How to Document the State Fair of Texas – 2017
A little peek into our day at the Great State Fair of Texas 2017 and a few tips & tricks for your own images
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For as long as I can remember we have brought the kids to the State Fair of Texas. I remember going a few times as a kiddo. It was magical. The lights, the sounds, the smells, and of course the food. It was all so much to take in. I love getting to experience the different experiences of the fair every year. Do you know why we go every year? Because my kids are growing. Do you know that we didn’t ride ONE ride in the Kidway this year? That was a first for us. Jack is starting to move towards liking the games and the food more than the rides. Sophie, my adventurer, of course is loving the big rides. Even the ones that scare her a little bit. I know it’s a very strange yard stick to measure their growth, but it is a pretty unique one! I wonder what it will be like in 2 or 3 more years… or 4 when Jack visits the fair as a senior in high school.
When we visit the State Fair I always want to bring my camera. It’s in my blood, I just can’t not take it. Though my 8+ could be a contender if my camera gets to heavy, it isn’t there.. yet. But I wanted to share some tips that I use when I photograph my family at the fair.
Tips for Photographing at the State Fair
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– Photograph the food with your people
What is your favorite fair food? Do you photograph it? There are corn dogs, cotton candy, caramel apples, and of course funnel cakes to name a few. Photography your kiddos with their favorite fair foods. And sometimes trying something new, like the Tornado Tators that we tried this year.
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-Make pictures of their discovery
Jump ahead of them a little and document them seeing something new. Now this works well with bigger kids, when the kiddos were younger we would tag team to make sure eyes were always on the kids. Now our eyes are always on the kids but you can be a step or two ahead. To get this kind of image you should for sure use a wide angle lens. I was simply a few steps ahead of them. Almost in arms reach.
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-Photograph the color
There are so many great colors at the fair. Ask them if you can take a picture. And play the game they have if you are photographing in their area.
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– Be patient with people walking
See the images below of the kiddos in front of the midway sign? I waited. And waited. And waited some more for the perfect shot. It took maybe 3 minutes, but it feels like an eternity. And that is ok. Some people walked right in front of us and some moved out of the way which was so nice. For this set of shots, I used a portrait lens. You can tell because we are SO far away from the actual midway sign. You see the bbq stand on the left? It is pretty long but looks shorter. If you use a portrait lens (I used my 85) you have to be further back but the compression really makes the sign pop. Can you see how it brings the sign closer to the kids?
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-take a LOT of pictures and have fun with it
You are seeing a few of the images I took, but I took a lot of pictures. You have to because there are people everywhere. Have fun, I stuck the kids in the coupon line because I liked the light. I got my picture, they got more coupons lol. I call that a win, win.
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Y’all have fun with your State Fair images. And remember to not get in peoples way, be patient, take your time, don’t get mad at your kiddos if you can’t get the perfect shot, just move to the next one. And enjoy their joy while they are experiencing it. It is worth it.
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Kristina McCaleb Photography is a Dallas based newborn and children’s photographer. I specialize in newborn, child, and family photography in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Kristy is available for travel throughout the metroplex, Texas and worldwide. She frequently travels for sessions. I am dedicated to providing you with beautiful images for your walls or for an album in your bookshelf. I also enjoy chatting about photography. It sometimes it can be overwhelming so let’s start the conversation. Let’s start planning your memories.
For more information please contact me so we can start discussing your session.
info@kristinamccalebphotography.com
