OK all you Ohioans and those close by. We had a great gtg last year in Hocking Hills. I am now getting off my tushy and starting the initial steps of planning the next gtg. Probably should have worked on this earlier but life has been busy. Lets see what ideas for locations and dates we can come up with here. I know that there is some sort of balloon fest in the Dayton area (jpochard is more familiar with this) and I know that metatate may have some good ideas up in the Cleveland area. So what do you all have in mind?
I don't know what time frame you have in mind, but I have good reason to be in Cleveland beginning July 11. I would love to participate to some extent.
I got to work around little league and all the other baseball schedules lol. So whatever you guys pick is cool. I do like the balloon fest idea tho - I thought that might be kind of cool. Or we could hit the state fair this year and do lots of interesting candids :)
Timfythetoo, maybe we can just all go to your house and photograph your kids, that seems to be an almost certain ribbon these days. :-)
I would be very interested in an Ohio GTG as long as I don't have any conflicts on the weekend chosen (vacation, work, etc). I'll give some thought as to possible locations.
Timfythetoo, maybe we can just all go to your house and photograph your kids, that seems to be an almost certain ribbon these days. :-)
Oddly enough that was sort of one of my backup ideas along with the State Fair idea. I havent talked with my wife about it yet, but if we ended up staying in the Columbus area we could all come back to our place for bbq dinner and goofing around strobist style in the studio. Now I know I can't compete with the Calgary gtg as far as workshops but it could be a good way to end the day. Odds are we would have some space for a couple of people to crash if they didn't want to drive back that same day.
If we end up with the strobist thing, could I bring my youngest, the hamball? He'll be 6 next month and maybe could play with your kids. Of course, he probably won't want to go, but thought I would ask.
The high hopes I have for Aimee and I is that we will find someone to watch our kids overnight so wherever it is we go we can not have to worry about having to pick them up. That said - if we end up not staying in Columbus I have every intention of still going to the State Fair with the kiddos. We could have a proper Ohio gtg wherever but also a State Fair gtg as well. I am open and flexible.
ETA - If we do the strobist thing and have our kids with us you are more than welcome to bring your kiddos as well. My kids love playign with other kids.
I will certainly be at the balloon fest this year. I went last year and it was fantastic, and I got some great images. This year I'll be a little more strategic with where I stand, tripod, lens etc.
I would also be very interested in an Ohio GTG. I'll keep an eye on this thread.
I'd consider coming too, but I'm on the PA side so while cleveland might be OK, Dayton may not be (unless I can get enough time to go see Wright Patterson)
I will certainly be at the balloon fest this year. I went last year and it was fantastic, and I got some great images. This year I'll be a little more strategic with where I stand, tripod, lens etc.
I would also be very interested in an Ohio GTG. I'll keep an eye on this thread.
It would be great to GTG with those of you who have already been to a balloonfest. I'd need a lot of pointers lol.
I'd definitely enjoy heading out for another OH GTG if it fit into the schedule! Unfortunately the balloon festival falls while we're heading to Utah, though.
I think the dates are July 18, 19, 20? If this is the right one here's a link:
Balloon Fest
I may have pulled from last years info or something.
As Aimee and I talk about the gtg it seems to make some sense to actually organize a couple of them. The balloon fest is a pretty straightforward event that doesnt need a whole bunch of organizing other than figuring out when people will be there. And that event would appeal to those on that side of the state. A Cleveland gtg on another date would be good for those on the other side of the state. And a gtg for the State Fair could work out well for anyone who wants to go to that as well. Maybe a Cleveland gtg in September?
Ohio State Fair dates - July 30- August 10th
Balloon fest - July 18-20
Cleveland - Sept ?
HERE are some photos from the event. I will say that there are some good opportunities with the flights and glow. I will also say that the event location is not very scenic. They launch the balloons from the airport, so it's surrounded by city. If you're lucky, you can catch some of the balloons flying a little lower across some of the farm areas, which is pretty...but that sort of defeats the purpose of a gtg.
I'm happy to help with whatever you want to plan. One idea might be to go to the Krohn Conservatory, then head down later to the riverfront on a night when the Cincinnati Reds have their Fireworks night. They do a really excellent fireworks display from just outside the ballpark, which is seen nicely (along with the skyline) from across the KY side of the river.
Remaining fireworks nights include: 6/13 (Next Friday..however an added bonus would be that the "Butterfly Show" would still be open at the Conservatory. Very cool with butterflies flying freely around a lovely garden room.)
7/3
7/18
7/25
8/8
8/15
So that's my .02 I'm open for many ideas and willing to help.
