Main Street Suggestion

[dclong]

Hello all! When I overheard the first suggestions of main street changes, I got to thinking. I wonder what other people think of the idea of an old time photo shop on main street--someday--in the future. I thought it may be a real money maker, a super fun job for someone, and with technology the way it is (digital camera, video and affordable photo printing), it doesnt seem like to terrible of a task to undertake--except for building the building of course. Wouldnt that be cool, though? There could be different scenes, somehow...different outfits (of which wmstr already has alot). The possibilities are limitless--things could change to match EXPO somehow every year. Visitors would start to collect pictures each year along with cups and plates and books! I dont know--just an idea I've had for a few years now. What does everyone else think?

[Darren Gunderson]

I think a photo studio would be a great idea. My other main hobby after old engines is collecting and using antique photo equipment. I am sure we could find things to outfit a studio to turn of the century specs pretty easlily. I have a bunch of stuff I would donate if this would become a reality. I really am into stereoscopic photography and as a deluxe package it would be neat to be able to produce a stereo (3D) card and offer a stereoscope as part of the package. The only problem is it would be a bit of a challenge doing this on the spot as there are challenges doing this digitally at this point.

What I think would even be better is to have someone maning the booth with examples of the types of photographs done and the equipment they were taken with, and the ability to show how it was done. The stereo photograph is one example and the Cirkut panoramic is another one. (That is those very long narrow group shots that were done with a rotating clockwork camera.) I am currently restoring one of those and hope to have it operational soon.

I would love to do something like that but I don't think I would want to give up working on the steam engines. Too much stuff to work on in only 4 days of show. :)

As an offshoot of this it would be neat to offer a traveling photographer to take pictures of the engine crews like what was done when they were in use 100 years ago. Think of how many pictures there are of threshing crews posing with their engines and equipment. This would be alot of work for someone, but could be a neat record of the contemporary crews that adopt these old engines and keep them going.

Darren

[dclong]

Well! That's extremely interesting! I have limited experience with the digital side of photography. I, for one, would LOVE to see how it was done before those technologies were thought of--in the time period the show depicts each year. Current technology certainly has its place, but I believe every photographer would just appreciate the whole experience more knowing more about where photograhy started.

If the idea were to come a reality, I dont see any reason why all types of photography couldnt be used. People like options--some like quick and cute and others may be willing to wait for an authentic stereo card photograph.

I wouldnt mind visiting that person manning the booth right now to find out more about those kinds of photographs! Thanks for your input! Super!!:) :) :)

[40avery]

Darrin,

It looks like Main street is really coming alive with ideas for expansions. If you could work out what kind of floor plan would be required and basic dimensions I am going to start a file for planning purposes of all the proposals for main street buildings so that we can get a long range plan together. You can attach a word doc to an E-mail. Go to my user profile and you can click on the E-mail link there.

Thanks

[Darren Gunderson]

Sure, I can do that. It may not be for a couple days. One thing about this is that much of the space required for this would be dependant on whether or not is was going to be a working studio with a collection of costumes for people to put on. I am sure that is what would be preferable based on the philosophy of having working displays there. One thing that would be a real plus is to recreate the glass roof that was necessary in studios around the turn of the century and before because of the long exposures required, lots of light was needed. That could be a maintenence nightmare though. (Think hail and snow)

One thing that could be done to cheat a little bit is something my wife has done for our local historical society. She used one of my large format (8x10) cameras but replaces the correct lens with the front part of her telephoto lens on her digital camera and that is hooked into the computer to process the picture. It looks basically right but uses the convienience and speed of modern digital photography.

It would also be a great place to display any photos that the reunion has in its collection so that more people could see them. (That is assuming there is such a thing.)

Darren

[40avery]

There is no hurry. We are talking about quite a long term project when we are talking about main street. Unless of course someone finds some grant or donation money to get things going. I am just thinking of making an organized approach for the board to consider. Projects with people interested in taking the lead and getting equipment set up for display always get better consideration than projects that are in the pondering stage. This is one that could get some wings but we need to have our ideas organized so that we get a good layout of our main street. Thanks for your enthusiasm. I am looking forward to the plans whenever you can get them done.:)

[Katy K]

Wow, a photo shop would be great! All this talk about different cameras and lenses is above my head, but I find it very interesting. Keep the info coming! It would be a good addition to main street in my opinion.:bannana:

[Mallands]

A photo shop would be a great idea. It would be fun for the visitors and us too to see how it was done back then!

[thevintageangel]

I think the photo studio is an awesome idea. I was thinking of something like that for the kids featuer as well. But a photo equipment museum would definitely be a fun addition. Perhaps some "carte la viste" type things would be an easy find to get it started and we could have a studio of some kind where people could dress up in vintage-like clothes, (I know there are people around that would probably donate some) and have their photo taken. They could take it with as a souvenier. I've taken history of photography! ;)

We were also discussing how it would be fun to have a saloon. No alcohol of couse, but the piano entertainment and cards could be neat. just a thought...

Keep me posted. I'd like to know when meetings are as well. thanks!