Heading to the Gaylord

[JohnT]

Thought I'd head to the Gaylord tomorrow for some indoor fun with my new Sigma 10-20, 24-105 f/4, and mono. If you've been there, do you think this should serve me well for a couple of hours?

[Panther]

Originally Posted by JohnT

Thought I'd head to the Gaylord tomorrow for some indoor fun with my new Sigma 10-20, 24-105 f/4, and mono. If you've been there, do you think this should serve me well for a couple of hours?

Howdy John,

I think you'll love it there and the new lens will get a work out. You have to do the customary lie down and take the star shot, and also some really great shots are to be had outside, of course in this heat the inside will be wonderful.

They have all kind of nooks and crannys, so just have fun and explore.

Hopefully Jerry will see this, he's been going out there a lot lately for the Austin Cityl Limits exibition, so he might even have somemore insights.

I think that if you have lunch there they will comp your parking, but either way 8 bucks to stay cool and be in such a nice place on 100 degree days is a bargain.

I'll be interested in seeing how you like your 10-20, I have sure had a lot of fun with mine, and gotten some really interesting shots.

[cmalana]

I would bring a gray card to be able to white balance accurately. The glass there usually gives a strange color cast that some cameras struggle with since it's not quite 'outdoor' but sure has that feeling (in a nice 75 degree or so environment!).

Your lenses should be fine. There are a lot of great shots to be had over there since there are so many interesting things to photograph.

[TXhummer2]

mmm, I sense "Planet Gaylord" approaching...

[bondarnes]

Depends on what you plan to photograph.

I photographed this bride with 80-200 zoom at about 180mm

[jerrykr]

Craig is right, $8 Parking (self parking on the South end) is well worth the A/C on these hot afternoons. If you have a black camera on a tripod, be prepared to meet Security asking you if you are a commercial photog. Just tell them no, you are a visitor, and mention the ACL exhibit, or eating at one of their resteraunts. The encounter we had was pleasant, there are people with cameras everwhere. Act like a tourist. When I started explaining my fish-eye experimentation, the blank stare and "can't wait to get away from this guy" look said we were OK to take pictures.

If you eat there, ask to be validated for the parking.

It's a great place.

The news tonight said that they are going to build a new Gaylord out of the old Astrodome in Houston.

That should be something else considering how well done Grapevine's is.

Have fun.

-=- Jerry -=-
/*

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by jerrykr

Act like a tourist.

Maybe I'll wear my Hawaiian shirt and straw hat.

Thanks for the pointers and info. I'm looking forward to the outing.

[babybluetx23]

Just a small tip from a friend of mine who is a security guard there, if you park over by the spa there is a chance that you may not have to pay for parking since that parking booth is often unattended.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by babybluetx23

Just a small tip from a friend of mine who is a security guard there, if you park over by the spa there is a chance that you may not have to pay for parking since that parking booth is often unattended.

Thanks, Cynthia. That would be nice.

[Imager]

Hey Don... how are you doing? This is James Bao


Anyway, Professional Photographers are still not allowed right?

[bondarnes]

Hey James,

It's my understanding that there is a fairly high fee to do a session there with a client. The fee does include a hotel room for changing, hair, and make-up and a personal assistant from the hotel that can help you get access to areas not open to the public. If you are having your event there, then this is included as part of the package.

If they see a girl in a wedding dress, a tripod or medium format camera, or a big lens or a whole bag full of gear they will probably stop you and question your intentions. Look like a tourist and you will probably be OK.