Triple digits–for two weeks! What’s a photographer to do? Go out early? Shoot indoors? Don’t shoot? The last is not an option! So one day Linda and I drove to Vallejo early in the morning to visit the 10th Annual Northern California Pirate Festival. Well, it’s cooler in Vallejo, we got there soon after it opened and left when the heat turned up.

I guess I was expecting something like the Highland Games we went to last year. This festival was on a much smaller scale, but didn’t lack pirate enthusiasts. The vendors were in costume, but what caught my camera’s eye were the visitors. They were the show.

There were kids activities, games, food, and more family fun. But, Linda and I didn’t bring grandkids, so we observed.

We were in and out within two hours, missing the fine festival food. Instead we enjoyed lunch in nice air conditioned restaurant! So, avast ye mates, and join me at the Pirate Festival.

Do you have any other ways to avoid the heat and still get out and shoot? I’d welcome suggestions because it’s going to be a hot summer.

A candid shot. He was talking and I waited for him to look up.

Entertainers performing.

He looks more like a viking than a pirate.

Another candid conversation.

It was interesting to find mermaids here.

Another candid. I don’t know why she had the feather in her mouth.

A parade marching through the grounds.

Another entertainer.

This couple stopped and posed for me.

Black Beard was also busy talking.

A group of ladies in song.

A proclamation of some sort.

A gal just has to relax. Another candid.

A more flattering image. Candid.

A pirate and his gal dancing outside the food tent. Candid.

A posed shot.

Looks like love. Candid.

A music lover. Candid.