School of Journalism and Mass Communications photography students immersed themselves
in the vibrant atmosphere of the South Carolina State Fair, gaining invaluable hands-on
experience as photojournalists documenting the moments that make the fair a cherished
tradition in our state.
The Photography for Visual Communications students, under the instruction of Renée Ittner-McManus , put their knowledge into practice in this dynamic setting. After the first half
of the semester focused on the exposure triangle — aperture, shutter speed and ISO
— as well as the aesthetic elements of layering and composition, students engaged
in a photojournalistic endeavor to produce a three-image feature package containing
an overall view, a detail shot and a moment. They also explored motion techniques
through a study that included stopping action, blurred motion and panning.
These top photos also were chosen for a gallery in The State .
Opening night at the South Carolina State Fair produced a beautiful canvas of colors
as the sun set. The fair offers a range of attractions from thrilling rides, live
music, and an abundance of food options. AUGUSTA LEWIS - USC School of Journalism
and Mass Communications
Abigail Shepard, 7, from Lexington, spins on the tea cups ride at the South Carolina
State Fair. Abigail and her mom spent the day riding rides at the fair, having a mother-daughter
day. “This is my favorite ride,” Abigail said. “My mom spins it so fast.” ZOE ORECHWA
- USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications
The Amazing Aydar juggles while pedaling a unicycle at the South Carolina State Fair.
ADRIAN WONG - USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications
Sam Hart, 9, and his sister Lyla Hart, 6, fly down the slides at the South Carolina
State Fair. Sam and Lyla have been coming to the fair for five years. ALLY TINDALL
- USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications
A stunning fall sunset serves as the perfect backdrop to the Ferris wheel on opening
day of the South Carolina State Fair. CAITLYN CAMPBELL - USC School of Journalism
and Mass Communications
With food pellets in hand, Savannah Stalvey, 2, feeds the goats with glee at the South
Carolina State Fair. Her family, stationed in Sumter, brought her to see the animals
and found she has a love for goats even though horses are Stalvey’s favorite. ASHLEY
MALLON - USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications
A donkey takes a snack at the Commerford and Sons petting zoo at the South Carolina
State Fair. The petting zoo also features goats, llamas, and a camel. PEYTON NEWELL
- USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications
Fairgoers can view chickens, housed in the smallstock building along with bantams,
rabbits, cavies, pigeons, turkeys, waterfowl, and wildlife. 4-H poultry showmanship
competitions are also held during the South Carolina State Fair. CJ ROSENBERGER -
USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications
Two-year-old Chapin resident, Sullivan King, enjoys her first time at the South Carolina
State Fair with her mom. King’s family says they haven’t made it to the fair in recent
years, but with their little girl now, they hope to make it yearly. SAMANTHA CRAGAN
- USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications
The South Carolina State Fair, filled with concession stands, carnival games, and
amusement rides, attracts close to 400,000 attendees. TAG DUMOND - USC School of Journalism
and Mass Communications
Kinsley Handley, 2, celebrates her Wee Miss Tiny Tot South Carolina win with a giant
lollipop and her first trip to the state fair. CARSON SHEPPARD - USC School of Journalism
and Mass Communications
Cattle fitters Hayden Reichard and his brother Skyler Reichard shave a cow before
showing in the South Carolina State Fair. Hayden said shaving not only makes the cow
look better but also feel better. JACK WOLFE - USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications
On a crisp fall afternoon at the South Carolina State Fair, the swings soar high.
Laughter and screams of joy fill the air as the riders enjoy the view from above.
HATTIE JENNINGS - USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications
Sunset casts a beautiful hue onto the South Carolina State Fair’s Celebration Wheel
and Wave Swinger ride, two of the many rides available at the fair. EMMA POTAS - USC
School of Journalism and Mass Communications
Fiske Fries sprayed with vinegar are one of the fan favorites of the South Carolina
State Fair. The potatoes are peeled, cut, and fried onsite. ELIZABETH MAKENA NOBLES
- USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications
Colorful candy apples shine bright at the South Carolina State Fair, tempting visitors
with their sweet, sticky allure and nostalgic charm. SAKURA SIMMONS - USC School of
Journalism and Mass Communications
Barnes Blatt, 7, rides on the swings at the South Carolina State Fair. “It was fun:
a lot! It was my first time trying it!” Blatt said. JULIA SPIES - USC School of Journalism
and Mass Communications
Fairgoers head to the Midway at the South Carolina State Fair. Every year since 1869,
with the exception of the 1918 flu epidemic, the State Agricultural and Mechanical
Society has sponsored a state fair. By 1903, the fair outgrew the Elmwood Avenue location,
and in 1904 the annual fair moved to its present location on Rosewood Drive. EVELYN
ESQUIVEL - USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications
Three-year-old Brady Watson delights in feeding the goats with help from his grandmother,
Paula Calhoon. They attend the fair every year. EMORY GRANT - USC School of Journalism
and Mass Communications
Easton Brazelo, 5, of Columbia, feeds a camel and goat at the Commerford and Sons
petting zoo at the South Carolina State Fair. “I liked feeding the animals, and I
got a stuffed animal too,” he said. GRACE PETERSON - USC School of Journalism and
Mass Communications
A local henna artist draws a tree on the forearm of a state fair attendee. The tree
symbolizes the enjoyment of the passage of time. AUDREY E MOORE - USC School of Journalism
and Mass Communications
Stuffed toy fair prizes wait to be claimed at the Midway games at the South Carolina
State Fair. HAMPTON TURTON - USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications
A man holds onto his prized stuffed pig as he goes over the fair in the Sky Glider.
The ride offers fairgoers a bird’s-eye view of the fairgrounds. KATIE ALTMAN - USC
School of Journalism and Mass Communications
A stunning sunset illuminates the night sky on opening day of the South Carolina State
Fair. MATTI EVANS - USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications
Brendan Scoggins, 4, rides with his mom Brittney Lucas in the front row while his
sister Zoe, 6, throws her hands in the air with delight on a dragon-themed roller
coaster at the South Carolina State Fair. MICHAEL CARPINO - USC School of Journalism
and Mass Communications
Victoria Walton, right, embraces Marylin Norris, at the South Carolina State Fair.
“We have not seen each other in almost two years, and seeing each other at the fair
was not planned at all,” said Walton. “I was pulling in to park and I saw her walking
in the fair. She is my ‘little’ from our sorority at Newberry College.” ASIA SPIGNER
- USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications
The South Carolina State Fair lights up at night with spinning rides creating patterns
of light photographed with a long exposure. RACHEL HULL - USC School of Journalism
and Mass Communications