The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire is host to some of the greatest performers and portrait subjects one can ever find! So grab your camera and come join in the fun.

May 14th, 2017

Each year for Mother's Day my mom and I have an annual tradition to go to the Faire and photograph actors, guests, performers and any meandering talent that we stumble across.

I love candid shots, but lately, I have preferred the portrait style image where your subject knows you are taking his or her picture. With my Cannon zoom lens (75-300mm) I can get the subject's eyes in perfect focus and blur out the distracting background beautifully.

Most costumed people are extremely happy to oblige and give you a welcoming smile, a scorned grimace, a whimsical laugh or even a funny face! (And I just love them all!)

Remember, these are characters and they come complete with so many different looks and personalities. But from what I have found, across the board is that they are all so warm, friendly and compassionate. 

When taking their portrait don't just click away from behind the lens. Give them a warm smile, ask "may I?" and then compliment an aspect of their makeup or garb. You will have a guaranteed smile and direct eye contact by your subject in no time!

When heading into a performance or show here, pick a seat as close to front and center as you can, and again try to make friendly eye contact with your main performers and show them you are ready to take some good pictures today!

Think about that fraction of a second you will be clicking that image. If they are singing, will they hit a note where it looks like they are all smiling! (I listen for the ending of a verse that has a word like "way" or "sweet" to give them that extra pearly looking smile!)

And sometimes you aren't looking for a smile at all... so just wait for it, wait for it.... then when it's funny, snap it quick!

Sometimes you get them already posing for another photographer and you can share in the fun (as long as you are not distracting the subject completely or blocking the original photographer's view.) With an on camera flash or just the right natural lighting you can get a quick hassle-free shot and move along as if you weren't even there at all!

Other times you have time to work with them and you can get a variety of different expressions; a sultry stare, boisterous laughter, that serious look, or silly crossed eyes!