Graveyard Shift at the State Fair

[dfwlens]

Spent the overnight hours at the fair last week with my 2.8's. Despite all the daytime festivities, after closing the place dies almost instantaneously. Inside, it falls silent as a cemetery. Outside, the sounds come from far beyond the fences, most commonly in the form of gunshots.



The place takes on a dreamlike aura. If it weren't for the occasional whiff of smoked meat or fried something, you could easily be convinced that the place has been vacant for months.







Having a camera with a fast lens is one way to try and stay awake during the hours when nothing is going on.







About 1am, the place livens with the activity of the countless support staff.









That burst of activity lasts about an hour. After that, it becomes a long, long wait till daybreak for the police that stay each night.





Like 'Hotel California,' you can check out any time, but, till sunrise,....

[CaptainTom]

Excellent series. Thanks for taking them, and sharing with us.

[brad]

This is awesome... spooky... cool... great series.

[srwatters]

Very well done!

Surreal feeling. I'm glad I went this year.

[a2rob]

Nice!!

[Abel]

very cool... i so need to do another one of these soon.

[MarcoFromHouston]

wow!

[veritus]

Amazing shots. Thanks for the post. I made it out to the fair three times this year.

[kennyt]

I was there every morning as the sun came up this year. All I can say is its completely amazing out there, morning light,night shift finishing up and its so quiet. A complete contrast to what it's like during open hours. The experience made me decide to save up for a camera and start shooting again

[johnastovall]

Wonderful images, I just love shooting the night. It's a different world and even the most mundane can be come magically illuminated.

You have shown Van Gogh was right, "I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day."

[iCe]

Awesome series!

[Shelby Lane]

Cool series. I love the story these tell.

[buzzlghtyr]

very nice..

i really love the 2nd pic... spooooooky

[studiocygnet]

Nice story in photos.

And I guess it's a good thing you were locked in, if the sounds from outside were mostly gunshots.

[rott]

Gunshots? Seriously? I know the local 'hood isn't the best...but is that just a little extra drama?