Save the date: August 7th: Hellfire

By Harley Pebley


Saturday, August 7th, we're heading out to the Salt Flats for Hellfire 15. This is an annual, multi-day event sponsored by the Utah Rocket Club where they fire off high-powered rockets. The first couple days are closed to spectators due to safety regulations working with experimental motors, but Saturday they use certified motors and open it up to the public. It's a bit of a drive and can be hot, but there's stuff here you won't find anywhere else.

The range is open 8am to 4pm. I will get there about 8am to stake out an observation area and setup some shade. I'll probably stay mid-afternoon. Feel free to show up anytime, but morning is better. People try to get the first firing of their rockets in before noon, both for temperature and wind reasons. So, the hours between 9am and 12noon have the most activity. After noon, things slow down a bit. We'll probably take a group photo between 9:00 and 9:30.

Besides your normal photography gear, be sure to bring lots of fluids, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses and a hat. If you're going to be staying for an extended time, you may want to bring snacks and/or lunch too. I'll have an awning setup for shade, a cooler to store things in and a couple chairs. You may want to bring your own chairs, just in case.

To get there, head west on I-80 until exit 4 just before Wendover. Turn right off the freeway and then right again a little ways down the road. When the road ends, follow the cones on the salt leading to the firing range.

Plan on spending $10 and 30 minutes at the car wash when you get home. You don't want to leave that salt on your vehicle.

Comments and discussion on this Flickr thread. If you want to meet others somewhere to carpool, post your interest on the thread and self-organize.

Update: I found an online ride sharing coordination site at RideShare.us. I've never used this site before but created an event for us to experiment with. The link just mentioned should take you to it. If you go in through their main page, you need to enter lookup code "pwuhellfire15" (without the quotes). After registering, you can post ads to ride and/or drive and find others in your area. We'll see how well this works.

Here are some more of my images from two years ago.

Ten Tips for Photowalking

By Nicole Young

Photowalking is a fun way to socialize and get some awesome photos in the process. Here are some quick tips to help you out, especially if it is your first photowalk.

1. Know what to expect

Take a look at the photowalk's info before you arrive so you know what you will be doing. Take note of the meeting location, route, time, etc. Some even have meet-ups after the event and it's good to know all of this info in case you get separated from the main group during the walk.

2. Get the group photo right away!

If you're leading a walk make sure you get the group photo before you start walking! People spread out and leave early, so if you get it right away then you won't have to chase people down or miss out on the group shot altogether.

3. Keep yourself safe & comfortable

A photowalk typically involves walking and moving around (yes, it's true). Be sure to wear comfortable shoes so your feet stay happy. It's also a good idea to bring or wear sunscreen if it's a sunny day, wear appropriate clothing and bring a good water bottle if you think you'll get thirsty. Most photowalks don't provide these things for you so you're on your own ... just know your needs and be prepared.

4. Any camera is fine!

Photowalks are not just for "photographers" ... these events are for anyone with a camera! You don't need to be a "professional" with a huge SLR to attend a photowalk. Bring any camera you have, even if it's the camera on your phone. :)

5. Minimize your gear

Now, this is just a personal preference, but I like to usually bring only one camera and one lens. Sometimes I'll carry around a few small lenses, but I don't tend to bring my entire camera bag. I do see some people toting around a lot of gear and there's nothing wrong with that, but if the walking distance is pretty far then all that gear can really weigh a person down. Plus it's fun to be challenged creatively to only shoot with one lens.

6. Don't be shy! 

A photowalk is not just about the photos, it's about meeting up with friends and making new ones. I sometimes get so wrapped up in the people aspect that I forget I'm there to take photos. :)

7. Stay with the group

Photowalks, especially big ones, will mean that there are a lot of people heading in the same direction and should end up at the same place in the end. The groups usually spread out, but it's a good idea to stay near the main group or at least be sure you are with a few other people and not out on your own. Safety is always the top priority in any photowalk, and there's always much more safety in numbers.

8. Take lots of photos

Photography is of course the main reason for the get-together. It's up to you to snap away ... the majority of photowalks are not training events. You will mostly just walk around and take photos of whatever you like. A fun way to find things to photograph is to give yourself a theme, and then try and find things that fit the theme.

9. Share your photos

After the walk it's always fun to see everyone's photos. A photo site like Flickr is a great place to share the pictures from the walk ... just create (or join) a Flickr Group where all the 'walkers can post their photos. Groups like these are also great places to share information on upcoming photowalk events.

10. Have fun!

This is pretty self-explanatory, but the whole point of a photowalk is to have fun doing what many of us love ... photography! Try not to take it too seriously and just go with the flow.

See also: How to Prepare for a Photowalk

Worldwide Photowalk - Salt Lake City Edition 07.24.10

UPDATE:  The "official" event is full, but anyone is welcome to attend. 

The Salt Lake City edition of the Worldwide Photowalk site is posted. There are only 50 "official" sign-up spots for this walk ... click on the link below to sign up!

http://worldwidephotowalk.com/walk/salt-lake-city-ut-usa-city-creek-park/

Date: July 24, 2010 

Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Meeting Location: South-West corner of City Creek Park, at State Street and North Temple.

We will be walking North to Memory Grove Park, then up the stairs to the Capitol building. Then we'll head South down State Street back towards the park. There should be a variety of subjects to photograph and we'll have the evening sun to light the way.

Note: If the walk fills up and you don't make the list then don't worry, you can still come along and join the group. You won't be eligible to enter the photo contest after the walk but we won't turn anyone away that shows up to just hang out and enjoy the photo walk. :)