State Fair suggestions ??

[CaptainTom]

This will be the first year to go to the fair with the intention of taking 'award winning"
photos. (I put the stress on myself because I respond better).

My problem is deciding what equipment to take ....... It will be a long day, and I don't want to
haul any stuff that I won't be using...

Should I take just one lens? Which one? One zoom and a quick prime? Tripod? Mono ?
Carry a bag ? Leave the grip home (weight consideration- but I am so used to the combo).

I WILL take a flash for fill. Extra batteries ??

How does this sound ?? 20D without grip. 17-40L, flash for fill, lightweight monopod for evening shots, 50mm 1.8 (lightweight), extra camera batt. ,, pocket full of cash for fried twinkies...

If I park via valet parking can I access my car during the day ?? That way I could bring all the stuff, and retrieve it as needed ??

[Elsaspet]

Hi Captain-
I work the Fair almost every year, including this year, so these would be my suggestions for a full day of shooting: Camera with grip, flash, and a wideangle zoom. I'm not positive they will let you bring your tripod in, or monopod even without their official press badge, but I'm not sure about that. You might check at the gate when you get there. The only one's I've seen with Tripods are the big TV station guys.
The midway, which is always fun to shoot at, can be a pretty tight squeeze sometimes. You prolly wanna go light, and keep your camera close because I know a lot of cops up there and there is more theiving than the papers report.
If you want, come by my booth, and maybe I could stash some extra gear for you. Private e me, and I'll give you the location I'm in.
Anyhoo, go get em Tiger! I can't wait to see them!

[darktiger]

I am going this year too. What booth are you in??

[eurotrash]

wish i wasnt in houston. :(

[bbailey]

Good thread. I'm going too and was wondering the same thing. I had planned on briging the 20D (w/o grip probably), the 18-55 and the 50mm 1.8. I have a flash, but hadn't planned on bringing it. Should I reconsider?

If I take the 70-300 will there be anything to shoot with it?

I shouldn't have any trouble bringing in a small shoulder bag (about shoebox sized) right? I don't want to have to stuff CF cards, extra batteries and sunblock in my pockets.

[84NETgal]

I'm going too! I'll be bringing my 17-85mm wide angle zoom, Canon 20d (no grip), and a fully charged battery and empty CF card! I don't want to lug a lot around all day, because i'll be with my friends, and i wont be going to the game, but this year there's something different from the past 2 years: I have my 20D!!!

Can't wait to show off the pictures when we all get back! Safe driving this weekend and (hook em)

[darktiger]

Are you all going to be shooting RAW or JPEG at the State Fair? And what size memory cards are you all bringing?

[Elsaspet]

I'm in the Grand Building at my Families booth: Aries Spas.

[Bats21]

Originally Posted by Elsaspet

I'm in the Grand Building at my Families booth: Aries Spas.

Any deals on spas?

[84NETgal]

I'll probably be shooting Large, Finest setting, JPG. just so i can be sure i won't run out of room. when i get a bigger cf card, i'll switch to only RAW format. :)

If you see a blonde with a Texas shirt, and a camera bag or Canon 20D strapped around her neck, yell "TEXAS PHOTO FORUM!" or "HEY KRISTINA!"

:)

[Elsaspet]

Originally Posted by Bats21

Any deals on spas?

Just for the TFP members

[crazeazn]

how long is the state fair till? i have lived in dallas for the past four years and still havent been! im planning on going this year. and shooting alot of pictures as well.

[engstrom]

Last day of the fair is Sunday October 23.

[xseption]

Last year I went to the Fair and one exhibit had an indoor space filled with live butterflies similar to the butterfly garden at the San Antonio Zoo ... an additional $4 to get in though.

edd

[brad]

Originally Posted by xseption

Last year I went to the Fair and one exhibit had an indoor space filled with live butterflies similar to the butterfly garden at the San Antonio Zoo ... an additional $4 to get in though.

edd

That's Texas Discovery Gardens. The exhibit is closed this year, they tore down the old conservatory after the state fair last year with plans to rebuild a new and better one... one that would allow them to keep a butterfly exhibit running year 'round.