Scott[o]Smith’s Digital World

This past weekend I joined our local photowalking group on a great outing at the Great Salt Lake. I missed the last event so it felt like it has been a while since I met with the group. We had about 40 people show up, I was surprised at how many were there for the first time. It’s great to have a venue where people with the same interest can get together to share ideas an make new friends.

We met at Saltair then drove west just past the Marina. We had a model that volunteered to do a trashed dress style shoot. She was great and was in the salt water for about two hours. I don’t know how these models can do what they do, I’m just grateful I’m on the other sided of the lens.

As always I’m amazed at the quality of pictures that are produced. I’ve lost count at how many photowalks I’ve been on but each time I come away grateful for the experience.

I’m not going to be able to make the next photowalk. For more information on the details visit our flickr group.

Be sure to check out other photogs blogs that were there:

Rich Legg

Jeremy Hall

Mike Calanan

Today’s shot was taken on our latest photowalk in Salt Lake City. I’ve noticed lately that for some strange reason I’m drawn to water towers. I’ve paid close attention lately and noticed they are all over the valley. I plan on shooting as many as I can. You can see my Water Tower set here on flickr.

Canon 40D * Canon EF-24-105mm f/4.0 lens * ISO 200 * 1/500 second * f/11

Saturday was our third Photowalking in Provo Utah. It was in the historic section of Provo, about 45 miles South from Salt Lake City. It was fun meeting new photo geeks and hanging out with friends. I brought my six year old daughter with me, she used an old point and shoot camera and was excited to be with her dad. Rich Legg took this photo of her.

I’m looking forward to the next one. You can check out all the photos in our group.

Canon XTi
Canon EF-24-105mm f/4.0L lens
ISO 100
6.0 second
f/6.3

It’s time for another photowalk, this will be my fourth one in five weeks. My motivation for going is to socialize and learn from talented photographers and hopefully share with others something I’ve learned. Bring a friend and come prepared to have fun.

The third photowalk is scheduled for Saturday November 17th. We will be walking around the historic downtown district in Provo. Interesting sites include:

- Provo Tabernacle
- Utah County Courthouse
- Pioneer Park
- Countless sidewalk shops and such

The group will be meeting in the Southeast corner of the Albertson’s parking lot located at 560 W Center Street (Provo) at 4:00 pm. We will then head Eastward toward the courthouse area. If you have a tripod, it will be helpful. We will have about an hour of light before darkness sets in.

Again, these events are very non-competitive and ANY photographer is welcome to attend regardless of their skill level or camera equipment. This is a great way to introduce a friend to photography - so please invite one!

In recap, here are the details:

What: Photowalk #3
When: Saturday November 17th. 4:00 - 6:00(ish) pm
Where: Downtown Provo. Meet at 560 W. Center Street.
Who: Anyone!

For more information, visit the our Flickr group at www.flickr.com/groups/photowalkslc. For questions you can contact me at scott[at]scottosmith.com

While in San Francisco this week on business I was able to attend Photowalking Downtown with Thomas Hawk and others. Were all met in the lobby of the Hilton Financial District which was the hotel I was staying in. While waiting in the lobby for everyone to show up (around twenty people) the Manger came and asked what all of us were doing with cameras in their lobby. After explaining what were were doing and that two people in the group were guests she was fine with us there. The Hilton Financial District is the best place to get a photo of Coit Tower.

We proceeded towards the Embarcadero Center then to the Hyatt which has a great view of the Ferry Building. You can check out my set on flickr or others at zooomr.

I have attended a few photowalks lately and one thing that rings true in all situations is that it’s important to be prepared. I wasn’t able to pack my tripod so it was a challenge to get some good low light shots. Luckily I had my trusty Canon 50mm f1.8 lens and a Canon 100mm f2.8 macro that I rented. Photowalking is a great opportunity to get out and shoot in a non-competitive environment.

Water Tower, originally uploaded by Scott O. Smith.

Had a great time at the Photowalk West Side Gallery in Salt Lake City this weekend. The walkabout this time was around the 5th west and 2nd south block just behind the Rio Grande station. The weather was perfect, It was fun to meet new photo geeks and socialize.

Kudos to newcomer Douglas for showing up with his iPhone. His daughter forgot her SD card for her camera, luckily she was able to use her video camera.

We discussed a possible location for our next Photowalk. Be sure to check out our flickr group for more information and all the photos. You can check out all the photo geeks streams here: Ann, Harley, Diane, Elizabeth, Bryan, Thom, Douglas and mine.

I’m planning on attending the Photowalk Downtown and North Beach in San Francisco November 5th. If your thinking about attending a Photowalk or organizing one where you live, I encourage you to do so.

Canon XTi, Canon EF-24-105mm f/4.0L lens, 1/1250 second, f/4.0, ISO 100