One Way Home, an alternative rock band from Houston, TX got in touch with me this past Monday night. They’re prepping to head out on tour this coming Friday and were looking to get a few pictures taken before heading out on the road for the next month. After speaking on the phone with Justin (One Way Home’s lead vocalist) I knew I had to put something together for these guys. It helped they were also good friends with the guys(and girl) in The Shiny Darks, an energetic punk band also from Houston.
The past two years I’ve lived here in the great city of Houston, I’ve made a point to visit the Texas Renaissance Festival located in Plantersville Texas, about an hour northwest of downtown Houston. I’ve gone three times and have had an absolute blast every time. I’ve been to renaissance festivals up north in Connecticut and Rhode Island, all of which were lacking in comparison. The ambiance, atmosphere and staff at the Texas Renaissance Festival have always been exceptional and have kept me coming back (the turkey legs too!).
After making a few calls, I got the go-ahead from management to use the fair grounds for the shoot, including the “boneyard” which is a portion of the grounds which house the old relics from years-past (old gypsy wagons, props and broken catapaults). After meeting up with the band, we drove up to Plantersville and headed straight for the boneyard. Here’s some of the results:
From the boneyard we drove through the grounds to the main-gate area. If you’ve ever been to the renaissance festival, you’ll know that this area is usually packed with people, almost all in costume. To be there with not a single person around was such an exciting experience (and strangely eerie). Our next location was the colosseum; easily the busiest area of the grounds and where most of the major events occur during a normal day the fair – including jousting events and the closing fireworks display.
By this time, we started to lose valuable light and decided to head for the gates. On the way out, we found a few really cool places in front of the barren shops and stopped for a few shots:
A huge thank you is in order for the Texas Ren-Fest staff who let me in after hours; not to mention the officer who escorted us through the grounds – we appreciate the patience! Finally, if you live in the Houston area and have never been to the Ren-Fest, do yourself a favor and check it out. It is truly the closest you will ever get to stepping back in time. Check out their site here, and the list of their upcoming 2011 dates. Check them out on Facebook too!
Check out a few behind the scenes shots below.
Caravan to the main gate.
The deserted main entrance.
Walking through the gates.
Rows of empty parking lots.
Colosseum arches.
Myself with the group.