Full View Of The Statue
She is every shade of green. Up close, it’s hard to believe her drapery is not fabric. She’s an icon, monument, and national treasure— symbolizing so much more.
I’d wanted to visit the Statue Of Liberty for so long. Finally, on May 1, 2018, I made it happen. At the time, I had a relatively new zoom lens for that DSLR camera. So I was ready to see, press the shutter, and bring the Statue Of Liberty home through my many photos. What a sight she is up close. I had a cloudless, but very windy special day.
It meant so much to see her in person. In videos, photos, and art, she shines. But it’s totally different— and far more meaningful— when you see her for yourself.
This Blog post explains my strategy behind photographing the icon. Be sure to read my Two Towers Blog posts (Parts One and Two) about the amazing moment I experienced even before arriving at Liberty Island.
When you have limited time, it’s best to prioritize your visit. I knew I couldn’t see the Statue Of Liberty and all of Ellis Island in the same day. I spent the entire day on Liberty Island. One day, I will visit just Ellis Island.
I’m an accomplished aviation photographer. Like pilots, I use checklists. Long before my trip, I made a checklist of “Must Take” photos. It was a long list. :) With this game plan in mind, I navigated my day— making sure I covered everything on my checklist. By following my checklist to capture all the “Must Take” photos, I never worried I’d miss a shot. I was also free to look for other angles and details to photograph. You can use my photo game plan of a “Must Take” checklist whenever you photograph a monument, building, or special event.
Here is a view of the entire Statue, showing just enough of the Pedestal.
Zoom In And Marvel
Zoom lenses provide so many great views. Though I took this from the Miss New Jersey ferry, it looks like I took it from a helicopter looking across at the Statue.
Looking At Lady Liberty
This was one of the most critical shots I needed to get from the ferry, and I was ready. I made the most of early morning light shining on the Statue. I also used a fast shutter speed of 1/1,250th second.
Here are some awesome stats about Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and Gustav Eiffel’s masterpiece:
Height from base to the torch tip: 151 Feet 1 Inches
Height from ground to the torch tip: 305 Feet 1 Inches
Length of right arm: 42 Feet
Width of each eye: 2 Feet 6 Inches
Width of mouth: 3 Feet
Copper Weight: 176,000 Pounds
Copper Thickness: 3/32 of an Inch (thickness of 2 pennies)
Framework Weight: 440,000 Pounds
Concrete Foundation Weight: 54 Million Pounds
Source: National Park Service https://www.nps.gov/stli/learn/historyculture/statue-statistics.htm
Focusing On The Crown
This close-up celebrates the crown. The clear blue sky enables you to appreciate the Statue without any clutter behind. Though shadows were dark, I used the right mix of aperture (f11) and ISO (400) to get detail within them— especially her eyes. When you review an image, zoom in to make sure you captured good detail, particularly within shadows.
Lighting The Way
A close-up of the torch was high on my photo checklist. Throughout the day, I took torch shots from many spots. It turned out my best opportunity came late in the day while departing on the Miss Gateway ferry.
Again, my zoom lens makes it seem like I was flying in a helicopter beside the Statue to get this shot of the torch. That’s what I love about photography. My camera takes me places I can’t reach.
The Ultimate Close-up
She truly is Liberty Enlightening The World.
General Settings
ISO 400, Aperture f11, Shutter Speed 1/640th Second Or 1/800th Second
Photos From The Moving Ferry: ISO 400, f10, Shutter Speed 1/1,000th Second Or 1/1,250th Second
Photo Tips
Before going to a monument, building, or special event, make a checklist of “Must Take” photos to bring with you and follow the whole time. That way, you make sure you get every shot you want.
So many of your best views happen from the ferry. On your way to Liberty Island from New Jersey, be on the right side of the ferry so you see the Statue from all angles as the ferry approaches and docks. When leaving, be on the left side of the ferry. By then, the sunlight and shadows will be different from when you arrived. This gives you a second chance at many shots.
When photographing from the moving ferry, keep a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1,000th second.
Make sure you view the back of the Statue Of Liberty, from up close and far away, to get all perspectives. This is the side you never see in photos or video.
Photographing a sculpture, building, or monument outdoors in bright sunlight means you might get harsh shadows. You need a narrow aperture (f10 or f11 at least) for detail. But if you use a narrower aperture (f16), push up your ISO to get detail instead of just darkness within shadows.
Review & Refine! Keep checking your shots to see if your settings are good enough. The more you’re willing to improve your settings, the better a photographer you will be!
Explore The Statue of Liberty 5 By 30 Inches Storyteller Photo.
This composite of 6 photos celebrates the Statue Of Liberty in all her glory.
Want To See More Patriotic Photos? Check Out The Patriotic Gallery.
