I’m reluctant to start this post with a negative; but I really don’t like crowds. However when it comes to festivals and fairs, my camera insists on taking me to them. And, I go willing. Such is the power of photography!

This week Ann-Christine is asking us to show some of the celebrations we’ve enjoyed.

I loved the Sacramento Music Festival, in Old Sacramento, each year. We used to work the youth gig. I was always amazed at the talent of our youth. Of course, we had our adult favorites too. Each festival started with a parade down Front Street. Unfortunately we no longer have this festival, but I do have pictures and memories.

And there’s always something to photograph at small town county fairs.

One year my friend Linda found us a Pirate Festival to explore. These pirates played the part!

A nighttime carnival is something I really enjoy. We have an old shopping center that used to host a small carnival once a year. Now that they’ve decided to tear it down, we’ve lost that fun opportunity. You know how I enjoy slowing down my shutter!

Ann-Christine also mentioned markets. Not only do farmers’ markets have delicious produce, but they provide excellent photo opportunities.

Actually, I do have fun at these festivals. With camera in hand, the crowds don’t seem to bother me. Sometimes people will move when they see me taking a picture. I guess crowds aren’t all that bad.

Thanks Ann-Christine, I enjoyed reliving these fun times. Please remember to link your post to Ann-Christine’s and use the lens-artists tag. I also enjoyed seeing everyone’s lines and patterns posted for John’s challenge last week. Sofia will be challenging us next week so look for her post.

In the meantime, stay safe and live in gratitude.

46 thoughts on “Lens Artists Challenge #360: Found at the Fair/Market”

  3. Farmers’ markets are always the best for photo ops! And I agree about crowds too. The third thing I really agree on is that it’s the camera that persuades me to go…and the small fairs without crowds. The pirates you show are really something…so glad you posted!

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  4. Anne, these are great! These photos must have brought back a lot of fun memories. It must have been fun to work with the kids at the music festival. I can’t remember the last time I went to a fair! Like you, I’m not fond of crowds. We don’t get out to these kinds of events much any more.

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    2. Thanks Beth! Yes, they brought back fond memories. The big problem with fairs in California is that they are usually in the summer when it’s hot. It was cool for our State fair this year, but I didn’t go.

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  8. Anne, I found your post very encouraging. I thought I might have to pass on this challenge because I don’t like crowds either. Now, I think I might at least give it a try. Thanks! 😊

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  9. Like you, I don’t like crowds. However, I can’t skip certain events. They can be great opportunities to photograph people. I really like the shots you have here. Wonderful subjects and photos!

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  12. Dear Anne

    Siri and Selma don’t mind crowded festivals. It seems to us that they like crowds. Klausbernd doesn’t like it when places are too busy.

    We just had our Harbour Day with the Pirate Festival yesterday. It was hot and busy but fun. We like your pirate pictures.

    We wish you a happy weekThe Fab Four of Cley:-) 🙂 🙂 🙂

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      1. Dear Anne
        Here are some pictures from the Pirate Festival just a couple of miles down our coast
        https://kbvollmarblog.wordpress.com/?s=Pirate
        This time, Hanne just enjoyed the Pirate Festival in our village without her camera.
        Nearly every village on our coast has a Pirate Festival and a Viking Festival, where people like to dress up. Some have amazing costumes.
        Wishing you a happy week
        The Fab Four of Cley
        🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

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  13. Festivals and markets are fun and yes, crowded. You captured the essence of each one, Anne. The pirate festival looks like a blast. Looks like you handled the crowds well…maybe they thought you were a professional photographer!

    Have you been to any of the local Ren Faires? Folsom had (has) a good one in October. We loved to dress in garbage and go. Of course hubby dressed as a pirate.

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    1. Thanks Terri! No, I haven’t been to a Ren Faire. We will be gone in October so I guess this one is out. The pirate festival was fun. I get asked a lot if I’m a pro photographer. I always answer that I’m a hobbyist. They especially think you’re a pro when you use a tripod!

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    1. Thanks Sofia! I checked the reader and it’s not there. It was after I posted on Sunday. I also checked my post and I did put in the Lens-Artist tag. Oh well. Thanks for putting in the effort to find it.

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