St. Louis, Mo. get together

[LeesaB]

I'll be relocating to St. Louis area in Nov. But, will be in the area for a two week period from July 21st - August 4th.

Anyone around that wants to do some kind of shoot?

Let me know!

[drivelikeyastoleit]

I wish I could.. I'm just learning with my camera and have not heard of anything good around here to shoot.. I am also fairly new to the St. Louis area having only been here for 2.5 years now.

[LeesaB]

I wish I could.. I'm just learning with my camera and have not heard of anything good around here to shoot.. I am also fairly new to the St. Louis area having only been here for 2.5 years now.

Wow! there are the botanical gardens, the zoo, the arch, riverboat ride and walks?

I'm sure we can find something! LOL

anyone else?

What part of St. Louis? I'll be in wentzville

[drivelikeyastoleit]

haha I've been to those attractions already but might be tempted to trek back out to the botanical gardens again. I'm in the Florissant area. I've looked through your photos and wish I had half of your talent!

[drivelikeyastoleit]

Oh yes and Grants Farm is pretty good too.

[LeesaB]

HI and Thank you!

I'll be down there for about 3 weeks around July 27th, if we can get a few people to shoot together I'm all for it.

Let's try, I'll do botanical gardens for sure. I'm even open to this farm you mentioned.

I have to get to like the area!

[drivelikeyastoleit]

I don't know anyone else from the area that is into photography. as for Grants farm you can find information on it here http://www.grantsfarm.com/ It's currently owned by Budweiser and has a few interesting animals on it's tour.

[LeesaB]

Wow, so it's you and me! LOL

I will get in contact as the time gets closer.

I am going to be opening a branch of my business there and keeping one here. I'm excited to branch out and can't wait to start to advertise. I've heard of a bridal show in St. Louis but I hope to find a smaller one around St. Peters also.

[drivelikeyastoleit]

cool cool.. maybe you could teach a newbie some tricks of the trade ;)

[LeesaB]

do you have any of your pictures online? I'd love to see.

I'll help any way I can. Maybe if you'd like you can tag a long on a few weddings or shoots once I get there?

by the way
I'm Lisa aka Leesa

[drivelikeyastoleit]

I sure do.. http://www.drivelikeyastoleit.com/ The bottom 6 galleries were all taken with a DSLR the first 3 being my father's XT. The last 3 were taken with my XTi all on full manual mode. I'm not sure if the exif data is intact on them or not. I more than likely wouldn't mind tagging along on some shoots at all. anything to learn more.

It's a pleasure to meet you Lisa, I'm Dave.

[LeesaB]

I like your website...where in Ohio did you go?

Your pictures are good! Now you need to start to decide what you want to shoot, even what type of shooting you want to do? There is so much out there for photographers.

[drivelikeyastoleit]

Thanks. I went to the Akron area in Ohio.

LOL I like a lot of everything. From cars to landscapes to people....

[LeesaB]

Ok, I'm about 40 minutes away from Akron!

I wondered where you went, when I saw the amish I thought maybe middlefield of closer.

Yeah I'm moving from here to St.Louis, leaving my daughter and grandbaby and NOT happy about it at all.

[drivelikeyastoleit]

Ahh, I see. My father's family is from up there in the Akron area. I think one uncle is in Barberton and the other is from Medina.

[sidx001]

Hello! I'm actually from Springfield, MO however if there is a possibility of a meet in St Louis I'll see if I can be there! Coincidentally, I grew up in Chardon, OH and most recently lived just south of Cincinnati. I have spent a lot of time in and around Columbus and Akron doing shoots. I miss the green hills!

Anyway, sorry for the blathering! Let me know if anything comes together!

[LeesaB]

I knew we could find more Missourians if we kept talking!!!

I think we should do something, maybe early August? how does that sound?

Want to pick a date? I like grants farm....especially the eagles wow!

[sidx001]

I'm all over getting something together! Grants Farm would be fun, The botanical gardens are always fun as is the Zoo. Not sure what you want to shoot, but I do know we can find something fun to shoot! I'll do some looking around and ask a couple of my friends from up in that area as well....

[LeesaB]

Sounds great to me, It will be my first shoot (I hope of many) in the area. I just got a tom tom so I'll need to learn my way around the area by that first.

yeah, find out and let us know and we will get together and shoot! that will be great.I'll shoot anything! :-)

[sidx001]

ok, here are some suggestions that I have and I'm more than open to others!

-Grants Farm
-3rd Degree Glass House
-Anheiser Busch
-Cathedral Basilica (need to schedule tour)
-Faust Park(Butterfly house, Carousel)
-Eads Bridge at night for skyline shoot of downtown and arch.

That's just a couple, not sure what everyone wants to shoot.

[woolbr8stl]

There is plenty to photograph in and around St Louis. I never get enough. Here are a few places of interest, plus more on my flickr account. (address in my sig) :)

Gateway Arch above the Mississippi River

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/woolbr8stl/225dpchallengehdrborderfinalvers_ed.jpg

St Louis Art Museum in Forest Park
Dedicated to Art and Free To All

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/woolbr8stl/1546fhdreyecatchingsmall_edited-1.jpg

Mississippi Rising on the St Louis Riverfront

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/woolbr8stl/eadsbridgewaterup8919.jpg

Old Courthouse Dome Downtown ST louis

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/woolbr8stl/1397darkenhighlights.jpg

Old Courthouse Downtown

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/woolbr8stl/5471oldcourthouseblueskytouchedup12.jpg

St Louis Union Station Grand Hall - Downtown

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/woolbr8stl/5054fullview.jpg

King Louis IX, Patron Saint of our city, on Art Hill in Forest Park

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/woolbr8stl/851185128513hdr.jpg





Have fun!

http://flickr.com/photos/woolbright/

[LeesaB]

THAT is great, thank you, you going to join us?

Hey we need to pick a weekend guys!

[drivelikeyastoleit]

Lisa,

From looking at the two week period you are going to be here, for me at least, The second weekend would be the best but I could work with the first too. (go in for finishing up on my root canal on the 25th.) Either one will work good in my opinion. You are the one who is traveling down from the farthest location so I think it only fair you decide when.

[jpyeast]

Hey guys, count me in. Sorry for the late jump in on this thread. I am in St. Louis and would love to join the get together. I have a large softball tournament the end of July weekend, here in St. Louis.

What part of St. Louis are you moving to?

[LeesaB]

Lisa,

From looking at the two week period you are going to be here, for me at least, The second weekend would be the best but I could work with the first too. (go in for finishing up on my root canal on the 25th.) Either one will work good in my opinion. You are the one who is traveling down from the farthest location so I think it only fair you decide when.

I'm pretty flexible, So I did not care when we met but anxious if we do. Let's plan of the second weekend,,,,which would be August 9 and 10 ok. Probably Saturday the 9th would be best. How is that.

Now, what do we do? :-)

Hey guys, count me in. Sorry for the late jump in on this thread. I am in St. Louis and would love to join the get together. I have a large softball tournament the end of July weekend, here in St. Louis.

What part of St. Louis are you moving to?

You are more then welcome!

I am moving around the Wentzville area. We've looked at homes in Troy, St. Peters and now we are looking at one in Wentzville itself. We are being very picky because once you buy a home, your THERE!

[sidx001]

It's on my calendar for August 9!!

[LeesaB]

Okay, we have a date August 9th, St. Louis shoot! Yeah!

Now where do we want to go?

I like the grants farm, but I am sure there are other things!

[drivelikeyastoleit]

the 9th works good for me..

I loved Grants Farm the 1 time I was there before with my nieces and my sister. I'm not adverse to going to the Botanical Gardens if you would like. I enjoyed the one time I had gone there too. Though at that time all I had was a point and shoot LOL.

Eads Bridge at night for skyline shoot of downtown and arch.
I kinda like this idea. It would definitely be cool. I have wanted to do a shot like that for a while now but haven't had any idea of where to go to get it from. Just like the shot on Woolbr8stl's flikr page.

Lisa, Sid, Has there been anything else that you would like to shoot that you've seen mentioned?

Woolbr8stl, you going to join us?

[sidx001]

I'd love to get a shot of the Basilica, Grants Farm is always good as are the Botanical gardens. the glass factory might be good as well. Are we planning for the whole day, a partial day, evening...? I'm up for just about anything!

[LeesaB]

I'm not sure of the location of things...so how close is grants farm and the arch and basillica?

oh a night shot sounds great also.

Well, I guess we don't have to cover everything in a day, LOL, we can do these throughout the summer/fall. That would be fun.

[LeesaB]

so who is all in for August 9th?

[sidx001]

I know I'm in, it's on the calendar and locked down. :) I just need to know how early to get up that morning!

[hopmedic]

This sounds cool - I live in St Charles County, and will have to check the calendar to see if it will work!

[hopmedic]

woolbr8stl, I LOVE that picture of the arch. Man it makes me want to get a wider lens!

[DigitalSpecialist]

Leesa, not fifteen minutes from you is the Butterfly House in Foust Park. I like to shoot there quite a bit. First it is close, second you have a worlds fair wooden merry go round inside a back pavilian.

[DigitalSpecialist]

Leesa, Wentzville is in the middle of two major highways. US 40-64 which is a north south at your locale. And US 70 which is east west. Both will take you into STL.

Now behind Grants Farm is a breeding facility for the Clydesdales. Parking is touchy but pictures are allowed.

JIM

[LeesaB]

I know I'm in, it's on the calendar and locked down. :) I just need to know how early to get up that morning!

So far, James and I, anyone else?????

Leesa, not fifteen minutes from you is the Butterfly House in Foust Park. I like to shoot there quite a bit. First it is close, second you have a worlds fair wooden merry go round inside a back pavilian.

Leesa, Wentzville is in the middle of two major highways. US 40-64 which is a north south at your locale. And US 70 which is east west. Both will take you into STL.

Now behind Grants Farm is a breeding facility for the Clydesdales. Parking is touchy but pictures are allowed.

JIM

I have a whole lot to learn! I'm anxious to get into a house and get situated and know what I am doing and where I am going, I am very sure these shoots will help me also.

[drivelikeyastoleit]

You know I'm in Lisa! Don't forget about me!! LOL

[LeesaB]

James, Dave and myself...

anyone else in for August 9th in St. Louis?

[woolbr8stl]

I'm not sure of the location of things...so how close is grants farm and the arch and basillica?

oh a night shot sounds great also.

Well, I guess we don't have to cover everything in a day, LOL, we can do these throughout the summer/fall. That would be fun.


Hi again,
The Arch and Basillica are 10-15 minutes from each other. Grants Farm is south, about 20 minutes from Downtown (Arch)

I was on Eads bridge about a week ago shooting the Arch and skyline. lots of fun, you just have to wait for the cars to pass by before shooting because the bridge shakes just enough to blur your image. We accessed it by way of the Casino Queen parking lot, walking up the Metrolink platform then walking up the ramp to the eads bridge. I can't get picture posted from work, but there is a copy of it on my flickr acct.

Don't know yet if I can join all of you or not, but sure sounds like fun!

[DigitalSpecialist]

Leesa, I am locked in for the 9th. And if weather permits Im going in my convertible, lol. Actually its more like a ballerina slipper without straps( the car)!

[DigitalSpecialist]

Guys, lets take her to the Wineries. Show the lady what Missouri really is!

[drmac]

Just found out about this thread.... I would be interested... There is so much we could do... What are the details... Date - got it... meeting place? time? location?

where would you want to go? I grew up 20 miles outside of STL so I am familiar with the sites.... What are you looking for?

[DJShuttering]

I wish I still lived in St. Louis sometimes. I moved to Atlanta 8 years ago.

Will be visiting STL late in August to catch a Cards game and see family (in that order;)).

[sidx001]

Welcome drmac! It's great to have one more on the list :) In addition to the places we have already talked about, what else is there available that the ordinary visitor to St Louis would not see?

[LeesaB]

HI everyone!

Now I've lost track...LOL

Well, the bid we put in on the house in wentzville the bank never responded BUT, the house we wanted originally in troy (take it I've never seen any of these houses in person yet) dropped by 5K, SO, now we are back looking at troy on Shirley ave, lane? I dunno.

But from what I understand it's not that far out of the way.

A winery, sounds fun also. You can take pictures there also?

I still am liking grants farm. But you guys know the area more then I do!

I'm really excited about this shoot meet, It's going to be fun!

[LeesaB]

James, dave, Digital and Myself so far....

August 9th, time? place ? but we are gonna do something and it better not rain!

[DigitalSpecialist]

Has anyone mentioned a Brewery Tour?

Lisa, Troy is very peaceful. And your half way to Hannibal Mo, the home of Mark Twain.

JIM

[LeesaB]

I think I will like peaceful!

Yes, I've heard about Hannibal

No, no one has mentioned the brewery either...

Ok, so what do you guys think...we need a vote of some sort...

I do plan on getting us together a few times before winter I hope. Unless I get more weddings then I think I will get in the St. Louis area.

Do they do senior pictures for graduates in Missouri? Open houses?

[drmac]

There are old-time soda shops, turtle park, "the loop", etc.....

many many places to see....

[LeesaB]

So you are saying we are going to be very busy! :-)

Oh old time soda shops, I NEED to get an engagement shoot for that, how fun would that be!

I can't wait to get things rolling there.

[sidx001]

Morning all! If we are going to get together a couple of more times before winter, then I say we combine popular with the basically unknown. Grants Farm seems to be on everyones list, so I think that's a given. Faust(?) park with the butterfly house and carousel would be fun, a tour of a winery or a brewery would make for some good shots as well. Opinions?

[drivelikeyastoleit]

Looks like this is going to be an interesting day...

[DigitalSpecialist]

It could be a blast if I am not working for the big money that day. Lisa, like all towns this one is full of big studios that all compete with each other. Hannibal is very touristy and has some great locales for portraits, and the frontage pricing isn't bad either.

JIM

[LeesaB]

Hey Jim

Well, I am not a studio, I don't like the studio look or feel of things, I do almost all my shots at a local park, that people just love. I am hoping to find the same thing there

I've been checking out the competition, which really should not be, we all need to just work together. But, either or.

I think I will do well. I've been checking things out and am looking at a bridal show in August at the St. Charles city hall? or some casino somewhere. If not then, then I have to wait until March for a bigger one.

Unless you know of any others.

I also was thinking of a newspaper ad, those never seem to work well around here, its the bridal shows that work well for us.

[DigitalSpecialist]

Lisa,
Competition is stiff. And Yes, I do fully agree that Photographers need to share and get along. The big wedding show is in January or February at the St. Louis Convention Center attached to The Dome.

[LeesaB]

Well a new girl is coming to town!!! Look out! :-)

I guess I'll find out more when I get there, I have a lot or work to do, and places to find and visit and check out and blah blah blah!

[sidx001]

Happy Anniversary Lisa!!

[LeesaB]

Thanks James! :-)

We had a great day, looking forward to a quiet night, also.

[DigitalSpecialist]

Has anyone thought of taking Lisa to the old towns? St. Charles, Hannibal, Jefferson City, Washington, and such. Granted we can show her the touristy spots, but it is the hidden treasures that she and her partner will appreciate the most.

[LeesaB]

You guys are the greatest....I can't wait to meet you all! WE are going to have a fun time shooting the town(s) and shooting together.

[LeesaB]

Hey St. Louis buddies.

What type of internet service do you use for high speed?

and? anyone doing any of the bridal shows? I may try to do the one in August, IF I can get in, it's pretty late, but I'm going to try.

Here is the link

http://www.stlbrideandgroom.com/weddingShow.aspx

[DigitalSpecialist]

Lisa, You have charter, and a few others in your area. I think I am using verizon, and I am probably the closest to you distance wise. Need more help send me a post, or ask for my number.

JIM

[LeesaB]

Hi!

Okay here we use Road Runner which is amazing but costly, we most likey will have DirectTV so I was thinking of using them. Not sure what charter is... So much to learn.

I started packing my sons room tonight, what he left behind, they are all on their way down. So now I can get some real work done! yeah!

[sidx001]

Hey St. Louis buddies.

What type of internet service do you use for high speed?

and? anyone doing any of the bridal shows? I may try to do the one in August, IF I can get in, it's pretty late, but I'm going to try.

Here is the link

http://www.stlbrideandgroom.com/weddingShow.aspx

I don't think I'm going to make that one, I have a shoot that day in the early afternoon down in Joplin. However, there are a couple of others going on that I'll be going to. There is one on August 23 at the Springfield Expo Center, Here (http://wedding-extravaganza.com/merchant-show.html) as well as one the same day in Kansas City, info here (http://www.kcbridalfair.com/Home_Page.html). I'll probably end up just staying in town for the local one, but we'll see! There are some other POTNrs that are up in the KC area that might be fun to hook up with!

[LeesaB]

I know the BIG one is in March, I question March because that is just an odd time to have a show.

I am going to try to get my info out there somehow, I think it will be too late for a table at the August 10th so I 'll see if I can pay to have my info put there somehow, if even just a flyer.

I notice one will also be in Octover at the American Casino in St. Charles? Sound correct? That is put on by Best Brides.

I'm just trying to get my name out there and get people to at least see me in the St. Louis area.

[drivelikeyastoleit]

Hey St. Louis buddies.

What type of internet service do you use for high speed?

and? anyone doing any of the bridal shows? I may try to do the one in August, IF I can get in, it's pretty late, but I'm going to try.

Here is the link

http://www.stlbrideandgroom.com/weddingShow.aspx
I use AT&T yahoo DSL here...

[drivelikeyastoleit]

I know the BIG one is in March, I question March because that is just an odd time to have a show.

I am going to try to get my info out there somehow, I think it will be too late for a table at the August 10th so I 'll see if I can pay to have my info put there somehow, if even just a flyer.

I notice one will also be in Octover at the American Casino in St. Charles? Sound correct? That is put on by Best Brides.

I'm just trying to get my name out there and get people to at least see me in the St. Louis area.
I wish I could help you on these shows. I know absolutely nothing about them.

[LeesaB]

In the morning I'm going to make more phone calls, see what I can get done, even if just to supply a flier would be nice at this point.

[DigitalSpecialist]

Lisa, the casino is Ameristar and it is in St. Charles I believe.

[psycorpse]

I think that I live pretty close to digitalSpecialist (I live in ofallon as well). I don't know about that date yet but it sounds like a lot of fun. I have Charter Communications and love the speeds they offer (ok I am a little biased as that is the company that I currently work for).

[LeesaB]

Hi Psy

We are getting together on August 9th I believe.

What time do you guys think? 10?

Grants farm and what else? Lunch? LOL

[LeesaB]

well, i spent a good part of the day chasing down bridal shows, still came up void.
If anyone knows how I can get St. Louis Bride and Groom to return an email or phone calls let me know! Unreal.

If anyone knows anyone I can contact to get in any bridal show before the beginning of the year, let me know. I am gain! thanks

[sidx001]

Hey Lisa, I'm meeting tomorrow with the guys that are organizing the one in Springfield. I'll see if they have any connnections to the one in St Louis.

10 in the morning is fine with me, does that work for everyone else, or do we meet earlier/later?

I have to admit that I am seriously looking forward to this! It's been ages since I've gotten together for a city walk-about!

[LeesaB]

Oh great! Let me know how it goes. Thanks so much!

[billshack]

Oh old time soda shops, I NEED to get an engagement shoot for that, how fun would that be!




You're gonna be quite a ways out there but here's an interesting place once you get settled. It's on the illinois side. I i magine you can probably find something interesting towards Hannibal as well.

http://www.drjazzsodafountain.com/about.asp

[drivelikeyastoleit]

10:00 AM works for me!

[LeesaB]

You're gonna be quite a ways out there but here's an interesting place once you get settled. It's on the illinois side. I i magine you can probably find something interesting towards Hannibal as well.

http://www.drjazzsodafountain.com/about.asp

Way cool site. Thanks I saved it, I'm also looking forward to going to Branson to buy some leather items...

10:00 AM works for me!

yeah we have a date and a time!!!

[DigitalSpecialist]

10 works for me too. Gawd let the weather work also, I wanna go topless!

[DigitalSpecialist]

And Yes, I will drive it like I stole it. Hell I got it from a lil ole lady that didn't even break it in!

[drivelikeyastoleit]

tic toc.. the time is drawing closer.... anticipation is really setting in here.. hehe

[LeesaB]

I'm excited, we will have fun, we set a time right and place....well, we need a more specific place then the general grants farm....what do you guys suggest?

I mean we may stick out with our canon's but I am not sure!!!

Do we need to get tickets?

I'm driving down on Saturday! Yeah..

[sidx001]

ok, 10am at Grants Farm? That works for me. You don't have to buy a ticket to get in or anything, admission is free. However, they stiff you for parking! $10 per vehicle. For that you'd expect them to wash, wax and clean the interior!

As you go in the front gate of the farm, the gift shop is to the right and the tram area is to the left. How about we meet by the general store? I'm the big guy with a slingshot 300 on my back!

I'm doing the snoopy dance waiting for this!

[LeesaB]

Ok 10 am, parking is 10 dollars :-)

Inside gate, general store.

Yeah!!!

[drivelikeyastoleit]

hahaha I'll be the guy walking around looking like a lost tourist.. oh wait there will be a lot of those there.

[DigitalSpecialist]

LMFAO, I will be the guy shoe horned into the ballerina slipper, with a balding head, and a HUGE dSLR hanging from my neck.

[LeesaB]

Now you all sound so scary LOL

Well, I was contact by Best Bridal to run ads in their magazine and do some bride kit that sends out my info to about 200 brides a month.

Anyone know about this, yeah or neigh?

[sidx001]

That sounds like the same kind of thing they are doing here as well, except by signing up for the advertising I get all of the contact info for all of the brides attending the show here in two weeks as well as the sending of my info out to brides....

[LeesaB]

Is it with best bridal?

I'm not sure if I have to advertise or if I get this Bridal kit only?

and only then will they allow me into one of their shows.

[drivelikeyastoleit]

Now you all sound so scary LOL



*evil laugh* hehe it's all good.. I just like to have fun. This definitely sounds like we are going to have a good time! I certainly can't wait!!

On a side note.. I certainly wish I could help you with your bridal stuff.. I just don't know crap LOL

[LeesaB]

I know bridal Ohio..

Here is a questions...I bet you or anyone can help with.

when do the couples put their bridal or engagement notice in the local papers? Here they wait till almost the wedding date or a month before. They used to do it when they got engaged and photogs could use the info for marketing.

[drivelikeyastoleit]

ooh that's a tough one.. I'm not sure about around here (I've only been here 2.5 years) but back home in Louisiana, There would be engagement announcements and later a notice about the wedding.

[sidx001]

Here in Springfield, it's the same. They put out an Engagement notice then a Wedding announcement. However, the wedding announcement almost always seems to happen after the wedding. ie, congrats to so and so who got married on such and such date.

The esessions that I do usually include me putting engagement announcement in the paper, usually something they write up for me, and then one of the couples parents usually do the wedding announcement.

[sidx001]

Is it with best bridal?

I'm not sure if I have to advertise or if I get this Bridal kit only?

and only then will they allow me into one of their shows.

The one here in Springfield is being run by "Wedding Extravaganza" and they actively encourage advertising in their bi-annual magazine which is distributed for free from a number of stores in here in town.

You do have to sign up with them in order to be part of the show, then pay to advertise in the magazine, then pay again to get the referral list. Basically its a PITA to get going with them. I'm going to do the advertising/referral part and then just go to the show.

[LeesaB]

they do that hear also, but there are so many other shows that you don't have to do that with and that is what I do, I do a show with a local mall, 2 days 450 bucks...it's really nice.

I may do the advertising and see about the show. they seem to take forever to get back to me in response, so I am not sure I will do it at all since they seem to be lagging in the answer department.

[sidx001]

what I've done here is gone in and talked to several of the bridal shops and showed them a DVD with a slideshow of my work, left a couple of DVDs there with them and had asked them to hand out to whomever was interested. I've booked several events from those referrals

There are also several places here that are landscaped especially for Bridal shoots and weddings. I've negotiated with two of them to be the prime photographer, in return I talk up their location for events. It works out pretty well.

[LeesaB]

Well, looks like something I will be doing when I get there...

I'm actually working on a DVD to show also...so I'll make a few more and do the same, just not in your town :-) Not sure where...

I love marketing..

[sidx001]

<<<Snoopy dance>>> 15 days and a wake up!

[LeesaB]

Hey guys, gals (?)

We have a house, the original one we wanted! I'm thrilled, it's a fixer upper but we wanted it to do just that, we had plans for it and then they took it off the market and never got back to us, then today, after we bid on another house, they accepted our crazy offer!

This house dropped in price by 30k just in the month we looked at it.

YES YES YES..

I am now a homeowner in Troy, Missouri! Yeah!

[drivelikeyastoleit]

Congrats Lisa!!!!!

[sidx001]

Way to go Lisa!!! What a deal! :D

[LeesaB]

Yep and now the work begins...

I'm leaving tomorrow guys and heading in sometime late Sat night I think.

I'll have my lap top or someone puter so I'll be around!

[drmac]

Where Can You Go For Free?
(25 free things to do in St Louis, Missouri)
In most cities, not far.

But St. Louis is not most cities. Here you'll find more than 60 interesting things for nothing. We kid you not. You can have fun for days here and spend nothing—nada, zip, zero.

And most of the places you can visit without spending a cent aren't lightweight freebies. They are some of the best attractions in town. Here's a sampling of what you can do for free in St. Louis:


Visit the world. The world-famous Saint Louis Zoo (www.stlzoo.org) has more than 6,000 exotic animals, many of them rare and endangered, from the major continents and habitats of the world. Wander through the Jungle of the Apes and the River’s Edge – the zoo’s 10-acre exhibit – for its elephants, cheetahs, mongooses and hyenas. The area includes a waterfall, streams and hills. The coolest place in town is the new Penguin & Puffin Coast habitat and The Fragile Forest home of the great apes. In the Zoo’s Living World center, hands-on, interactive exhibits teach lessons on man’s relationship to the animal world and creepy, crawly critters and beautiful butterflies are awesome inhabitants of the Monsanto Insectarium.

Feed your soul. The Saint Louis Art Museum (www.slam.org), the first public-funded art museum in the country, has an extensive collection of 30,000 objects from ancient to contemporary – the museum's pre-Columbian and German Expressionist collections are considered among the best in the world – and you can see it all for free. Then visit Laumeier Sculpture Park (www.laumeier.com) for a free taste of art of another kind. A free 96-acre sculpture park with an outdoor sculpture garden, a museum of art and hiking trails, Laumeier features a fascinating, sometimes whimsical, collection of permanent and visiting modern sculptures. There are free museums located within the Grand Center arts and entertainment district at the following venues: The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts (www.pulitzerarts.org), open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays, highlights contemporary art and architecture; the adjacent Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (www.contemporarystl.org) is free to visitors each Thursday and neighboring Saint Louis University Museum of Art (http://sluma.slu.edu) has complimentary admission.

Experience the rivers. Plan time to relax and watch the barges as they make their way up and down the Mississippi, the country's longest river. Pretend you're Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn and try skipping pebbles across the water as you meander the cobblestone shoreline of the St. Louis Riverfront. Then learn all about the Mighty Mississippi at the brand new, National Great Rivers Museum (www.mvs.usace.army.mil/rivers/ngrm.html) located at the Melvin Price Locks and Dam in nearby Alton, Il. View the breathtaking coming together of America’s two great rivers – the Mississippi and Missouri – at Confluence State Park.

Touch history. St. Louis is full of history – and much of it is free. For starters, visit the Old Courthouse (www.nps.gov/jeff/och.htm) downtown where the Dred Scott slavery trial was held. If your timing is right, you might be able to participate in a courtroom trial reenactment there. Then spend a day at the Missouri History Museum (www.mohistory.org) in Forest Park where a brand new exhibit gives visitors a glimpse at the storied 1904 World's Fair. And, explore the many sites where legendary travelers Lewis & Clark began their historic journey of discovery.

Tackle a mystery for free. One of the biggest mysteries of all time is detailed at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site (www.cahokiamounds.com) just minutes from downtown St. Louis. Here the remnants of a prehistoric group of people living and working in the complex community known as the Land of the Sun can be viewed as the story of this Indian civilization which vanished after 1300 AD is told. Then climb the 100-foot tall Monks Mound, largest prehistoric earthen structure in the New World, for some great views of the St. Louis skyline.

Something exciting is always going on at the Saint Louis Science Center (www.slsc.org). In hands-on exhibits, visitors can explore the gene scene and cast their vote on the ethical issues of genetic engineering; build a replica of the Gateway Arch; see what it’s like to live, work and play on the International Boeing Space Station; clock the speed of cars zooming beneath their feet from the enclosed bridge spanning I-64 with a radar gun and lots more.

Spend a free day in the "country." Grant's Farm (www.grantsfarm.com), the former homestead of President Ulysses S. Grant, is now a 281-acre wildlife preserve with more than a 1,000 animals from six continents. It is also home to one of the Budweiser Clydesdale breeding and training facilities. Visitors can have an up-close view of Grant's cabin "Hardscrabble," and take a tram ride through the Deer Park. There's also a petting zoo and an area where you can feed the goats. Grant's Farm is the ancestral home of the Busch family of Anheuser-Busch brewery fame. Across the road, the free Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/ulsg) is another of Grant's St. Louis homes – historic White Haven.

Walk on the retro side. Even if you're not old enough to remember the legendary Route 66 or its famous T.V. show, you'll love St. Louis's newest state park—Route 66 State Park (www.mostateparks.com/route66.htm). There are miles of trails for walking and biking and a free museum with memorabilia from the days when Route 66 was America's Main Street. Then experience the historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (www.trailnet.org). Once Route 66's link between Illinois and Missouri, the bridge is now America's longest pedestrian bridge. It's open daily to hikers and bikers.

See how they brew it! St. Louis has long been famous for its beer, and you can see how it's made with a free tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery (www.budweisertours.com). The tour includes the historic Brewhouse, the Budweiser Clydesdale stables, the lager cellar and the packaging plant. Also included is a stop at the Hospitality Room for a free sample. Complimentary tours on a smaller but no-less-interesting scale are served up at the new Schlafly Bottleworks (www.schlafly.com), a microbrewery tour that features a fascinating video about St. Louis' beer-brewing history and beer manufacturing and advertising memorabilia.

Make like a Victorian. Travel through Tower Grove Park and enjoy the gazebos statues and fountains of this Victorian walking park created in 1868 by Missouri Botanical Garden founder Henry Shaw.

Free Time. While there’s no general admission charged at Saint Louis’ Zoo, Art Museum, Science Center and Missouri History museum, there are days or times when fees to special exhibits at these institutions are waived. Daily from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the Saint Louis Zoo, visitors can enter the special Children’s Zoo for free. Fees for special exhibits at the Missouri History Museum are waived every Tuesday when museum hours expand to 8:00 p.m. Each Friday the Saint Louis Art Museum hours are extended to 9:00 p.m. when special exhibits are open at no cost courtesy of a grant by the Ford Motor Company. Free, one-hour docent led tours of the collection are offered Tuesday through Sunday at 1:30 p.m. The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum, waives its admission charge on the third Friday evening of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. thanks to Target stores. A grant from to The Magic House from the Anheuser-Busch Companies provides free Summertime Tuesday Nights, also from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. from June through October (excluding July 4). Free admission is for families (two adults and four of their own children).

Free Theatre. Late spring brings free theatre to Forest Park during the annual Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis and 1500 free seats are available on a first come, first serve basis to each performance at The Muny during its mid-June through mid-August season of Broadway revival musical entertainment

[LeesaB]

Okay guys, I am here....held up in a studio apartment with my son and husband...ICK, and I need to get them cleaning up! wow...

Today we went to Troy and checked out the house Omgosh, tons of work to be done there, and I need a landscaper. Wow.

I am in St. Peters at an Extended Stay, which is not too bad.

I'm looking forward to next week.

Whose all going for sure now?

I think I found a gym to go to in the mornings so I am excited about that.

Troy is ummm....really not a lot going on in Troy is there? LOl, but I can see in a few years it will be booming.

I never heard back about the bridal show so, I am thinking it's a no go. Oh well, I can keep trying.

Wanted to check in with you all

Its going to be a busy week, but I've got 10am Grants farm gift shoppe correct!

[drivelikeyastoleit]

I am in on this for sure Lisa.

[sidx001]

11 days and a wake up! Welcome to MO Lisa. Troy will grow on you the more you are there, it's a nice area with a ton of potential. :)

I'm coming in for sure on the 9th, wouldn't miss it! Have we come up with a list of things we are doing yet, or are we just going to wing it? Oh, Thanks drmac for that list of free things!

10am Grants Farm Gift Shoppe!

[LeesaB]

I bought a book on St. Louis

and wow the things to do and I did appreciate that free guide also.

There is an awful lot to do and see...

You guys want to make a list of future things to do or just "wing it" each time an event comes up?

[sidx001]

For me, planning ahead for future events is always a good thing :) Since I'm not from there, I don't always hear of the events that are happening in St Louis so y'all will have to keep this country boy informed!

[LeesaB]

Well, I could do a BIG list LOL

But some of it I'll be doing with family this weekend. We're going to a game, the arch, the river.

so what is left LOL

Ok..here is my list Please add on to it..

Zoo
Brewery
Jewel Box in Forest Park
Botanical gardens
Butterfly house
Greek Festival in Sept.
County Fair in Sept.
St. Louis Air fair

Some of the older buildings downtown but I have no idea anything about them, and of course street shooting. i love

Now an important question...

I love med. foods any suggestions?
Hummus, Grape leaves, Schwarma

any Jewish locations around here?

[sidx001]

Lisa, just as a heads up, the St Louis Air Fair has been canceled. Last year was the final year it was going to be held :( here is more info...http://www.stlcofair.org/

[LeesaB]

I just checked that out. Well, one thing scratched off my list LOL

[sidx001]

Ok, now the photo nerd in me is coming out! I'm curious as to what everyone is bringing with them equipment wise for our little escapade?

EDIT: Oooops, I'm bringing my gripped 40D, 70-200, and the 24-105.

[LeesaB]

40D, not sure either my 70-200 or 24-70 or both, I dunno yet!

You?

I've been so thinking about this St. Louis bridal show advertising, and I'm thinking I may not go that route. They do that in Cleveland it's called Today Bride, can't get in the big show unless you advertise with them.

I dunno. Just seems like a gimmick, you know. I'd love to find a nice bridal show to do without that kind of thing.

I'm going to hit up the local mall soon, jewelry stores, florists etc.

I did a craigslist also.

[sidx001]

did you hit the MO craigslist?

[LeesaB]

just did, and left a great offer to my first booking.

We generally do some great deals at bridal shows so I figured I would do it there just the same.

Just keep plugging away. I hope to get at least 5 bookings for next year, if not more in a new market.

Plus seniors and etc.

[LeesaB]

hey guys, i went out today and shot..

I'll post some soon, just of my son, but while out on the hotel parking lot a lady told me of a really very cool park off of Old Mexico Road, that a lot of people shoot at, so she told me how to get there and we did, we went.

It was very beautiful..so we shot some pics and I feel better, today was not the best of days for me here...but I guess i will have those. :-)

[sidx001]

Lisa, the shots of your son are good! Had to laugh at the "black under the eye" wish tho! when are you going to the Cardinals game? I'm sure it will be a blast!

Any time when you are having one of "those" days, taking pictures always helps :D

[LeesaB]

It sure did help to get out...and to shoot!

Our first game is on Saturday. Not sure who what when but we are going, next is a hat! then more pics on Sunday night at the same park.

Really nice place. Found a few nice places in Troy today also for pictures. Handed out some more cards and will hit a few floral places tomorrow.

[sidx001]

Tomorrow some time I'm going to slip ever so quietly in to the wedding chat thread and post a couple of pictures of a place that I found out here for weddings/Bridals/Seniors just to see what everyone thinks about them. I need someone else's perspective!

"Time spent with a camera can never be deducted from your life!!"

[LeesaB]

james where are you located again?

[LeesaB]

and you are more then welcome in the wedding chat thread...you don't have to sneak, you can come boldly making lots of noise!!!

[basroil]

Well, I could do a BIG list LOL

But some of it I'll be doing with family this weekend. We're going to a game, the arch, the river.

so what is left LOL

Ok..here is my list Please add on to it..

Zoo
Brewery
Jewel Box in Forest Park
Botanical gardens
Butterfly house
Greek Festival in Sept.
County Fair in Sept.
St. Louis Air fair

Some of the older buildings downtown but I have no idea anything about them, and of course street shooting. i love

Now an important question...

I love med. foods any suggestions?
Hummus, Grape leaves, Schwarma

any Jewish locations around here?

Jewish locations?

Washington University (located next to clayton, you can take a metrolink from the arch to the university) and the Barnes Jewish Hospital work for you?;)

[LeesaB]

I can't believe I have to travel for grape leaves and hummous UGH :-)

I am actually very close the barnes - jewish hospital, i just though that was a persons name not a religion :-)

You joining us next weekend?

My cardinals game was postponed one day, going on Sunday now!!!

[drivelikeyastoleit]

The anticipation sets in as the last week ticks by.. LOL

Lisa, I don't know how you feel about Greek food but there is a Greek Orthodox Church that does a lunch every Friday I believe. Some good food there. I don't know about much else. Only think I can say about here compared to Louisiana is that the Mexican restaurants here suck!! LOL That's one thing I can't wait to go back home for.

[LeesaB]

I like greek, and Israeli. There is a place "back home" that's called aladdins omgosh, the best and I mean best lamb and grape leaves I've ever had! I guess I will have to ship them in :-)

1 week guys.

My son asked me yesterday, when are we meeting those photo people.

So maybe he is even a bit curious?

[drivelikeyastoleit]

hehehehe I'll ask my father for more information on the Greek Church. I've never had Israeli food. Would be interesting to try. I've found that since I've moved here, I've had to resort to buying some things that I enjoyed from back home online, if I can find them that is.

Yep one week it is.. I must remember to get plenty of rest the night before hehehe...

[LeesaB]

Israeli food is awesome and soooooo soooo good! lamb and rice? schwarma (lamb on a spit) Hummous Ooo man. I will have to find a place for sure Not sure they will deliver to me here LOL

[LeesaB]

Well, guys I've been busy and you can check my blog to see what I've been doing and where I am going

www.movin2missouri.blogspot.com (http://www.movin2missouri.blogspot.com)

Let me know what you think :-)

[valdore]

Pardon my shameless self promotion in this post... I'm a Missourian - road tripped from Kansas City to St. Louis for cityscape photos last month... of course here is my obligatory arch/downtown shot...

http://www.madnessmatrix.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/downtown-st-louis-skyline.jpg

[LeesaB]

That is beautiful...where was that taken from?

[valdore]

That is beautiful...where was that taken from?

Thanks! Shot from halfway across the Eads Bridge... it might have been officially in Illinois, though I'm not sure. It was halfway over the river.

[LeesaB]

anyone know anything about the St. Louis Business Journal?

I just got contacted to put my ad there?

Hey, it's raining out...what's up with that LOL

[drivelikeyastoleit]

ahhh nice.. no rain here right now. It was storming nicely at 6am or so...

[jpyeast]

anyone know anything about the St. Louis Business Journal?

I just got contacted to put my ad there?

Hey, it's raining out...what's up with that LOL

The St. Louis Business Journal mostly caters to the business owners and execs. There are not many "average" consumers that subscribe or read the business journal. Just my $.02 though. Im not sure how much business you would see from that.

[LeesaB]

Thanks guys...

I just got back from my first cards game! Interesting...had pretty good seats so I have some nice shots, I think...I will most likely upload tomorrow night...

100 tomorrow My hottest day yet

So we are on a countdown till we meet! Can't wait...

Night all...

[sidx001]

Holy cow!! somehow I unsucribed myself from this thread and there have been whole conversations that I've missed! That stinks!

It's now 4 days and a wake up and I'm getting antsy!

Lisa, I advertise with the Springfield Business Journal about twice a year for two months; once in the spring and then in the fall. It doesn't cost that much and I've received quite a few shoots from that advertising. At least here is Springfield, the SBJ gets read a lot as it is always lying around in offices and waiting rooms. We also have a magazine called "417" that I work with as well...

Valdore, great picture! I need to get one like it!

[LeesaB]

James that is because you got sucked into the wedding thread...ahahhahah


That is our evil plan!

WOW, I'm still tired...got lots to do today,,,, yeah...

4 days and a wake up...WOW!

[LeesaB]

Hey guys...seriously....

88 degrees, 78% humidity...11:23 at night..

I just went outside to feel it....WOW, it's hot and heavy out there....there should be an amazing storm to end this!

WOW

[sidx001]

3 days and a wake up!! <<doing the snoopy dance again!>> Lisa, I've loved reading your blog! Glad you got to see a real baseball team play :D even if they lost! Yeah, everyone loves Pujols around here, he does hit pretty well. It looked like you had pretty good seats too, I bet that made the game more interesting!

There had better be a strom on the way! it needs to do some serious cooling down here. The forecast for Saturday is looking nice though....84 for a high and mostly sunny skies! gotta love it!

[LeesaB]

Hi James..

Oh so YOUR the one reading it ahhahahahah

I am actually enjoying this blog. I've got a list here of things to write about.

I am on my way to the gym...yeah...but that is it for our agenda today.

I did enjoy the game because of the seats, that's about the only way I will go. Good seats so I can take pictures.

I checked the weather also...Saturday looks nice. Come on Rain!

[drivelikeyastoleit]

tic toc.. the clock is ticking down.. Countdown sequence started.. The day of reckoning is upon us soon... hehehe

I'm psyched up about this.. hehe

[LeesaB]

day of what? that sounds scary...

So it's like you two me and my family? or what?

who else?

Did we scare everyone else off? LOL

[LeesaB]

Hey guys..

My cable choices are:

CenturyTel

JAC Communications

Nothing but net

any clues?

[sidx001]

Good morning!

Lisa, the only one that I know anything about is CenturyTel but I have no idea what their prices are...I just did a couple of jobs for them for one of their advertising gigs.

As for this weekend...2 days and a wake up!! :D <<doing the dance!>>

I know for sure I'll be there!

[drivelikeyastoleit]

hahaha.. It does seem like it's just going to be me, James and you and your clan, Lisa.

I can't say anything about those cable choices but personally I wouldn't get cable. DirecTV for the win! hehe

[sidx001]

Ok, I just sent out messages to the others that had expressed interest in going, kind of a reminder! It'd be great to have some more come out!

[LeesaB]

Good morning!

Lisa, the only one that I know anything about is CenturyTel but I have no idea what their prices are...I just did a couple of jobs for them for one of their advertising gigs.

As for this weekend...2 days and a wake up!! :D <<doing the dance!>>

I know for sure I'll be there!

Century is high, and expect you to get a land line, I don't want nore need one, but we will see..

hahaha.. It does seem like it's just going to be me, James and you and your clan, Lisa.

I can't say anything about those cable choices but personally I wouldn't get cable. DirecTV for the win! hehe

Well we are going to have fun...I can't wait!! I thought of DirecTV but at home, if it rains too much or snows our DirectTV goes out...does that happen here?

Ok, I just sent out messages to the others that had expressed interest in going, kind of a reminder! It'd be great to have some more come out!

Great...but if no more show up...more fun for us muahhhh (evil laugh ) LOL

[sidx001]

Ok, two of the four said they would not be able to make it...we'll see. The weather is supposed to be awesome on Saturday!

[LeesaB]

It sure looks that way 86 and mostly sunny! Today seems very nice out, so far!

[sidx001]

Ok, Psycorpse, Woolbr8stl, and basroil have begged forgiveness for not being able to attend. We are waiting to hear from hopmedic, drmac, billshack, and Digitalspecialist