Wisconsin - Illinois members, join us at the Bristol Renaissance Faire August 5th!

[Curtis N]

http://www.renfair.com/bristol/common/graphics/bristol_logo.gif

If you are within driving distance of the Chicago/Milwaukee area, please join Big John (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/member.php?u=25244), my wife Becky N (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/member.php?u=33178), and me at the Bristol, WI Renaissance Faire on Saturday, August 5, 2006!

No where else will you find so many interesting people to photograph. This event is a people-photographer's dream! The performers at the faire, along with many of the guests, will be in lavish costumes from years-gone-by. These people are accustomed to being photographed, and there will be many photographers there.

This is wholesome family fun where people of all ages play dress-up and have a blast. There is great food and drink, and plenty to see and do. Even a special area for the kids with dozens of rides & games!

Here are the pertinent details:

Date: Saturday, August 5th, 2006. (rain date - August 19th) The park opens at 10:00 am and closes at 7:00 pm.

Location: The Bristol Faire is Literally right on the Illinois-Wisconsin State line, just off I-94. Go here (http://www.renfair.com/bristol/general/maptofaire.php)for directions & mapquest.

Cost: Gate price is $18.95/adult, $9.50/child 5-12, free for children under 5.
You can save 16% if you get your tickets online here (https://tix.extremetix.com/tix/SilverStream/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=774)($15.95/adult, $8.00/child). You'll also need money for food, beer, cigars, souveniers, and kids' rides & games. They do not allow food & beverages to be carried in. All of the shows at the faire are free, but the performers will have their hats out afterward.

What to bring: Your camera, silly! With extra batteries and all your CF cards, you'll need them!

What to wear: Whatever is comfortable. Good shoes for walking. Guys in kilts will fit right in! And I think it would be really great if we all wore an official POTN cap or shirt, which can be purchased here! (http://www.procameragear.com/potn/)

If you're planning to attend: Please PM me with your real name and cell phone number (and I'll give you mine) so we can better communicate and arrange for POTN group meetings at the faire.

More info: Go to the Bristol Faire website! (http://www.renfair.com/bristol/) It's packed with information!

Here are some shots from our visit last year:

Interesting people to photograph!
http://performancephoto.us/images/POTN/Renfaire2005.jpg

Jousting and all kinds of music and entertainment!
http://performancephoto.us/images/POTN/Renfaire2005-2.jpg

Make new friends!
http://performancephoto.us/images/POTN/Renfaire2005-3.jpg

What better way to meet fellow POTN members and have fun shooting together!

[Cathpah]

that sounds like SUCH fun. I almost hope it rains so that I will be around for it the week later for the raindate. (no offense to the other 99% of ppl who hope it most definitely does NOT rain.)

Have a blast!

[Sledhed]

Hey Curtis - I would love to come but August 5th is my wedding anniversary and I'm not sure how the wife would feel about spending it there, I'll let you know.

[RuggerJoe]

I love the Ren Fair, it's always a good time. Haven't been there in a few years. Always wanted to make a costume for it. Have half of it...just never got around to making the chainmail and sword.

My calendar is clear right now so I should be there.

[MazerRakhm]

We go to the fair just about every year, it's a great time!

I have to check the calendar and see what the schedule keeper (aka wife) says for that weekend.

[Curtis N]

August 5th is my wedding anniversary and I'm not sure how the wife would feel about spending it there.What better place to spend your anniversary? There are all kinds of little shops that sell unique jewelry and such - You could buy her something nice, then take her out to eat someplace afterward.

Tell your lovely bride, if she comes, I'll take a portrait of you both and give you an 8x10 as a gift. :)

[andrewhuxman]

my wife and i plan on being there. speaking of rain when we attended last years it was nice for a about 6 hours then we had tornado sirens going off and man did it rain but still was a nice time

[shakin360]

I hope I can make it, but my wife is pregnant and actually due the 5th, so we'll see!

[Curtis N]

Shakin,
You're so close to Bristol, if you can't come then we'll just stop by your house for brats & beers afterward! ;)

I hope you can come. Good luck with the impending addition to your family in any case.

[shakin360]

Sounds good to me!

Thanks!

We should have some other outtings sometime.

[MazerRakhm]

Did someone mention the Brat Stop?

Oh no, it was just brats... either way sounds good to me! :lol:

[Sledhed]

Looks like we might be there after all, I'll let you know for sure when the date gets closer.

[Curtis N]

Good deal, Sled. I'll put you on my "definite maybe" list. ;)

[shakin360]

Yeah, put me on maybe too. I think she might be coming sooner than expected. :-)

[MazerRakhm]

Oh yeah, me too! The wife said it sounds like a good idea, which is like the first step of an approval process. :roll:

[Curtis N]

The wife said it sounds like a good idea, which is like the first step of an approval process. :roll:Wonderful!
I hope she has proper attire. Use the photo of the barmaid above as a reference. ;)

(just joking)

[MazerRakhm]

Wonderful!
I hope she has proper attire. Use the photo of the barmaid above as a reference. ;)

(just joking)

I think it's a good idea, I just don't know that she'd go for it. Those outfits are expensive.

Although less expensive than the female chainmail outfits that I've seen. (I used to know someone that had one!)

[RuggerJoe]

Wonderful!
I hope she has proper attire. Use the photo of the barmaid above as a reference. ;)

(just joking)

Speaking of the Barmaid, Can you introduce me to your new friend. :)

[Curtis N]

Speaking of the Barmaid, Can you introduce me to your new friend.If she's there, I'll be happy to!

I worked out a pretty good scam. I would approach the girl and say, "Excuse me, I'm in a photography club that's having a contest to photograph the prettiest barmaid in Wisconsin. I think I've found my winning entry! If I throw a dollar in your tip jar, can I take a picture of you?"

Well the BS usually worked. While that girl posed, her friend was off to the side, shouting, "More boob, less bodice!"

[MazerRakhm]

While that girl posed, her friend was off to the side, shouting, "More boob, less bodice!"

Nice!

God bless the fair!

[RuggerJoe]

What focal length did you find using up there the most. I don't think I'll have my 70-300 by then, which would be nice for the jousting and such if I can't get in close. I guess I'll have to make due with the 17-85 or my 50mm

[RuggerJoe]

If she's there, I'll be happy to!

I worked out a pretty good scam. I would approach the girl and say, "Excuse me, I'm in a photography club that's having a contest to photograph the prettiest barmaid in Wisconsin. I think I've found my winning entry! If I throw a dollar in your tip jar, can I take a picture of you?"

Well the BS usually worked. While that girl posed, her friend was off to the side, shouting, "More boob, less bodice!"

You just have to love the Ren Fair.

By the way - Upon closer inspection of the barmaid's picture (purely for purpose of examining your technique), it appears that you missed the tip jar with your dollar.

I really do need to put together my German Knight outfit one of these days (just not looking forward to putting together the chainmail.)

[Curtis N]

What focal length did you find using up there the most.I used my Sigma 70-200 most of the time, though I may have switched to the 50mm f/1.4 for some of the closer ones. This year we have the Tamron 28-75 and my wife and I will probably swap that and the 70-200. Your 17-85 will probably be long enough for most stuff, you just won't be able to be as "sneaky" with the candids.

[Becky N]

I guess I'll have to make due with the 17-85 or my 50mm

Curtis N is correct, we used the 75-200 and 50mm for the most part. Thing was we only had the 300D and Rebel Film last year. This year we'll have the 300D and 20D. Well unless we get a great photo job before then and I get a 30D :D !!! (;) at Curtis N)

[phpMP]

Hi Everyone- I'd like to also put my name down as a possible maybe. :)

[Curtis N]

phpMP,
It's turning into quite a party!
Send me a PM with a name I can pronounce and a cell phone number if you're planning to come.

Hey Karl,
How close to Bristol is "Wiscalifconsinornia"?
Are you coming?

[phpMP]

I see that gates open at 10am, do you have an estimated time that we would all meet? This information will help me make any arrangements I need to make.


Chad D

[Curtis N]

do you have an estimated time that we would all meet?This is tentative, because the official schedules aren't posted on their website until a week in advance, but here's what I was thinking...

The first joust of the day is at 11:00 and lasts for about half an hour. I'm thinking we could meet up after the joust around 11:30 near the east end of the bleachers at the jousting arena, get introduced, drool over each-other's lenses, get a group shot or two, then maybe go for a bite to eat at one of the food joints.

During lunch we could checkout the schedule and talk about what events we might like to shoot, and agree on a meeting time/place for later in the day.

Again, this is tentative, and I'm open to alternative ideas.

[drparker]

This sounds great as long its not in the mid to uper 90s, count us in. My wife and are going this Saturday the 22nd also.

Drew

[chloeosmom]

ide love to join in if I can swing the day off. Im in NE Iowa, I will be visiting the Minn Renn Fest the 19th so a rain date wont work for me. Im wondering how long of a drive that is? HMMM? Your Fair seems to be very 'natural' with all the nymphs and fairies Ive seen in your pics. Ever seen Puqe and Snot? there my fav!
B

[chloeosmom]

ide love to join in if I can swing the day off. Im in NE Iowa, I will be visiting the Minn Renn Fest the 19th so a rain date wont work for me. Im wondering how long of a drive that is? HMMM? Your Fair seems to be very 'natural' with all the nymphs and fairies Ive seen in your pics. Ever seen Puqe and Snot? there my fav!
B

[PAS Photography]

chloeosmom, Thats one of my ole fishing grounds.
Id go to the event, but Im shooting a wedding that day as usual.

[RuggerJoe]

I used my Sigma 70-200 most of the time, though I may have switched to the 50mm f/1.4 for some of the closer ones. This year we have the Tamron 28-75 and my wife and I will probably swap that and the 70-200. Your 17-85 will probably be long enough for most stuff, you just won't be able to be as "sneaky" with the candids.

Sigh...I keep checking B&H to see if the fixed 70-300's have been released yet. Would really like to have it with me. :(

[Curtis N]

Im wondering how long of a drive that is?According to Mapquest, Decorah, IA to Bristol, WI is about 255 miles and just under 5 hours to drive.

I'd love to have you join us but I understand it's a pretty long hike for you.

[BIG H]

The Faire sounds like alot of fun. See you there!

[chloeosmom]

According to Mapquest, Decorah, IA to Bristol, WI is about 255 miles and just under 5 hours to drive.

I'd love to have you join us but I understand it's a pretty long hike for you.

SOo worth it though, I love the fairs and a new one would be great!

[Curtis N]

Well the party is only five days away! Here is the unofficial list of POTN attendees at this point:
(updated 8/3/06)
Curtis N
Becky N
Big John (Chris)
drparker
BIG H (Harry)
andrewhuxman
Rjohn518 (Bob)
Sledhed
cmM (Christian)

... and these people are still on the "maybe" list. Let us know if you're coming!
underoath
phpMP (Chad)

This weekend's entertainment schedule is posted on the Faire's website here (http://www.renfair.com/bristol/about/2006sched/sched_2006_5.html). You can download the PDF and print it if you want. There will also be schedules and maps available at the Faire.

At this point we are planning to meet up at around 11:30 am after the "Joust of Skill" at the east end of the bleachers by the jousting arena.

Let's hope for good weather! At this point the forcast for Saturday is mostly sunny with light winds and a high of 87F. After five days in the 90's, I can live with that!

[RuggerJoe]

Order your ticket online and save $3.

Or if you wait to get them at the fair there is a coupon at http://www.renfair.com/bristol/tickets/brf_webcoupon_06.jpg

[MazerRakhm]

Unfortunately work has just decided to reschedule a major upgrade for this weekend so my time is now spoken for.

:cry:

You guys better have a good time and post lots of pictures so I can live vicariously!

[Curtis N]

Sorry to hear about that, Mazer. I hope they're paying you doubletime!
We'll drink one in your honor!

[Big John]

The weather forecast looks great, and we all have a great time! I have spoken with many of the cast members and patrons of the fair about our excursion and many people are excited to have us there. Here are a few things to consider though:

1. Anyone on stage is totally fair game for photography, however, we need to refrain from excessive flash photography during the choreographed fight scenes. In most cases flash is not necessary anyway.

2. Many of the the "playtrons" (patrons who are dressed in period costume) are very happy to have their photos taken, but use common sense and ask for permission when taking photos. Dont swarm people with requests. Be courteous, as many of these people carry swords!

3. The Fantastickals (Fairy people dressed in elaborate makeup) will not pose for you or speak to you. They stay in character at all times and mainly interact with children. Dont worry, you will still have many, many great photo opportunities!

4. Interact freely with the cast when on the streets. They thrive on fun improvisational encounters with the patrons. Do not try to take them out of character and ask personal questions, they are "always on" when in public.

Lastly: Wear comfortable shoes, apply plenty of sun-block and bring lots of money for food and drink. It can also be dusty on the grounds as the weather gets drier and hotter so be prepared for that as well. Bring plenty of batteries and memory cards!

I will see you at the fair!

[Curtis N]

we need to refrain from excessive flash photography during the choreographed fight scenes. In most cases flash is not necessary anyway.Good advice. Common courtesy dictates that during a performance of any kind when an audience is gathered, we try not to distract. This is more for the sake of the other paying customers than for the performers.

Thanks for the tips, Chris! Looking forward to Saturday!

[cmM]

why haven't I seen this thread?

Hmmm... I might shift my schedule a bit to attend this, it does indeed look like a people photographer's ideal shooting spot.
Curtis, I'll let you know shortly

[Curtis N]

why haven't I seen this thread?I would have sent you a PM, but your location listed in your profile confused me. ;)

Hope you can come!

[phpMP]

Curtis, your private mailbox is full and won't accept any more.

[CurtTerp]

I am still on the maybe list. There is a possibility that I am going to have to work that day.(Testing doesnt stop for anything)

I will try to be there. If not, I hope everyone has a Great time......

[cmM]

So if I came to this event, how would I find the POTN group ?

cmM

[RuggerJoe]

So if I came to this event, how would I find the POTN group ?

cmM

Look for all the people with Canons around their necks? :lol:

[Curtis N]

So if I came to this event, how would I find the POTN group ?There will be LOTS of Canons there, so ...At this point we are planning to meet up at around 11:30 am after the "Joust of Skill" at the east end of the bleachers by the jousting arena.Also look for POTN straps, hats, etc.

If you send me a PM and give me a name and a cell phone number, I'll give you mine, and we'll be able to communicate.

I doubt we'll stay in a single mass the whole time. Maybe we'll grab some lunch and talk about the afternoon's entertainment schedule, and break into subgroups according to interest. Then maybe meet up again at the Bristol Faire-well singout before closing time.

[Big John]

The Drum Jam is also something to be seen at the end of the day as well! Hypnotic rhythms and loads of people swaying to the beat. Most of the Chainmail/belly dancers group hangs out at this event.

Weather watch is still looking great!

[cmM]

Okay, schedule confirmed. I'll be there.

See everyone Saturday.
I might go earlier than 11:30 though, in search of some better light :D

[Curtis N]

Okay, schedule confirmed. I'll be there.Awesome!I might go earlier than 11:30 though, in search of some better light :DI'm planning to be there when they open at 10:00 am. I just figured 11:30 would be a good time to meet up in case some people arrived late.

See you Saturday!

[RuggerJoe]

I doesn't look like I will be able to make it now. I have an emergency wedding to attend. (not mine - long story) Hope everyone has a good time.

[Curtis N]

Darn! Another one bites the dust!

[CurtTerp]

I have to remove myself from the maybe list to the cant go list. Work is going to take up a lot of my time on Saturday the way things are shaking out (something about we need to have some systems ready to go for client testing on Monday, and they will not be able to deploy until sometime Friday... leaving only the weekend for integration testing.)

I hope that you all have a GREAT time out there. Wish I could make it this year, but there is always next year.

[Curtis N]

Sorry, Curt.
Darn jobs.:(
Hopefully next year!

[CurtTerp]

The job pays the bills.... and allows me to have decent camera's :D

[Curtis N]

Saturday's forcast for Bristol, WI:
Sunny, High 86F, South winds 8mph :D

POTNers planning to attend:
Curtis N
Becky N
Big John (Chris)
drparker (Drew)
BIG H (Harry)
andrewhuxman
Rjohn518 (Bob)
Sledhed (Chris)
cmM (Christian)

With spouses & kids, it will be quite a group! Still not sure about underoath (Nick) and phpMP (Chad).

[drparker]

Saturday's forcast for Bristol, WI:
Sunny, High 86F, South winds 8mph :D

POTNers planning to attend:
Curtis N
Becky N
Big John (Chris)
drparker (Drew)
BIG H (Harry)
andrewhuxman
Rjohn518 (Bob)
Sledhed (Chris)
cmM (Christian)

With spouses & kids, it will be quite a group! Still not sure about underoath (Nick) and phpMP (Chad).

This going to be great. Just got a delivery from RentCameraGear.com, Now I have a 200mm f/2.8L and a 70-200mm f/4L to play with.

Drew

[Curtis N]

Now I have a 200mm f/2.8L and a 70-200mm f/4L to play with.We may have a contest to see who's hauling around the most gear in total pounds. You might be in the running! :lol:

[cmM]

We may have a contest to see who's hauling around the most gear in total pounds. You might be in the running! :lol:

And another one who's back hurts more at the end of the day :D
I'm travelling light :p

[Curtis N]

I've seen people carrying around flash brackets at that place. It's crazy.

I'll have my 70-200 and flash unit on the camera, and a lens case for it, with the 18-55 kit lens inside. Spare batteries & CF cards in my pockets.

But we'll all have fun, whether you're bringing 20 pounds of L glass or a pocket camera. Those of you bringing the expensive stuff might want to put saran wrap over it to protect it when the rest of us start drooling. ;)

[shakin360]

How did it it go? I really wanted to come, but my wife had the baby Thursday night and they came home yesterday.

[Curtis N]

Congrats on the new baby, Shakin! Next time, try to plan better! ;)

Take a look at this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=200368). At the bottom of my post there are links to a few of my shots in other threads. Also check out the post by new POTN member admeyer (Aaron) who we met at the Faire. Some awesome stuff in his gallery.

[drparker]

Hey all,

Had a great time at the faire. Here are two shoots I like the best. Out of 400 shots there are only 16 worth even showing, the rest are here http://www.bigaperture.com/EE/list.php?exhibition=4

C&C welcome, and thanks for looking



http://www.bigaperture.com/EE/photos/large/080506_112100.jpg



http://www.bigaperture.com/EE/photos/large/080506_123205.jpg

[Curtis N]

Those look great, Drew. Great catch on the broken jousting lance!

What's the verdict on the rented glass? Either of those lenses on your Christmas list?

[drparker]

Those look great, Drew. Great catch on the broken jousting lance!

What's the verdict on the rented glass? Either of those lenses on your Christmas list?

Oh Yeah, I,m going for the 200 prime. It wasn't the speed but the DOF of the larger apperature that sold me. Eventually I might upgrade to the 70-200 f/2.8.

Drew