When it comes to colorful photographic opportunities, it's hard to beat classic-car shows, hot air balloon races, local fairs, street parades, historical re-enactments, or blue grass arts and crafts festivals. These camera-friendly events were made for photography!And if you're like many shooters who shy away from photographing people, then these occasions are just for you. Since seemingly everyone has a camera, you'll fit right in ... and before long, you'll be capturing all sorts of great people shots.
Bluegrass Girl
© Tammy L. Bevins
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Tips for Photographing Blue Grass Arts and Craft Festivals and Other Events
Get there early. Arriving when the "gates" open allows time to scout out things in a casual, pre-event atmosphere. You'll appreciate this strategy later, when the action is happening oh-so-very fast.Most festival goers - and photographers! - gather near the easy-to-reach "main stage" area. But great photo possibilities can be found on the less-hectic fringes, too – far beyond the announcer’s stand.
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What happens when your star subject is surrounded by spectators? Try patience and previsualizing: Study things from afar, and imagine your composition by "framing" a photo in your mind. Then you'll be ready to move in when the people move on.Strive for visual variety. Look for small scenes and intimate details ... not just people and the big views. Also, mix things up with both horizontals and verticals.Pack light. Try to visualize the types of photos you might want to shoot. Then pare down your camera bag to minimum accessories and just one or two lenses. Of course, that's easy to do if you have a compact digital with a built-in zoom!Expect to take more pictures than you planned. So include an extra memory card or film.
Resources on Photographing Blue Grass Arts and Craft Festivals - And Other Special Events
Related BetterPhoto Articles:
Related BetterPhoto Galleries:
Web Site on Bluegrass Festivals:
About Author / Instructor / Photographer, Kerry Drager
The content manager and an instructor for BetterPhoto.com, Kerry Drager is also the author of Scenic Photography 101. In addition, he teaches two online photography courses at BetterPhoto: Creative Light & Composition and Creative Close-ups. Kerry's Pro BetterPholio Web site offers an assortment of galleries and illustrated how-to articles on photography. In addition, kerrydrager.com was featured in Shutterbug magazine. His work has appeared in Outdoor Photographer and other major magazines; Hallmark cards and Sierra Club Calendars; and in advertising campaigns for American Express and Sinar Bron Imaging. He is also the photographer of the photo-essay books The Golden Dream: California from Gold Rush to Statehood and California Desert, and is a contributing photographer for the books Daybreak 2000 and Portrait of California. He lives with his wife, Mary, in the country near Sacramento, California, with their six Newfoundland dogs, six cats, two horses, and a mixed terrier.
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