Capturing Love & Fun at the TN State Fair
For this session, I got to bring a dream photoshoot idea to life—at the Tennessee State Fair! I’ve always wanted to capture a couple in the whimsical atmosphere of a fair, and when I saw it was coming to town, I knew I had to make it happen. Thankfully, this couple was just as excited about the idea as I was! From riding the Ferris wheel to grabbing a funnel cake, they were down for every pose and fun moment I threw their way. I told them my goal was to make it feel like they were simply enjoying the fair, without even realizing I was there!
Finding Inspiration in Fun
The fair’s bright colors, playful energy, and nostalgic vibes made it easy to get creative. From the moment we arrived, we were surrounded by inspiration—the twinkling lights, carnival rides, and classic fair treats all added to the magical atmosphere. I didn’t want this session to feel like a series of poses, but more like I was capturing their day, their story. The key to these non-traditional shoots is allowing the couple to have fun and be themselves, which this pair did effortlessly.
Why I Love Non-Traditional Sessions
Sessions like this are truly my favorite because they feel so natural. Let’s be honest, how often do we just hang out in a field for photos? What I love about this kind of setting is that it feels more like documenting a couple’s real-life date than a photo shoot. It becomes more than just pictures—it’s capturing a story, a memory they can look back on and remember how much fun they had. These types of sessions allow for creativity and connection, where I get to capture their love in an environment that feels true to them.
How to Plan a Fun, Unique Session
If you’re thinking about planning something fun and different for your own couple's session, my biggest tip is to bring your ideas to life! Come to your photographer and explain what you and your partner love to do together. Whether it’s hitting the fair, hiking in the mountains, or enjoying your favorite coffee spot, share that with us. Creating an inspiration board—whether it’s a Pinterest board or examples from your photographer’s work—helps communicate your vision clearly. As a visual person, it’s so helpful for me to see what you're envisioning, so we can bring those ideas to life and create something that feels personal to you.
The TN State Fair shoot was an absolute dream, and I’m so glad this couple trusted me to capture their love in such a fun and unique way. It just goes to show that when you bring a little bit of creativity into your session, the results can feel magical!
