This shot was taken on a record day at the fair, people everywhere. I typically don’t feel comfortable taking photos of strangers even with a crowd this large. I took many shots of this scene and almost every one has several people looking straight at the camera. The large telephoto lens probably doesn’t help. The primary look is suspicion or disapproval, occasionally a smile. It’s understandable. Though being out in public usually relinquishes your privacy, we still want it.

It’s not uncommon to use the telephoto to capture people unaware they’re being photographed. Not as an incidental part of a photo, but as the subject. Sometimes unflattering shots, or depicting their destitution, or in a semi private moment. I’ve taken some photos like that, but rarely use them.

I’m not talking about performers, or those in obvious public display of some activity. For example someone running in a race shouldn’t be surprised to be photographed. On the other hand a runner around lake Calhoun might not appreciate being photographed when sweaty and out of breath. Different if you’re doing some theme, are a news organization, or get permission, or all of the above.

What do you think?

I’ve been going to the Minnesota State Fair for many years, and each year I want to spent more time there than the previous. Sometimes it works out. This year I’ve been there every day since it opened. Yesterday I actually went twice, early in the day by myself, and in the evening with family. Just love wandering around, sampling food, listen to the music (really wish I had seen Rush), talk to some of the exhibiters. Even got a chance to meet Jason DeRusha at the WCCO building today.

I’ll probably make it back there a couple more times, one of them hopefully with my Dad. Also would like to chat with Tarryl Clark a bit.

And if time permits might even have a few more photos this week.

Which way? Front back left straight?

Well not really.

I’m actually starting to get out more nowadays to get some photos. Feels great after all the hectic months (almost a year actually) I’ve had.

Rebecca.

When he tripped over the dog’s long leash, he said ‘good thing this isn’t a real trip wire, or spikes would have come out of the ground’. He was serious.

If I could only travel back in time.

After following @uptownmarket on twitter for a while, I decided to visit the Uptown Market yesterday to have a look around. What I found was a variety of food stands, some crafts, and even a musician. After stopping at a few stands and taking photos, I was approached by Jessa of Sweet M’s Farms. For a moment I thought I was going to get the ‘no photos please’, but instead got a friendly invitation to shoot away. So refreshing someone recognized I wasn’t an industrial spy.

A short friendly conversation and I continued on. All the veggies looked delicious, but I was especially longing for the cucumbers which looked just perfect. Not the long thick cucumbers on steroids you typically find at grocery stores, with seeds the size of pumpkin seeds , but instead pickle sized, nicely filled out so they didn’t look like baby cactuses (I know this is incorrect but even having taken Latin over in Deutschland there’s some words I just can’t get myself to say no matter how correct). Perfect for peeling, slicing, and marinating in Italian dressing. Or just peeled and sliced lengthwise with a little salt and pepper. As I was on my way to a family reunion I didn’t get any. Next time.

This photo shows Trinette from the ‘Salsa De Jasinto’ booth, selling a variety of Salsas. Super friendly, she offered samples of everything, but I stuck with the mild versions. Delicious as expected. Next time I’ll try some of the hotter stuff.

Talking of friendly, everyone was, very. Something a certain outdoor market not to far from this one could use a few lessons on. It makes a difference. To me anyway.

Odd title, isn’t it? I was sitting around watching the animal channel on cable, something about the ‘Monster Inside Me’, a show about disgusting parasites that invade your body, while keeping a eye on twitter on my computer. @MNHeadhunter said ‘Please someone in Minneapolis get a pic of this amazing sky/sunset … ‘. Looked outside and saw a cool sunset indeed, as we often get after some severe weather moves through the area. So grabbed camera and headed to top of hill where I have a great view looking out west. Here’s there result.