There, I said it. Though if you know me, it’s not exactly a secret.

I love the crowds, the colors, the animals, the rides, the lights at night, and yes, I love the food. One year I hunted all over for the new s’more on a stick. Yet another year we tried chocolate-covered bacon. You can’t make this stuff up.

The Minnesota State Fair starts in two days, and I have two, maybe three trips planned.

Oh yes, I will see it all.

Below are just a few photos I took at the fair in 2008, I won’t bombard you with too many. I was unable to go last year, but this year I am going to a concert and have a photo shoot planned one night, which I am super excited about. And I am hoping we’ll get to bring the kids one day, too. They’re looking forward to the butterfly house, the big slide and cotton candy.

I will definitely have some more portraits and photographs to share this time around. See you at the fair!

I love this one – just a crowd shot, but the guy walking down the way looks like he’s strutting for the cover of an album (er, iTunes picture?), the sun flare shining down and it almost looks like he’s on his own.

Can you guess what this is? A deep-fried candy bar (Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, to be exact). Those have got to be good for you.

Two years ago I saw Brandi Carlile in concert at a free stage at the fair. At the time I sort of knew who she was, but after seeing her live I became a true fan. Great show. I’m no concert photographer, but it was a fun challenge to take photos in the constantly changing stage lights. Brandi has made the big time in Minnesota this year, and will be playing the Grandstand.

Stay tuned, I’ve got images from a senior portrait session and a toddler-and-mommy session coming up soon!

Also, I’ll be making an announcement soon about MINI SESSIONS. Get excited, they’re going to be awesome!