Well, since I’ll be attending and speaking at BlogWorld / WordCamp in a couple of weeks in Las Vegas I thought it might be fun to organize a photowalk if anyone is interested in a get together and an evening of exploration and fun. You see, I’m a semi-professional photographer, and an amateur tattoo artist… (think Talledega Nights people.)
If you’ve never been on a photowalk before, essentially what we are going to do is all meet at one place and then walk around Las Vegas seeing the sights, talking, taking photos, and perhaps grabbing a beer here or there. Also, I’m going to take you off the strip, so you’ll see things that most people never do when they come to Vegas.
Now, there are a few good reasons to participate in an event like this:
I have been to Vegas more times than I can count. I’ve taken hundreds and hundreds of photos of the city, and I’ll take you right to where you can get some great ones.
Wandering around after dark by yourself might be a little scary for some people, so a group event is safer and more fun.
If you love taking photos, then you’ll love Vegas at night. There is simply not a better spot for night photography.
And finally, if you would like some tips and tricks, I’ll be happy to provide some instruction for anyone who needs it along the way.
As far as the details are concerned, here is what I’m thinking…
The Details
We will meet up to head out at 7pm at the Monorail station just outside the Convention Center. Don’t worry, you can not miss it. You can see it from the front door of the building, and since we’ll all be there for Blog World it’s a nice central location. Feel free to follow me on Twitter (@johnpoz) for updates as we go.
From there, we’ll take the monorail down to the Sahara, which is the last stop on the line. We’ll wander through the Sahara and walk on down to the Stratosphere. Along the way will be some fantastic spots for photo opportunities, and this time of evening will be the “golden hour” of sunlight. It’s the best possible time of the day for shots.
When we get to Stratosphere, we’ll stop off at Roxy’s for dinner. This is an old diner style restaurant where the wait staff sings to the customers. A good time will be had by all, I’m certain!
After we’ve had our fill, we will catch cabs and head down to Fremont Street. This is “old” Las Vegas at it’s finest and home to the Fremont Street Experience. If you’ve never been, here is a preview of what you can expect to see. You do NOT want to miss this on your trip to Vegas.
In addition to seeing the incredible laser and light show, I’ll show you around the casinos, the old Neon signs, and we’ll probably even end up at a little pub to wind up the evening with a celebratory beer. I know Aaron Brazell would go for that if he joins in!
I anticipate that we’ll wrap things up by 11pm, and coincidentally this means that anyone who wants to stick around and do a little gambling could head into the Fremont Street casinos where the odds are decidedly more in your favor than over on the strip at the big hotels.
What You Need
Really, the only things you need to bring are:
Some comfortable shoes and the ability to do a little leisurely walking.
About $30 to cover the monorail ($5 each way), taxi ($12 each way divide by the number of people sharing), and snacks, etc.
The desire to hang out and have fun with some fellow bloggers! You’ll probably even pick up some material for your blog!
Other things you may want to bring:
A camera. But this is not necessary! Just join in if you aren’t a photo buff! It’s like a walking party.
A tripod. After the sun goes down you will want to disable your flash and use a long exposure. A tripod is a must, even if it’s just a Mini Tripod. Trust me, I’ll teach you how to do it!
A jacket. I know its the desert, but it can get a little chilly in the evening after the sun goes down and the breeze picks up.
Who’s Coming?
So, here are the folks that have confirmed that they will be joining in. Drop a comment if you’re going to be there and I’ll add you to the list, then be looking forward to meeting everyone!
I also learned that Victor Cajiao is holding a completely different photowalk on Thursday evening over on the Strip, beginning in front of the Bellagio at 10pm. Unfortunately I won’t be in town until Friday morning so I’ll miss it. But if you were to go with Victor on Thursday and with us on Saturday you’ll come away with a well rounded view of Las Vegas and a ton of photos that you’ll never forget!
Twitter Comments
daynah RT @CaliLewis Getting ready for the #bwe09 Photowalk. Join us if you can. http://onemansblog.com/photowalklv {Have fun!}
LouisTrapani @johnfbraun Fantastic. I will be there for it as well, plus the one on Sat evening http://onemansblog.com/photowalklv organized by @johnpoz
That’s great Victor! Cali had already told me about yours so I added a link to the post. I think if you take people down the strip and then we take people to Fremont, they are going to get a TON of great shots! And a good time will be had by all… ;-)
Cool, a second BlogWorld photowalk. I’m still trying to figure out which events/parties I’ll be attending, but I’m definitely going to put this one on the calendar and see if I can make it.
So glad I found this — I added it to this list I’m compiling to keep track of all the fun events during BWE09: http://bit.ly/CWi78. this sounds so well organized — what a great idea
Oh man! I’m going to see the Beatles LOVE show at 7 PM on Saturday – but should be done by 9 or so. Is there going to be any way to figure out where you guys will be later to join up? I’d love to participate…
I’ll be tweeting as we go different places, so just keep an eye on @johnpoz or message me to find out where we are. We’ll definitely be out late, so please come join us!
Well, I’m flying over to Las Vegas from Belgium (Somewhere in Europe :-P). Being an amateur photographer myself, I think the two photowalks will be a great opportunity to learn something and get to know other folks.
[...] 2. Saturday Night @7pm — John P. from One Man’s Blog & Woopra has organized another photo walk that will be down on Freemont street in old Las Vegas … looking forward to this one a lot. You can read more about it on his blog. [...]
I’ve never been to Las Vegas, so glad I stumbled on this! Seems a great way to meet people and see the town. Count me in- (Just wish I had a better camera :).)
[...] photowalk and blog post were inspired by John P, who is organizing a similar photowalk for BlogWorld Expo. If you’re going to the Expo (which is the weekend prior to SPC09), please [...]
Would love to join in. Looking forward to meeting some new people and getting shots other than my usual ’stroll up and down the strip’ photos and maybe learning what some of the settings on my camera actually do. See you there.
[...] by John P. in Photography, Travel 0 For those of you who didn’t get to join us on the BlogWorld 2009 Photowalk in Las Vegas, I’m embedding a photo slideshow here so that you can see all the pictures from [...]
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Well, since I’ll be attending and speaking at BlogWorld / WordCamp in a couple of weeks in Las Vegas I thought it might be fun to organize a photowalk if anyone is interested in a get together and an evening of exploration and fun. You see, I’m a semi-professional photographer, and an amateur tattoo artist… (think Talledega Nights people.)
We will meet up to head out at 7pm at the Monorail station just outside the Convention Center. Don’t worry, you can not miss it. You can see it from the front door of the building, and since we’ll all be there for Blog World it’s a nice central location. Feel free to follow me on Twitter (@johnpoz) for updates as we go.
Really, the only things you need to bring are:
. Trust me, I’ll teach you how to do it!
Hey I’m doing a photowalk on Thursday night but I’ll do what I can to be there for this one too. Sounds like fun.
That’s great Victor! Cali had already told me about yours so I added a link to the post. I think if you take people down the strip and then we take people to Fremont, they are going to get a TON of great shots! And a good time will be had by all… ;-)
John P.
Cool, a second BlogWorld photowalk. I’m still trying to figure out which events/parties I’ll be attending, but I’m definitely going to put this one on the calendar and see if I can make it.
This sounds like a lot of fun, a sure thing to do if you are around but I wont be able to make it. Sigh.
I’m down!
So glad I found this — I added it to this list I’m compiling to keep track of all the fun events during BWE09: http://bit.ly/CWi78. this sounds so well organized — what a great idea
Well, I’m glad you found it too Liz! But are you going to join us? :-)
I’m already down for Victor’s Photowalk, I would interested in joining this one too. Sounds fantastic.
Cheers,
Louis
Oh man! I’m going to see the Beatles LOVE show at 7 PM on Saturday – but should be done by 9 or so. Is there going to be any way to figure out where you guys will be later to join up? I’d love to participate…
Matt,
I’ll be tweeting as we go different places, so just keep an eye on @johnpoz or message me to find out where we are. We’ll definitely be out late, so please come join us!
John P.
Well, I’m flying over to Las Vegas from Belgium (Somewhere in Europe :-P). Being an amateur photographer myself, I think the two photowalks will be a great opportunity to learn something and get to know other folks.
Really looking forward to this !
Regards,
Stefaan
We’re looking forward to having you Stefaan! And BTW, I’ve been to Belgium and LOVED IT!!!! Can’t wait to meet you in Vegas.
Cheers,
John P.
[...] 2. Saturday Night @7pm — John P. from One Man’s Blog & Woopra has organized another photo walk that will be down on Freemont street in old Las Vegas … looking forward to this one a lot. You can read more about it on his blog. [...]
I’ve never been to Las Vegas, so glad I stumbled on this! Seems a great way to meet people and see the town. Count me in- (Just wish I had a better camera :).)
Annie
I’ve only got a point and shoot, so you and I can learn framing! Glass half full, right?
Trust me Annie and Rob, we’ll get some good photos no matter what camera you have!
Just remember, it’s not the camera, it’s the photographer! And I’ll teach you a few tricks that you can use to get some really nice results.
Cheers,
John P.
[...] photowalk and blog post were inspired by John P, who is organizing a similar photowalk for BlogWorld Expo. If you’re going to the Expo (which is the weekend prior to SPC09), please [...]
Heard about this today from Aaron Hockley, exactly the kind of event I wanted to participate in, you rock! See you all there.
Would love to join in. Looking forward to meeting some new people and getting shots other than my usual ’stroll up and down the strip’ photos and maybe learning what some of the settings on my camera actually do. See you there.
Sounds like it’s going to be a great photowalk! Look forward to joining you.
[...] by John P. in Photography, Travel 0 For those of you who didn’t get to join us on the BlogWorld 2009 Photowalk in Las Vegas, I’m embedding a photo slideshow here so that you can see all the pictures from [...]