Scarborough Faire on Saturday ??

[CaptainTom]

I was thinking of a trip to the Scarborough Faire since I have never been there.
Any suggestions?
Anyone want to meet up ??

[Ronnie]

All I can tell ya, is to get ready for a bunch of stange people and have your camera ready. Because I go every reay and have a blast! I suggest the joust, the mud show. Don't miss it.
Well you know what? Just see as much as you can. Cuz its all good fun!

[lscottpht]

Main thing I can tell you is to bring lots of money!! We spent $400 when we went a few weeks ago! Also, it is a great photo op, strange and neat looking people and lots of fun.

[Cameracommando]

In case you are going Memorial day weekend ( I could not tell if you meant the weekend of the 20-21 or the following weekend from the post), there are MANY things to be shot. The ones I have the best luck (and light) at are:

1) The court dance at 4:30 in the Pecan Grove (you need to get a map of the site, if not online, they sell programs at the front gate). It is shady, lots of royal court there, and plenty to shoot. Expect to run at least 400 ISO, the light swings a good 4 stops from average light to shade. Long lenses for iso shots are a definite plus.

2) Twig the Faerie. She is a roving character (nationally renowned) which panders for children and photographers. She looks stunning when playing her stereo flute, and for photogenic, she rates a 10. The wife and I refer to her as 'half a Gig Twig' (we shoot digital, can ya tell?). Please remember some of the performers work for tips.

3) Parade (1:00)... find a shady spot, they tend to squint in the sun ;-)

4) Scottish court (around 3:30 near the Pecan Grove. The Scots have their own agenda, and it is in the shade! This one is crowded, but has excellent characters and a lot of improv. You never can tell what will happen.

5) If you like cute rugger shots, try for the knighting ceremony... Pecan Grove around 4:00. Both King and Queen will be lopping off ears ;-), err... knighting the wee ones.

6) The Joust... a tough shoot, but worth it, especialy the victory laps on horseback after the battles have ended. Take long lenses too. The seating is a ways away from center field.

7) There are various musicians sprinkled throughout the faire (in the shade mainly) that look stunning.

8) Closing Gate. All the cast assembles for 'The Parting Glass' at the front gate at 6:45 (ish). Good iso shots to be had, and don't forget to look in the crowd!

The times are as I recall them... double check with the schedule to be sure.

There are great shots to be had, but don't be too disappointed at your yield if this is your first trip there. Candids at events like this are hard, and weaving in and out of holes in the crowds to clear shots is tricky, but satisfying when you get one despite the situation.

Enjoy... I'm sure you will ;-)

[CaptainTom]

All good points, but I did go Last Weekend.
got a shot I like of Twig the Faerie.

[Journeyman373]

I went twice this year (sorry I could not make it this weekend). Lots of good shots can be gotten by simply being sociable and asking people. Sometimes, you'll have to do candids. The best time is in the afternoon at the right (northern? eastern?) side of the faire. Hang around the henna booths and the performance stages. And yeah, the 1:00 pm parade is a must. Good luck next year and hope 2 c u there!

[Jeff_Green]

Tom, I am just seeing this picture for the first time... I love it! Makes me feel like it's in "Lord of the Rings" or "Chronicles of Narnia". Great job!