How to photograph a trip to the fun fair

‘Tis the season for the fun fairs (weather depending, of course). To make the most of this great photographic opportunity and capture unforgettable memories you for kids, here are a few tips to help you photograph the whole story, not just the standard cheesy smile before the ride that let’s face it isn’t going to get used anywhere, really.

All the shots you see below were shot on my go-to “day out” kit, a Canon 6D and a 50mm f1.4 lens. This lens doesn’t zoom so I have to use my legs and find interesting ways to capture something without the flexibility of a zoom, but I actually prefer it that way, it keeps me on my toes! I choose this lens as it’s small and light, so I can easily carry it with me – alongside everything else that needs to be taken on a day out with kids – without breaking my back.

Show the anticipation

Fun fairs may be a drain on most parents’ wallets, but it’s sure a lot of fun for kids! My 5yo has been asking about fun fairs since last winter! So when we finally went a few days ago he was very excited (but a little doubtful still, I think! :)). I made sure to capture that.

ISO 320 F2.8 1/400sec

ISO 320 F2.8 1/2500sec

ISO 640 F2.5 1/4000sec

Capture emotion

Skip the posed “cheesy” shot and instead capture real emotions – and be sure to include the quieter moments too!

ISO 640 F2.5 1/1250sec

ISO 640 F2.5 1/1000sec

ISO 640 F2.5 1/2500sec

ISO 640 F1.4 1/4000sec

ISO2000 F2.5 1/250sec

Show the setting

Give a sense of space by photographing a wider view of the fair. These are great for including in your photobook too. Bonus points in you can add motion blur (see below).

ISO640 F11 1/30sec

ISO 2000 F2.5 1/250sec

ISO 320 F2.5 1/320sec

Show the details

Photographing the details helps convey the mood and sense of the place, so make sure you capture those too.

ISO640 F11 1/30sec

ISO640 F2.5 1/4000sec

ISO2000 F20 1/6sec

Go a little abstract

Lets face it, fun fairs aren’t always very pretty, with bits of fencing, wires and other ugly bits showing up in the most inconvenient places. Use shallow depth of field (low aperture number) to blur unsightly background, use layering to fill in the frame, zoom in or go a little abstract.

ISO320 F2.5 1/800sec

ISO2000 F2.5 1/800sec

ISO 650 F1.4 1/4000sec

ISO2000 F2.5 1/500sec

Capture movement

Capturing movement at the fun fair, with rides moving in a number of different directions at the same time isn’t easy, but it’s possible. Use slow shutter speed and move your camera alongside with the movement to focus on one element in the frame but blur the rest out. It will most likely take you several attempts to get it right, so don’t despair!