The
Faire provides a wide cast of characters and events.
The overall setting is that of Elizabethan England, with
Vikings, Roman Soldiers, Samurai, minstrels, Gypsies, jugglers, and
others providing additional variety. Nearly everybody in a costume is more than happy to have
their picture taken. In
fact, the challenge isn't getting somebody to pose for you, it's
getting them to “act natural” instead of putting on their
“camera face”. In
addition to the actors, there are a number of different events.
There are several stages used for concerts and a variety of
acts. All the way at the
far end they also hold jousts and falconry demonstrations.
Unless you're particularly keen on trying to shoot the jousts
or raptors, you won't need a long lens here.
A “normal” to wide lens (50mm or shorter) and a
“portrait” length telephoto (between 85mm and 135mm) will serve
you quite well. The
portrait lenses are particularly nice because you can use the focal
length to blur out some of the distracting backgrounds.
The Faire is located in Bristol, Wisconsin – a few inches
over the border from Illinois. From
the Arlington area it's usually a 40 to 50 minute drive up.
Take I-94 (or 41) north to exit 1A (Russell Road).
Tickets are $18.50 at the gate, and you can download a coupon
for $2.50 off from the web page. You'll also want some cash for lunch (and any shopping you
care to do – there are plenty of shops to browse).
It's open weekends, plus Labor Day, through September 6.
There is still time to visit and take some good pictures! http://www.renfair.com/bristol
