formal training, and are completely comfortable using their camera in Manual Mode. Level III students have overcome most technical issues relating to exposure and sharpness and are starting to play with interesting lighting and compositions. Most of their photos look better than the average persons and are starting to be thought of as a photographer by friends and family. Level III students may be starting to think about doing some low-end paying photography work or upgrading their gear to full frame sensors and pro lenses.

Level IV - Students have significant experience making, capturing, and processing images that more often then not exhibit a complete understanding of photography principles and creative artistic qualities. Level IV students no longer worry about camera settings, they just happen automatically in their head, and all of their photos are sharp and well exposed. In addition, Level IV student photos exhibit consistently decent lighting and composition and a few of their very best photos exhibit these qualities that can be described as dynamic, beautiful, and awesome. They are not afraid to try unusual or extreme techniques but sometimes use them as a crutch to give their photos that "wow" factor. Level IV students are regarded as "really serious about photography" and may have considered going pro.

Level V - Students have advanced skills and knowledge of photography. Their work is consistently at a professional level with no image quality issues and technicals are spot on. Level V student photo compositions have a maturity about them with a clear style and creativity. A Level V student is capable of shooting in almost any lightning condition and bringing back great photos that are interesting and well exposed. Level V students may or may not be working professional photographers but based on their level of work certainly are capable of being a pro.