I cannot say that I am sorry that Summer is close to ending. It’s hot, and it is a crappy season for photography.
One thing I did more than usual this summer was, visiting the summer fairs. And yes, I took my camera. My tiny Nikon Z50 with the kit lens. No, the kit lens is not a fast lens, but photography at 1200 ISO is now made possible by noise-cleaning powered by AI.
From small-town community fairs to the sprawling California State Fair, summer here has always been marked by carnival rides, livestock shows, and blue-ribbon pies. These gatherings capture the spirit of the season—neighbors catching up, families making traditions, and visitors sampling a slice of California’s diverse culture. It’s no wonder that summer fairs are a great opportunity to practice different styles of photography all in one day, from street to shows, night photography, SEM and much more.
Now, as school resumes and the days grow shorter, the fairgrounds grow quiet. The Ferris wheels are packed away, the prize animals return to their farms, and the midway games wait for another summer. What remains are the photos: livestock barns, the rides, the shows, and the timeless joy of celebrating community under the California sun.
If there is one summer fair left in your region, and you want to photograph, here are my tips:
- Make it simple. One camera, one lens;
- Arrive early before the crowds, and leave late to catch the evening and night lights;
- Sit somewhere and pay attention to the people around you. An unexpected street photo may be just around the corner;
- Spend some time in the barns with the animals;
- Eat some bad food, of which there is plenty;
- Enjoy yourself! Fair photography is not about the craft, it’s messy, and it’s about having fun and watching people enjoying the moment.
______________________________
Wall Art landscapes and miscellaneous
________________________________
It is all about the light 
Leave a comment