Photowalk- Fort Smith Arkansas

Join me as I lead a Photowalk in Downtown Fort Smith

What is a Photowalk?

Photowalking is the act of walking with a camera for the main purpose of taking pictures of things that the photographer may find interesting.

Recently the term has become synonymous with a group of photographers, walking in predetermined locations and then sharing their imagery. Alone or with a group, the purpose is still the same and that is to go out and shoot.

While related to street photography, photowalking is differentiated by the main impetus being to photograph things of interest rather than people specifically. It is also often done as a method to practice and improve one’s own photography skills rather than a with specific focus on documentary photography.

One of the great benefits to participating in a Photowalk is to meet people with an interest in photography.

June 20th 2009, 9:00 am till ?

Location: Historic Downtown Fort Smith Arkansas

We will meet at the pavilion in Ross Pendergraft Park (200 Garrison Ave.) at 9:00 am which will serve as our Central meeting point, from which you can walk to the listed destinations.

Miss Laura’s Social Club a restored former bordello, now serving as the Fort Smith Visitor Center. You can tour this Victorian mansion which has been restored to it’s original ambiance (the first bordello listed on The National Register of Historic Places).

The Fort Smith National Historic Site where you can walk where soldiers drilled, pause along the Trail of Tears, and stand where justice was served. The park includes the remains of two frontier forts and the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas. Judge Isaac C. Parker, known as the “hanging judge,” presided over the court for 21 years. On the grounds of the park you can see the site of the first fort, the Trail of Tears Overlook on the Arkansas River, the Commissary building, and reconstructed gallows.

Just down the street we will visit the Fort Smith Trolley Museum where you can ride an authentic 1900′s Fort Smith Trolley. In addition to the trolleys, the Museum is home to a rail collection. In 2004, the Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair Board donated a Frisco steam engine and tender (#4003) which had been on display at Kay Rodgers Park & Fairground (the old-time “Electric Park”) since 1954. Prior to this, three cabooses, a former military power car and dining car, and three boxcars. The museum also has three internal combustion locomotives and a trackmobile.

You may also want to walk to the Park at West End an old fashioned amusement park featuring a restored 1930′s Ferris wheel and a hand-painted carousel from Italy with 40 ponies, to enjoy a meal in a genuine antique rail car or concessions from a classic double-decker bus.

Cost

There is no cost to participate in the Photowalk, however there are fee’s for touring inside the buildings at the Fort Smith National Historic Site and to ride the Trolley. At the end we may meet for lunch and you are responsible for your own meal and drinks.

Prizes:

1st place $50.00 Bedford’s Gift Certificate

2nd place $30.00 Bedford’s Gift Certificate

3rd place $20.00 Bedford’s Gift Certificate

All registered participants will receive a coupon for an 8×10 enlargement from Bedfords.

Trial Equipment

Bedfords Camera and Video will provide a selection of equipment that can be checked out during the event including lenses and tripods.

Flicker Group

One of the interesting things to come from a Photowalk is to be able to see what other photographers found to photograph on the same route. All participants are encouraged to upload photos from the day to the Flicker Group set up for the event. This is also how you will be eligible to win the prizes.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q – What should I bring?

A-Your camera of course, and whatever accessories you feel you may need. You will probably enjoy the day more if you do not bring more than you can comfortable carry and be able to shoot. Comfortable walking shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. More memory cards than you think you will need and some extra batteries.

Q – What kind of camera do I need?

A – You can use any camera, a digital will give immediate feedback on what you are shooting. This is about getting out and shooting and meeting new people with an interest in photography. Don’t be intimidated by all those big cameras and long lenses. I have seen some spectacular images created with a 4MP digital point-n-shoot.

Q – How long will it take?

You can pace yourself, and pretty much set your own schedule, some people may be done shooting and walking in a couple of hours, others may be shooting the sunset over the Arkansas River.

Q – How far is it?

A – The route as planned is just over 1 mile.

Q – Do I have to stay with the group?

A – This isn’t a paid tour and no one will be taking attendance at the end so if you get tired or sidetracked during the walk then you should, by all means, do your own thing. Remember though that one of the purposes of doing this with a group is the interaction with other photographers. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit with others on the walk. There will be photographers of differing skill levels and you might be able to learn something, teach something, or just make some new friends.

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