Hello everyone, I am excited to be the Binghamton, NY leader again this year. This year’s walk is taking place on October 1st from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. We will meet at the historic Lackawanna train station on Lewis St at 4 p.m. The walk begins 4:30 p.m. at the train station and then heads northeast over the via-duct (bridge over the Norfork Southern railroad yard). Next we will be going to head west on Eldredge St passing by some historic buildings from Binghamton’s past. We will continue heading down Eldredge St. towards the Chenango riverwalk and will pass Noyes Island. Noyes Island is not an island anymore – but is now one of NYSEG’s large power station storage facilities and yard. This area might be interesting to some photographers. At the end of Eldredge St. you will be able to see the glorious Chenango River.

From there we will be heading down the riverwalk towards Clinton St., passing the future home of Binghamton technical museum (Techworks). Next you will see the rustic iron railroad bridges which were built in the 19th century. We will continue heading to the Clinton St. bridge and making a left and heading to Washington St where we will see the former Boys and Girls Club, the former Elks Club and Shrine Temple and the Broome County Forum. After we pass the Forum we will be walking past the Federal Building, one of Binghamton’s old Post Offices. Continuing along we will take a right on Henry Street going past Christ Church, the oldest Episcopal church in Binghamton, the Lost Dog restaurant, and the Riverwalk Hotel and parking ramp. We will then head to the river walk and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Promenade. Continuing down to the riverwalk and we will take the riverwalk down to Court St. After that we will take the stairs to again go down to the riverwalk. If anyone has problems with stairs they can walk to the corner of Court and Water Streets, cross there and rejoin us on other side. Before rejoining us you may want to look at the mosaic wall that was done last year by Susan Jablon mosaics .

While going under the Court Street Bridge you will continue to see the river, the former M&T bank above you and various other buildings along the river. We will continue walking down the riverwalk to just past the Holiday Inn Hotel and Binghamton University’s Downtown Center. Walking towards Washington Street you will see the construction of a new student housing project (Twin River Commons). We will then take a left on Washington St and continue towards Court Street passing the Binghamton University Downtown Center again, the Broome County Arena, the Holiday Inn and another student housing projects – Luxury Student Housing . We will then be in the area of Washington Street between Hawley and Court Streets which contains some magnificent pieces of architecture. Next we will continue down Court Street, east past some of Binghamton’s history and wonderful architecture from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Buildings here include the Broome County Courthouse and the Perry Building designed by Isaac G. Perry, a famous architect from Binghamton. We will next see the Press building, which is one of the most outstanding pieces of architecture we have in Binghamton and which is detailed with an unusually elaborate display of Victorian exuberance designed by T. I Lacey & Son. It was one of the founding places of the newspapers which later became the Press and Sun Bulletin. Continuing along we will pass the Security Mutual Building, another building designed by T.I Lacey & Sons. If you look towards the top of this building you might see some of the Peregrine Falcons which live at the top of the building.
For the last leg of the photowalk we will be heading down Chenango St. again going past the Perry building and continuing past the part of the Midtown Mall which unfortunately was gutted last year in one of Binghamton worst fires in its history . Two buildings down we pass the Press Building which is still being cleaned and remodeled after damage from the same fire. After the Press Building you will see 2 buildings that were once Binghamton theaters, the Strand and the Stone Opera House. We will finish the photowalk at Little Venice Restaurant for dinner (each person needs to pay for their own food and/or drink) where we can talk about the walk and people will have time to share their photos from the walk.

For everyones attention:

If you sign up, please be at our meeting place within at least 15 minutes before our scheduled leaving time of 4:30pm. There is a limit of 50 people, and so many more people will have wanted to be on this walk. Signing up to join this group means you are going to be there, baring any very unusual circumstances. Any issues, feel free to contact me at matt@matthewcard.com. I look forward to meeting you all.

FAQ’s about our Photo Walk through Binghamton:

You do not need to be a professional to attend.

A disposable 35mm camera will work just as well as the greatest and latest digital camera out there. Though some kind of digital camera would be best if you want to share your pictures with everyone after our walk. This walk is for all levels of photographers and its for all of us to have a great team shooting.

Make sure not to carry to much gear because it can get heavy over time. Remember to dress for the weather so make sure to keep an eye on the weather a few days before the walk .

One of the most important things is to be courteous and to respect the people and property of Binghamton because this public walk and it maybe be crowded. So watch out for your fellow photographers so you don’t get in there way and also if you are photographing individuals remember to ask there permission and mention that this is a
worldwide photo walk and that this group’s photographs are going to showcase Binghamton , also be extra careful when you photographing children; always ask the parents before you photograph them.

Be a good photographer and help others who are less experience then you during the walk because its going to a wide mix of people from beginners to professionals and this gives a great opportunity to learn from each other and have a great time doing it.

Safety, Safety, SAFETY – I can’t stress this enough, watch your gear all the time and be sure to secure your cell phones and wallets. That way, you still have some money to buy food after the walk. Whatever or wherever you shoot, please put your safety and the safety of others first. It is easy to get so involved in photographing that you forget sense of place. Watch your equipment – although most people are trustworthy, there are some that are not and could make a quick get-away with your equipment left unattended.