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

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.