Best Photo Spots at the State Fair
Everyone takes photos at the state fair. But most people end up with the same blurry ride shots and half-eaten corn dog snapshots that look exactly like everyone else's. The fair is actually full of incredible photo opportunities if you slow down and pay attention to what is around you. Where Are the Best Photo Spots At The State Fair? At CountyfairsUSA, we have been covering county fairs, state fairs, and festivals across America since 1999. Over the years, we have noticed that the best fair photos almost never come from the obvious spots. Here is where to point your camera for shots that actually stand out. The Midway During Golden Hour The hour before sunset is the single best window for photos at any state fair. The warm, low-angle sunlight bounces off metal rides, colorful signage, and the faces of fairgoers in a way that makes everything look cinematic. If you only have one chance to shoot, this is when you should be on the midway. Shoot facing away from the sun so that warm backlit glow wraps around your subjects. The Ferris wheel silhouetted against an orange sky is a classic shot for a reason, and it only takes a few seconds to capture if you are in the right place at the right time. The Ferris Wheel From Every Angle No other structure at the fair gives you as many photo options as the Ferris wheel. It works as a subject during the day and completely changes character after dark when the lights come on. Most people only photograph it from one angle, but you should try several. From directly below looking straight up through the spokes for a dramatic geometric shot From a distance with the full wheel framed against the sky or the midway crowd From the top looking down at the entire fairgrounds spread out below you At night with long exposure if your phone or camera supports it, so the lights streak into glowing circles Neon Signs and Food Stand Lights After Dark Once the sun sets, the fair becomes a completely different place for photography. Every food stand, game booth, and ride lights up with neon and LED signage that creates bold, colorful backdrops you cannot find anywhere else. Lemonade stands and cotton candy carts are some of the most photogenic vendors because of their bright yellow and pink lighting Use portrait mode on your phone to blur the background lights into soft bokeh behind your subject Step back [...]
