WWII Days Midway Village, Rockford, IL

Me! That's me!

I will be taking photos as well. I have a Flickr account here where I will be posting an album of my photos from the event. I will also be posting them on the event's Facebook page.

Last year was my first time attending. I only had my iPhone with me then and managed to take some fun spectator shots. I'm hoping I will get around more this year though, and get some cool battle shots as well.

I also got a ride in what I was told was a 1939 German motorcycle. Not that I doubt the very sweet reenactor who treated me to a ride, but I don't know enough to properly judge authenticity on my own.

Would anyone like to see a great album from last year? I have a friend who is a very talented photographer, and I can link to his Flickr album if anyone is interested.

 

Here it is: Rockford 2016

And what the heck, here is an earlier album: Rockford 2014

SauceyJack plans to be there this year as well.

 

Will you two be in "dress"?

 

I may be in a dress but not period-appropriate dress.

The man who runs the reenactment group's press corps is very kind and encouraged me to join, but that would require reenactor-level attention to detail. I'm too lazy for that! I'm just a shutterbug.

 

My pleasure. I'll let Brian know you guys like his stuff. He'll be happy to hear it.

Regarding reenacting and period-appropriate age, yeah...reenacting is an expensive hobby. I think that's one of the reasons you tend to see older participants. They can afford it. There was a cute meme floating around not too long ago about a guy who decided to take up reenacting, which then meant instantly his weekends were busy and he was broke.

The Civil War crowd has a slightly tougher time with this. I do see younger people, and I see entire families doing impressions (which is cool), but the WW1 and 2 crowds tend to have more guys in what might be considered the correct age range.

I hope I have a great turnout of photos for you! Fortunately, I know Brian will. My daughter, who is a much better photographer than her mama, is planning on attending as well. So if all goes well, you'll have at least 4 albums to check out.

I have yet another photographer friend who really enjoys shooting reenactments. Since this is a big event, he will likely be there. He is like Brian (SauceyJack). He always turns out fantastic stuff. If he's there and ends up putting an album up online, I'll provide a link for you guys.

 

Thanks for sharing those albums, a full range of characters there, some looked so good I went 'Hmmmm that's good' to actually swearing out loud in mirth.

 

That final photographer I mentioned ~ his name is Tom Davison ~ has his online albums organized so that I can share with you the ones specifically dedicated to WW2.

TGDavison ~ WW2

Enjoy!

 

Almost time! I'll be there on Saturday for sure, maybe on Sunday...if the heat doesn't get me first.

 

LoriAnn, just found this thread but will certainly follow it now. . You and your friends have posted some time images of the reenactors. Composition, color, clarity is just great. The reenactors are really well outfitted, in clothing and accoutrement. Good eyes for detail in both groups.. Especially like the WW2 hairstyles of the women.

I look forward to seeing the next photos....Oh ! Get a few of the ever elusive Otto, a wily fellow known to use aliases. He will probably be in camouflage !!

Gaines

 

Thank you, Gaines!

If Otto will allow it, I will try to get a shot or two of him.

 

Hello me old China, I'm glad that others get to see your wonderful photo's, you're pictures just keep getting better and better, Hi by the way....

 

Hello, Friend. Thank you, and I'm happy you're here.

 

Thank you LoriAnn, I have you to thank for pointing me to this wonderful forum.

 

I'm bringing my zoom lens, so I'll be able to hide in bushes like the paparazzi and click away.

 

Back home and back in 2017. Whew!

Otto and I were unable to meet up, which was a disappointment for both of us. But there were 3 of us with cameras in attendance, and we took a lot of photos. I hope to get an album up within the next few days, and I will link to it for you.

The main battles did not go as planned. They are held in a big field, and this year, it was so hot and dry, the field caught fire twice. Town battles were a success though. We were able to photograph one of them, and I found myself planted right in front of where the medics worked.

It was extremely hot and humid. Everyone was suffering. But the reenactors stuck it out and were, as usual, knowledgable and enthusiastic. I tried to take a lot of vehicle and weapon photos for those of you who might like that. My favorite is portraits though, so you'll see a fair number of impressions. I would have loved to take my time and get some artsy shots from weird angles, but it was just too darn hot to fool around with that.

I'll be back soon with images.