Field Trips
Our field trips give members the opportunity to learn, explore, and connect in a relaxed, hands-on setting. With a variety of locations and photography styles, each outing offers something new to try while building skills and community.
2026 First Quarter Field Trips
​​March 28, 2026 | 1:00 PM
Location: School of the Ozarks College Campus and Foster Museum, Point Lookout, MO
Focus: Lines, shadows, managing ambient light, subject composition
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April 11, 2026 | 1:00 PM
Location: Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathaniel Green/Closed Memorial Park
2400 S Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO 65807 (417) 864-1191
Photo Shoot: Cherry Blossom Kite and Piñata Festival
Focus: Creative compensation, light exposure, fast shutter speed
Logistic Note: Capturing action expressions on kids' faces, kids pinatas, flying kites
Other Notes: Cost and parking are free, watch kids build and design their own kites and piñatas. Enjoy live culture performance and browse a mini market featuring Japanese and Mexican snacks, candies, beverages, and souvenirs.
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April 30 to May 3, 2026
Location: Springfield Downtown on the Square (other locations and times)
Additional information on events and times will be posted on F.B.
Photo Shoot: National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff and America’s 250th anniversary
Jefferson Avenue footbridge lighting ceremony
Focus: Aperture, Death of Field, Compensation, Framing
Logistic Note: The entire district transforms into an impressive patriotic experience filled with energy, heritage, food, music, and an unsustainable spirit of America’s great roads and railroad
Other Notes: From daytime festivities to evening entertainment, this blowout bash features live music, classic cars, local food, history, and once-in-a-lifetime events honoring the Rehabilitation of the historic footbridge.
Friday May 1st
All evening, live music, local foods, history, and entertainment
6-9, classic car, including vehicles from the Great Race Spring Rally after parade
8:00 PM footbridge lighting and drone show
Saturday May 2nd
8 – 2 pm C-Street City Market - Footbridge Plaza
8 – 1 pm Classic Car show, Roberson to Benton Ave
10 - 11:00 AM Jefferson Avenue footbridge dedication ceremony.
11 - 6:00 PM live music, history, shopping, and food
Live music at Footbridge Plaza mainstage
History and railroad Exhibits at Historic Firehouse No. 2 at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm
Peddlers Bicycle Museum Open - high wheel bicycle photo op!
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May 9, 2026 | 9 AM
Location: Battlefield Mall (Southeast corner, Glenstone and Battlefield)
2825 S Glenstone Ave. Springfield Mo.
Photo Shoot: Farmers Market
Focus: Capturing the colors and shapes of fruits, vegetables, and edible foods
Logistic Note: shoot close-ups and macro with shading following behind the subject
Other Notes: This is Springfield’s only true farmers' market. That means the person selling the product to you personally planted, grew, harvested, or made your food. Items from asparagus to zucchini, Fruits and vegetables, premium meat products including chicken, pork, beef, lamb, and grass-fed products, eggs, honey, Jelly and jams, also baked goods like kettle corn, roasted nuts, specialty pastas, tamales, and other foods and flowers to make a beautiful dinner.
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June 19, 2026 | 5 – 9 PM
Location: Ozark Mo. at Finley River Park
Photo Shoot: The 19th Hot Air Balloon Glow benefiting Children’s Smile Center
Focus: Shooting bright, vibrant colors, live music, and families having fun
Logistic Note: Shooting bright colors towards dark skies will need a fast lens, a wide-angle, and a telephoto
Other Notes: Hot Air Balloon Glow, also known as Glow, is a free, family-friendly nighttime event featuring tethered hot air balloons, inflated and lit by their burners, creating glowing balloons against the dark sky.
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June 20 – 21, 2026 | Time TBD
Location: Hartville, MO. 5651 State Hwy. F
Photo Shoot: The White Hart Renaissance Fairground Festival
Focus: Shooting the scenes and events from back in the early centuries
Logistic Note: Wide-angle and mid telephoto lenses, working with shades and actions
Other Notes: A Renaissance will host various themed events, such as Viking-themed fairs and Faye masquerades, offering a family-friendly experience with live performances, historical reenactments, and a marketplace. This is a community support event. The main feature in June features Armored Combat, musicians, dancers, birds of prey, and a large artisan market.
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