KS State Fair with a Rolleicord and a pocket full of Tri-X

f/stopblues · Sep 15, 2010

I'm venturing out to Hutchinson, KS later this week to spend a couple days at the Kansas State Fair. It's my first visit out there.. any tips from experienced fairgoers? There's a lot to see and I'm a little overwhelmed! I'm sure there will be plenty to put in front of my lens

Thanks!
Chris

Vaughn · Sep 15, 2010

Some color negative film for the lights at night. Just a roll or two to quickly run through the camera near all the rides and neon.

Hold the camera upside down over your head to photograph over crowds.

Photograph some people holding their prize rabbit, chicken, or whatever -- get close.

If your camera has a neck strap, have someone -- at least once a roll -- take your picture (you focus and set exposure). You might have enough people asking you if that is a Hassleblad that you can say. "No, it is a Rolleiflex, it is just as good, if not better. Would you like to take my picture?"

Have a bunch of fun!

Vaughn

Mark Fisher · Sep 15, 2010

Go to some of the animal judging, especially small animal judging. Mid-day light is really harsh (lots of white painted objects) if it is sunny. Consider a monopod or beanbag for inside the barns. Stick around for the twilight time and go to the midway and rides. Try to shoot wide open when you can to minimize back ground clutter. aI started a series on county fairs (yet to be finished) so I've done a few. Personally, I preferred a fast 50 and 85 in 35mm, but the Rolleicord should be a lot of fun there too!

drkhalsa · Sep 15, 2010

I haven't been to Hutch and the state fair in nearly 40 years, wish I was going too.

Enjoy!

Jeff Kubach · Sep 15, 2010

I've been thinking about going to the Va. state fair in about a week or two. I would consider besides Tri-X maybe some color. I'm going to bring my 35mm because it is lighter to carry around.

Jeff

holmburgers · Sep 15, 2010

If you get bored come over to Winfield, KS for the Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival!

Watch out for "lowest common denominators".... they might thing you're trying to steal their souls with "that there jewel box".

Alex Hawley · Sep 15, 2010

Hi Chris,

I'm an old Hutchinson guy and Fair-goer. The most interesting area is the Midway where all the carnival rides and games are. Yeah, it can be pretty overwhelming. Wonder about the midway and you'll find plenty of opportunities.

f/stopblues · Sep 16, 2010

Thanks for the tips, guys! I can count on one hand the number of color rolls I've shot in the last five or six years The Midway area is where the carnival rides and games are, right? I'm hoping for a slight aire of controlled chaos like in those small town carnivals.

That Bluegrass Festival sounds pretty fun! Sunday is our "to be determined" day, so that could be a contender. I've also heard the Salina Zoo is pretty good (especially with a 2 year old in tow.) Has anyone been there?

Of course the beautiful fall weather we've had is going away in exchange for lower 90's Fri-Sun.. just my luck!

dehk · Sep 16, 2010

I like using TriX at fairs, relax and have fun. Plenty of stuff to capture.

f/stopblues · Sep 19, 2010

Greetings from Hutchinson, KS!

Update so far.. 8 rolls of Tri-X shot, 1 roll of Acros 100. I've never ever had so many comments and conversations about my camera as I have this weekend with the Rolleicord; everyone from old guys to cute women to teenagers. It even scored us a couple free gate tickets for the fair

There's been a wealth of things to shoot. I just hope I didn't miss a lot of shots due to poor focus. The past few years I've been used to rangefinders or tripod mounted cameras, so this has been a different experience. I'm not overly concerned, though. It's been a blast to shoot.

holmburgers · Sep 20, 2010

Look forward to seeing the results!

KS State Fair with a Rolleicord and a pocket full of Tri-X

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