I forgot how target-rich the Minnesota State Fair is for capturing candid shots. In a way it reminds me of the steady stream of photographic opportunities I experience when I'm in New York City. There's no time for your camera to slip into pause mode, and you have to keep your finger on the trigger at all times or you'll miss your next shot. And with the endless stimulation surrounding you, it's easy to slide into that zone or meditative state where your focus is perched squarely on the next opportunity, just steps away, and headed straight at you.
It was mid-afternoon when I met up with a friend for what would be a 9-mile photo walk that snaked through the crowded streets and criss-crossed the fair grounds. It was my third year shooting at the fair, and this time I noticed several themes worthy of capture.
There's something about the food at this fair that gets everyone excited. Apparently, I'm one of the few who doesn't appreciate this seasonal cuisine. Nevertheless, fair food makes for great subject matter, and I spent some time capturing the corn-on-the-cob crowd as well as other fair-foodie delights. With the help of backlighting, the first picture captures a fine mist of butter and corn kernel juice bursting from all that nibbling.
This is the first year I spent some time in the barns with the animals and their caretakers. I was surprised to see the close connection between the caretakers and their animals. We saw older kids sitting in the hay with their cows, and then there was this woman seeking contact comfort with her cow in a way that doubled as a footstool..
Since I shoot with a 28mm lens, it's challenging to find amusement park rides where the subjects aren't raised high overhead and out of range for my lens. I did find two rides that worked at ground level. The first two pictures below are of the same couple in different stages of excitement. The first image was taken as the ride started to speed up. The second picture shows the effect of spinning and whipping around in circles several times. Notice how the guy's cool demeanor has given way to unbridled joy.
My last post included a shot of a woman yawning, and I'm now collecting this expression of fatigue or restlessness whenever I'm out and about with my camera. Here are a few yawns from last night.
It's interesting to notice the body language of people as they look to the sky.
And finally, a sample of other moments captured throughout the day.
