I need some input

[scottalanphoto]

I am going to be shooting engagement pictures at the Farmers Branch Historical Park in Dallas. I was wondering if anyone has shot there before and has any tips for me. I am assuming about 4ish would be the best time to get started so we can capture some warm sunlight as it sets.... Any more ideas for me?

you can also catch me at scottalanphoto@yahoo.com and www.myspace.com/scottalanphoto

Thanks

[Stephen H]

I went there one time just to see what was what. I got there about 12:30 on a weekend afternoon, and found the place was closed until one. I (and daughter) came back at one, waited, and about 1:20, a lady shows up, unlocks the front gate, and that was about it. None of the houses were opened or anything. Now, this was maybe 10 years ago. But unless you've been there recently, try to make a trip through ahead of time to see what will be open and what won't. Make sure they stay open late enough- the Arboretum closes at 5:00, for example.

Also check if you need any kind of license or permit if you're doing professional photography. I was using a tripod with my K1000 a while back at Old City Park in Dallas, and the guy came out to check on me, concerned I was a pro because of my Professional Looking Equipment. I'm not sure what the policies are there, but evidiently it was different if you are a pro. At Old City Park, they also don't allow photography IN the houses, so check on that if it was a part of your plan.

I was in some little town out east of here a while back and they had a pretty good historical park with a number of old buildings- not what you'd expect in a small town. I'll try to search it out.

[bondarnes]

I've only done the Christmas Lights drive-thru.

[PeteQ]

Stephen makes some good points. If you can't do a drive by, at least give them a call to check their policy regarding professional/commercial photography and confirm their hours. http://www.farmersbranch.info/ParksR...ricalpark.html

You may not meet any stringent requirements like the tripod fee at FW Japanese Gardens but at least you will know that before someone walks up in the middle of your session.

[scottalanphoto]

Thanks for all of your help... I actually live in Longview so I will not be able to drive by there before the scheduled date of the event so I'll have to call... Stephen... What town out east did you go to? Just curious!!!

Scott

[Stephen H]

Scott, I think it was Cumby or Campbell, but I couldn't find anything related to that on the internet. I'm pretty sure the log cabin and church both had historical markers, if someone has the book of all markers...

I posted another post on that topic hoping someone else would know, by the way. No response yet. I took some pictures there, but I think they're on 120 film I haven't got developed yet.

If your shoot is a ways off, I may have a chance to swing by there again (by Farmer's Branch, that is)- but won't be able to this Saturday at least. Next time I head east, I'll try to search out the old houses again, but that could be a while.

[Stephen H]

http://www.farmersbranch.info/ParksR...ark.html#Hours

Hey, I checked, and they actually have photo policy on the website- see the link above. Looks like you can pay $100 a year and shoot all you like. Great just as long as you're not from Longview or something!

[Stephen H]

Edgewood is the other place, I got a response on my "Elsewhere in Texas" forum post.

http://www.vzinet.com/heritage/

[scottalanphoto]

Yeah, I am not too far from Edgewood... I'll and to swing thru there... I'll let my client know about the fee... What would happen if we got caught next weekend? Thanks for the info!!!

[Erin Kathleen]

I did a wedding at Farmer's Branch Historical Park and had a great time. The weather was pretty crappy, but let me know if you want to see the shots. They were really nice over there, but you definitely want to call ahead. I've been wanting to do some bridals or engagements over there, but no one has taken me up on it.