It's that time of year again. Temps are dropping, hay bails and pumpkins all around. It's time for the Arkansas State Fair. Since 2007, I have had the privilege of being one of the official photographers of the State Fair. As part of my job on the fairgrounds, I photograph contest winners for the Livestock Show, Arts and crafts and others. In addition to those photos, I am challenged with capturing the essence of the fair and to create images to be used in the next year's marketing and advertising collateral. This is a very fun and rewarding project every year. I hope you will bring your family out to enjoy a corn dog or a fried Twinkie and some rides! Be sure and check out the Rock & Roll Museum in Barton Coliseum as well!  Always have your smile on because I might just see you and take your picture!

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Exciting news! I was recently awarded a contract with one of the top manufacturers in the aviation industry! In the past month, I've already had the privilege to photograph half a dozen private jets. Over the last several years I've been able to do more and more work in the aviation industry. I'm thankful for the opportunities and really enjoy the people and the planes. Aircraft present several challenges to photograph them well and I love that challenge!

It's been said "Once you quit learning, you're dead".  In an attempt to continue giving you the very best in photography services, I have worked to continue my education. Recently, I have started working on a new method of lighting for commercial images.  This technique is called "Painting with Light"  Unlike a traditional photograph which is a single exposure then manipulated for the best overall look, Painting with light uses a variety of exposures/images each one lit with a specific goal in mind.  The benefit of this approach is a wider range of colors, brightness and sharpness.  Check out this example from this weekend's project here. 

One of my absolute favorite aspects of being the photographer for the Arkansas State Fair is the many opportunities to photograph the carnival lights.  Every year I try to get a new angle or something different than I did the year before.  Also, I often see people out here trying to do the same.  While there's only 2 nights left of this year's fair, I thought I'd share with you a few tips on making YOUR fair photos better.

Tip 1:  If you're coming to do the lights and rides you need to arrive early before dark.  You should allow time to get here and park and get in the gates and still have time to scope out the shot (or shots) you want to get.  

Tip 2:  Timing is everything! Too early and there is too much light in the sky and the rides don't "pop" shoot too late and the background is just completely black and has no depth.

Tip 3:  Use a tripod. Tripods are a must for this kind of photography.  Your exposure times can be as much as one second and there's just no way to hold the camera still that long by hand. A remote release or using your self timer is another great way to minimize vibrations.  

Tip 4:  Settings:  There is no ONE setting that is right. It depends on what you're going for.  I prefer to shoot a middle range aperture so that there is plenty of depth of focus in the image but also it allows for the longer shutter speeds needed to get some good movement in the rides. Remember that the ISO setting on your camera can really help you, but if you get it set too high, you'll start having a lot of noise and lack that clean, crisp color!  Come on out to the State Fair tonight or tomorrow night.  

Tip 5:  Sunday night will close with Fireworks at about 8:30!  Come out early and get a good spot!