A Bright Lights, Big City tour details
big tex at the great state fair of texas
Oct 12th, 2011 (4pm – 9pm) in-field workshop
maximum 12 people
$55.00
Oct 19th, 2011 (4pm – 9pm) in-field workshop
maximum 12 people
$55.00
the format
Join me at the Great State Fair of Texas from 4pm – 9pm on either October 12th or October 19th to photograph the amazing Art Deco buildings and many of the traditional sights of the Fair. Use this event as a time to hone your photographic skills and to explore the changing lighting conditions. October evenings are usually crisp and clear, and the light is wonderful at sunset.
meeting point
We will meet at the “Big Tex” at 4pm sharp to start exploring on our photographic walkabout.
art deco motifs are everywhere
Our workshop will conclude with the “Starlight Parade” at 7:15pm followed by the “Illumination Sensation”, a spectacular light show which uses high tech visual effects, fire and pyrotechnics. The show is presented each night at 8 p.m. along the renovated 700-ft. Esplanade reflecting pool.
what do you need?
A digital SLR camera – A digital SLR camera, tripod, cable release cord, or remote shutter release.
Lenses – Try to cover a range from very wide (17-20mm), for landscape images, to zoom ranges (100-400mm) for tighter details.
A good sturdy tripod – This is a necessity for this workshop. Contact Competitive Cameras if you need advice on what to get.
Filters - I recommend a Circular Polarizer, and a 2-3 stop soft graduated neutral density (GND) filter. Also useful is a straight neutral density filter, which will help us get longer exposures during daylight hours.
Extra battery - Bring at least 1 extra battery. Long exposures can drain batteries very quickly.
Extra memory cards - Make sure you have plenty of memory cards. With the huge cards that are available today you will probably only need an 8 – 16GB card but having a spare is always wise
Walking shoes - Wear good, comfortable walking shoes
workshop facts
What should I expect?
You will learn important photography techniques such as exposure and composition, when to use filters, and how to adjust your camera settings for best results. Digital photography offers unique opportunities for this type of photography workshop. Being able to review your images as you take them will allow you to check exposure, composition and histograms, and you will be able to make any necessary adjustments to get that perfect shot.
What should I bring?
You will need a Digital SLR camera and a tripod. (Note: Filters – Graduated ND, Polarizer & ND Filter of at least 3 stops – a cable release cord is not required, but highly recommended.) Lenses covering focal lengths from 16mm to at least 300mm. If you need to buy any special equipment, contact Competitive Cameras and talk to Eugene or Ramsey. Tell them I told you about them and they will take good care of you.
Can I bring my wife or a friend?
Non-photographer friends and/or spouses are welcome to attend, but will have to pay the full tuition fee.
Will we we cancel if the weather is bad?
Unless there is the threat of a tornado, or there is torrential rain, the workshop will go on. If we do have rain we will take advantage of the wet streets to shoot reflections.
Learn useful photo techniques!
These workshops will help you to get to know your camera and equipment. At the same time we hope you will have a fun and that you will make new friends. At the end of the workshop I hope you will walk away with some images that you are really proud of, and the knowledge to develop some of the skills that you have learnt during the evening!
state fair faqs
where is the state fair of texas?
Well, that’s an important question. The State Fair takes place in Fair Park. It is a 277-acre city park just two miles east of downtown Dallas (Maps & Directions). Also, consider using DART to get to the State Fair (click logo for instructions).
when is the state fair?
The State Fair will open daily, September 30 – October 23, 2011.
what are the hours?
The State Fair will open daily. Buildings open at 10 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. Closing is at 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Museum hours vary and Midway hours vary. The grounds open as early as 7 a.m.
how much is admission?
General admission is $16. A discounted ticket is available for those ages 60 & over for $12. Children ages 3 up to 48 inches in height may purchase a ticket for $12. Kroger is the retail ticket outlet for the State Fair of Texas.
what about parking?
Parking is $15 on official State Fair lots. Valet parking is available for $30.
what are state fair coupons?
Food, rides, and drinks are purchased with coupons, which are sold for 50 cents each at coupon booths located throughout the grounds. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
can I get cash on the fairgrounds?
Yes. ATMs are located throughout the grounds. There is a service charge. Check the map in the State Fair Visitor Guide for locations. You can pick up a Visitor Guide as you enter the Fair or from any of our six Information Booths. Personal checks cannot be cashed on the fairgrounds.
what about the evening light show?
The State Fair offers a spectacular light shows: Illumination Sensation. Illumination Sensation uses high tech visual effects, fire and pyrotechnics. The show is presented each night at 8 p.m. along the renovated 700-ft. Esplanade reflecting pool and sponsored by our friends at Mattress Firm.
is there a parade?
Yes, top off your visit with the Reliant Energy Starlight Parade that winds its way through the park each night at 7:15 p.m. Colorful floats, glittering costumes, and giant puppets are featured.
Hope to see y’all out there!
icons of fair park
