For photography buffs, the New York State Fair is a kaleidoscope of colorful subjects and exciting action. Of course, many Fair visitors carry a camera, if only a cell phone with photo capability. But getting the most out of your pictures, whether it’s the kids on a ride, an adorable animal or a memorable performance isn’t as simple as point and click.

State Fair Hound is here to help with these hints and tips from Hound photo editor Nick LoPresti:

When shooting a concert with a black backdrop, even point-and-shoot cameras will allow you to manually adjust your exposure to achieve proper lighting of the musicians.

When shooting a concert with a black backdrop, it is important to manually adjust your exposure to achieve proper lighting of the musicians. You can do that even if you have a point-and-shoot camera.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To shoot fireworks you need a tripod because you will be using long exposure times, from five to 10 seconds, impossible to hand hold without blurring. Use manual pre-focus.

To shoot fireworks you need a tripod because you will be using long exposure times, from five to 10 seconds, impossible to hand-hold without blurring. Manually pre-focus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's a long shot that could become a portrait as illustrated in the next photo, simply by zooming in or cropping and reframing.

Here’s a long shot that could become a portrait as illustrated in the next photo, simply by zooming in or cropping and reframing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HORSE WALK

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is an example of an action shot taken after Nick pre-focused manually.

This is an example of an action shot taken after Nick pre-focused manually. You may have to try several times to get the proper timing.