HoustonPhotowalks Photography Club

Photowalk: Alternative Photography Day (non-DSLR/Mirrorless Cameras)

Sat, Feb 28 · 9:00 AM CST

Smither Park, 2441 Munger St., Houston, TX, US

Let's take a break from our heavy DSLR and Mirrorless cameras for an Alternative Photo Day at Smither Park.

(Note from Joe: For those following along on my facebook feed, you may have seen that I had a major motorcycle accident (video recreation available, caution: graphic content!) and I'm currently having trouble lifting things like cameras or bags with camera gear. So let's squeeze that lemon into lemonade!)

For one day, let's ditch the heavy gear and bring out or favorite alternative camera! Spend a morning slowing down, experimenting, and seeing things a little differently at Smither Park. This special photowalk is all about alternative photography, film, toy cameras, DIY builds, creative phone apps, and anything that helps you break out of your usual routine. If you’ve been itching to dust off that “other” camera, this is the perfect excuse.

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## WHAT COUNTS AS “ALTERNATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY”?

Use used to do "Retro Photography Day" once or twice a year, where people would attend a photowalk with their old film cameras. As film became more difficult to acquire and develop, and iPhones started introducing retro apps, we included those too.

Today, "Alternative" photography can mean just about anything other than what you usually use for photography.

If it helps you see or shoot differently, it probably fits. If it captures and records light so it can be reproduced and shared, it definitely fits. Examples include (but are not limited to):

📱 Phone & App-Based

• iPhone / Android with creative photography apps
• Long-exposure apps
• Glitch apps
• Panoramic / sweep / distortion apps

🎞 Film & Analog

• 35mm, medium format, or large format film cameras
• Old or vintage film cameras
• Toy film cameras (Holga, Diana, etc.)
• Half-frame film cameras
• Disposable cameras
• Sprocket cameras (Sprocket Rocket, etc.)
• Pinhole cameras (DIY or store-bought)
• Box cameras

🧸 Toy / Experimental Cameras

• Plastic toy cameras
• Zone-focus toy cameras
• 110 cameras
• 126 cameras
• 365 / daily-use novelty cameras
• Instant toy cameras (Instax-style welcome)

🪞 Lenses, Filters & In-Camera Tricks

• Glass globes / crystal balls
• Prisms
• Kaleidoscope filters
• Split diopters
• Freelensing
• Lens whacking
• Tilt or swing adapters
• Homemade filters or masks

📐 Format & Capture Experiments

• Panoramas (stitched or in-camera)
• Vertical panos
• Slit-scan photography
• 3D cameras
• Stereo cameras
• Multi-lens cameras
• Diptychs or triptychs created in-camera

🛠 DIY & Handmade

• DIY cameras
• Matchbox or tin-can cameras
• Cardboard or 3D-printed cameras
• Modified cameras for unique effects

⚡ Other “Why Not?” Gear

• Instant film cameras
• Old digital cameras with quirks or customizations
• Cameras with broken screens or limited controls
• Anything that forces you to slow down or embrace imperfections

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## WHY PHOTOWALK AT SMITHER PARK?

Smither Park is one of Houston’s most visually surprising public spaces, packed with textures, colors, and details that reward slower, more thoughtful photography.

• The park is an ever-evolving mosaic art environment created with the help of local artists and volunteers, using recycled materials and found objects rather than traditional sculpture methods.
• Tucked beside the Orange Show complex, many of the mosaics include tiny, easily missed details, like handwritten tiles, odd materials, and personal touches that feel tailor-made for film and experimental cameras.
• With curved walls, layered surfaces, and unpredictable reflections, it’s a great place to embrace imperfections and happy accidents in your photos.

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## EVENT DESCRIPTION:

We’re bringing back one of our favorite traditions, Retro (Alternative) Photography Day, and it’s been a while. Instead of relying on our usual DSLR or mirrorless setups, this walk is about playing, experimenting, and leaning into different ways of making images together.

We’ll meet at Smither Park and take a relaxed walk through the space, stopping often to photograph mosaics, sculptures, textures, and details that might normally be overlooked. This isn’t about getting the “perfect” shot, it’s about enjoying the process and trying something a little outside your comfort zone.

Late February mornings tend to offer soft, workable light, and Smither Park’s mix of shade, open areas, and reflective surfaces makes it a great environment for film stocks, toy lenses, and creative phone apps alike.

As always, the goal is to photograph, hang out, and enjoy the company of other curious photographers. If you’ve missed our film or alt photography days, this is a great one to jump back in.

All skill levels are welcome, and all kinds of cameras are encouraged—from film and toy cameras to DIY builds and phones. Bring what excites you, and don’t overthink it.

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## IMPORTANT INFO:

• Wear good walking shoes, we’ll be on our feet and moving around the park.
• This is a casual, outdoor event; be aware of uneven surfaces and art elements throughout the park.

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## PARKING:

Smither Park is located in a residential area.

• Please park along the road and be mindful of neighbors.
• Do not block driveways or mailboxes.
• Arrive a little early if you want extra time to find a good parking spot.

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## RSVP AND PAYMENT INFO:

• If you need to change your RSVP, please post a comment below so others know a spot has opened up.
• Rain or shine, no refunds, no transfers.
• See our FAQ webpage for Payment, RSVP, and other questions.
• Organizers may not see emails/texts/comments during events.

Trip: Alaska Photography Cruise with HoustonPhotowalks – August 2026

Fri, Aug 14 · 7:00 PM CDT

Location not specified yet

UPDATAE: Sign on as an official traveler for this event at this link and receive a $50 on-board-credit for your room! use the money to pay towards spa treatments, specialty drinks, or just about anything on board. OFFER EXPIRES OCTOBER 31, 2025!

Official signup link: https://www.dancingmoontravel.com/alaska-photography-cruise-2026.html

Join Houston Photowalks and me, Joe Lippeatt, for an unforgettable 7-night Alaska photography cruise departing Seattle on August 15, 2026. We’ll mix guided excursions, workshops, and free time so you can capture the wild beauty of Alaska your way.

Our trip starts with a photowalk in Seattle, WA, including a visit to iconic spots like Pike Place Market, right next to the original Starbucks. Then we board our cruise and head to Alaska. Along the way, we’ll stop at several scenic ports, take photography classes focused on improving your travel shots, explore places like Victoria, BC, and enjoy plenty of opportunities to photograph Alaskan landscapes and sea life, even right from our balcony rooms.

WHY CRUISE TO ALASKA WITH US?

If you love photography and travel, this trip is a win. You’ll get to:

• Sail aboard the elegant Holland America Eurodam, with high-end dining, comfortable staterooms, and onboard amenities.
• Explore iconic and remote Alaskan ports: Juneau (with a whale‑watching photo excursion), Glacier Bay, Icy Strait Point, Sitka (private photo excursion), Ketchikan, and Victoria.
• Take part in onboard workshops, informal photo hangouts, and photowalks in ports where I’ll guide you, or give you time to go your own pace.

EVENT DESCRIPTION:

This cruise is about combining exploration, creativity, and good company. During the voyage, I’ll lead several classes on photography techniques, composition, and how to make the most of light in challenging environments. We’ll have two guided shore excursions (glacial landscapes + whale watching) and photowalks at other stops. Between sessions, you'll have “on‑your‑own” time to wander, shoot, or relax at your speed.

On your way out of Seattle, we’ll likely take a photowalk in the city or waterfront area, giving everyone a chance to adjust gear, meet each other, and grab some urban frames before venturing north. As we cruise, expect dramatic light, changing skyscapes, glaciers, marine wildlife, and coastal dramatic vistas. At each port, you’ll see local culture, rugged coastlines, forests, and wildlife — so plan your lens choices accordingly.

Whether you’re a beginner, enthusiast, or seasoned shooter, this is a perfect trip! Even if you bring just a smartphone, there will be something for you. The pace is designed to balance guided learning and your own creative time.

READY TO SIGN UP?

For more information, see the official cruise page: Dancing Moon Travel Alaska Photography Cruise 2026
Or contact Pat Hand via our Facebook group (our travel agent for this trip).