I wandered around the Central States Fair tonight with fellow Journal staffers Seth McConnell and Emilie Rusch. And instead of toting along my big ol’ camera, I opted for my cell phone and one of the photo filter applications that gives these images their Holga-esque look. I love the fair. I look forward to it every year. No matter what city or state I am in. And somehow, they all feel the same. But of course there are the things from my hometown fair that I miss. Like the old school black and white photo booth. And the candy apples. And the landscape design displays in the hobby hall. But all those small things aside, the Central States Fair is pretty fun and great for people watching. Two bucks is a pretty fair price to pay to wander around in a sea of people and soak up the last few weeks of summer.

by Kristina Barker

Fall sports are just around the corner. Practices have already started. And man are they early. Had a few early days to catch 7 a.m. practices in Spearfish and Newell this week. Always nice to catch some nice warm morning light. But these silhouettes were fun to play with. And this photo also taught me the word for jet clouds. Anyone else not ever heard the word contrail? Thanks Ryan for that awesome tidbit of knowledge.

By Seth A. McConnell

Funerals, for me, are hands down one of the hardest events to cover as a journalist. Its not something I ever look forward too.
Today I covered the funeral of former Chief of Police Tom Hennies who passed away last week.
Funerals present their own set of challenges in making photos the biggest being maintaining respect for the ceremony and the family who are grieving a loved one.
I tried keeping my distance as much as possible and to make smooth, well thought out transitions from angle to angle and photo to photo so as to not become a spectacle myself. As I’ve learned in the last two years and more specifically the last few weeks there are times to make photos and times to sit, listen and just watch. I spent a lot of time just observing today and making frames only when necessary.
I made a few frames that I’m very proud of and shot a few different angles than I normally would.

I put together a slideshow. Which can be viewed here.

-S

Really fun event with a lot of interesting and friendly people. If you haven’t checked it out before, go tomorrow or check it out next year. Just past the Buffalo Chip and the airport. You can’t miss it.

by Kristina Barker