New York Disabled in NYC

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kxl

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I'm going to NYC in a couple of weeks for a conference (@ the Conrad) and staying another week through Memorial Day weekend (staying @ 7th and 41st). My wife is coming with me and neither one of us has been to NYC in at least 25 years. I'm also disabled (walk with a cane/crutches) so I'm a little anxious about getting around (yes, we will be taking the subway, cabs or Lyft for longer distances).

My question: due to my disability, I can no longer walk and shoot the way I used to. I've had to adjust my style to finding a spot where I can sit and blend in before I start shooting away. Are there places in Manhattan that lend itself to this style of shooting?

And if anyone wants to meet for coffee, etc... let me know.

Thanks,
Keith
 
Keith: I live 12 miles west of NYC in a burb of NJ get into NYC as much as I can, personally and do not broadcast it: I am in a manual wheelchair and shoot street, for me NYC is tough BUT in ur situation will be easier, thus u will be OK just do research to ensure that the facility that u r visiting is accessible. if you are looking for a place to shoot-not stand out per se and see interesting people/characters and a lot of them I would first focus on parks: Washington square-Union Square- Bryant and a few more, second to parks: museums: when u will be here the Whitney Biennial will be open I think it opens 5/7, besides the Whitney my haunt is MOMA, last I hang out at bus stops and subway terminals if wheelchair accessible, last: Penn station for all of the reasons above- good luck and my personal email is Daniel_stern@msn.com for additional help. good luck, ciao
 
Keith,

Here in NYC they are making the city more and more accessible to people with disabilities. Some subway stations have elevators for wheelchair bound, there are an amazing amount of blind people walking around by themselves, and all the buses can accommodate the wheelchair bound. All the corner intersections have a ramp that lack curbs for the disabled.

I don't think you will have any problems getting around Madhattan, even if you just want to use the subways and buses. Manhattan is only about three miles wide and 12 miles long, but these parks are all downtown except Bryant Park which is 34th Street.

I would suggest Union Square, Bryant Park, Washington Square Park and Tomkins Square Park. There is no shortage of crowds in Madhattan, but the parks have public restrooms and also seating where you can park youself.

Cal
 
Thanks all. I'll do a little more research into those places. I can go up/down steps and inclines. My challenges are distance and having to stand long periods of time, especially if I'm using my cane (weight-bearing on the left side) instead of crutches. Daniel - I may send you an email for accessibility-specific questions about those places that you recommended.

The conference is on the week of the 20th, then we'll be on our own starting Friday the 25th, through Memorial Day weekend and a few more days after that before flying back to LA.
 
I have mobility issues too, I find that a good solid monopod is a cane substitute and will improve your pictures. Another thought is that you might try one of those little folding stools, the type that have three legs that wind up to store. I wandered a bit in NYC a couple years ago and it seems there are few benches anywhere except in the occasional parks.
 
Keith: BTW, make sure you ask for a ADA room, most hotels accommodate if they are given notice and tell them u need a seat for the shower thus easier for you vs. standing, they will have it for you.
kxl said:
Thanks all. I'll do a little more research into those places. I can go up/down steps and inclines. My challenges are distance and having to stand long periods of time, especially if I'm using my cane (weight-bearing on the left side) instead of crutches. Daniel - I may send you an email for accessibility-specific questions about those places that you recommended.

The conference is on the week of the 20th, then we'll be on our own starting Friday the 25th, through Memorial Day weekend and a few more days after that before flying back to LA.
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I agree with Cal about the parks where there are plenty of benches , and crowds to shoot. Dont forget Central Park or the various museums on 5th ave along the park.
I will point out that Grand Central Terminal, Bryant Park, and Times Sq are all a few blocks from each other with lots of street energy for shooting.
 
Just off Bleecker near Magnolia Bakery, is a tiny little square that affords both quiet and lots of photo opportunities. There are little pockets like this all over NYC if you want to gwt away from the hustle and bustle.
Phil Forrest
 
Hi Keith

I am a Physical Therapist and was going to suggest exactly what Beemermark recommended. Have a great visit.
 
Beemermark said:
You need to get one of those walkers with wheels that doubles as a chair. They fold up small for travel.
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ironhorse said:
Hi Keith

I am a Physical Therapist and was going to suggest exactly what Beemermark recommended. Have a great visit.
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Thanks. I actually do have a walker and was considering bringing it with me. It's easier than using a cane for long distances and having a platform does allow me to shoot while walking. I prefer the relative "freedom" of a cane, but I think a walker may be a more prudent choice in NYC.
 
Phil_F_NM said:
Just off Bleecker near Magnolia Bakery, is a tiny little square that affords both quiet and lots of photo opportunities. There are little pockets like this all over NYC if you want to gwt away from the hustle and bustle.
Phil Forrest
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The West Fourth Street basketball cage at W 3rd St & 6th Ave is always fun. The players are behind fencing, and the action is fast, so shooting the crowd beside the court could be interesting.
 
kxl said:
Thanks. I actually do have a walker and was considering bringing it with me. It's easier than using a cane for long distances and having a platform does allow me to shoot while walking. I prefer the relative "freedom" of a cane, but I think a walker may be a more prudent choice in NYC.
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Keith,

Seeing people using walkers all around the city is pretty common. Not a bad idea.

Cal
 
Go to midtown. Anywhere from 59st to lower manhatten will allow you to park yourself in a street corner and take plenty of pics. 42nd street would be the easiest. Avoid central park since its too sprawling. Washington sq park is always good.
 
stompyq said:
Go to midtown. Anywhere from 59st to lower manhatten will allow you to park yourself in a street corner and take plenty of pics. 42nd street would be the easiest. Avoid central park since its too sprawling. Washington sq park is always good.
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Pro-Mone,

Garry Winnogran staked out from Macys/Herald Square to 59th Street for a good amount of his body of work.

Also Diane Arbus staked out Washington Square Park. Back in the day there were three groups that reportedly terrified her: druggies; drinkers; and lesbians.

Cal
 
I wouldn't send my worst enemy to 42nd street. Maybe on the east side, but that latitude of the City is just too much. Personally, if I wanted to take photos of people from the Midwest, I would go to Wichita. The weather would be more exciting as a benefit.
Phil Forrest
 
Phil_F_NM said:
I wouldn't send my worst enemy to 42nd street. Maybe on the east side, but that latitude of the City is just too much. Personally, if I wanted to take photos of people from the Midwest, I would go to Wichita. The weather would be more exciting as a benefit.
Phil Forrest
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Phil,

Unfortunately your comment is not an exaggeration. LOL.

I use the word "tourist" as an offensive label.

Another place to avoid is Hudson Yards: another tourist trap.

Cal
 
Phil_F_NM said:
I wouldn't send my worst enemy to 42nd street. Maybe on the east side, but that latitude of the City is just too much. Personally, if I wanted to take photos of people from the Midwest, I would go to Wichita. The weather would be more exciting as a benefit.
Phil Forrest
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Even with my limited context, this is just funny! :D
 
I ***heart*** Nyc

I ***heart*** Nyc

Our first full day in the city today. I wasn’t feeling too well so we stayed close to the hotel (@ Battery Park) and didn’t wander off too far. I managed to snap a few.

 
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