Washington State Fair PhotoWalk with Merrill Images

Join travel photographers John and Lisa Merrill for a fun small group PhotoWalk at the exciting State Fair. With their on-location tips and encouragement, you’ll work with light and compose for impact -- and intentionally make vs. take photos. The Merrills welcome participants at every skill level, with any camera (including a phone), and will help you create compelling artistic images to treasure and share.

The PhotoWalk begins with a briefing highlighting the abundant photo opportunities of the Fair – agricultural exhibits, the dog agility contest, carnival games, food booths, amusement rides and much more.

Then you’ll create on your own, and John and Lisa will be nearby to answer questions or offer suggestions. They’ll occasionally demonstrate photo techniques including varying your perspective, using frames for intimacy and context, isolating a subject with shallow depth-of-field, or capturing peak action with fast shutter speeds continuous autofocus. Many PhotoWalkers appreciate the opportunity to dive into the playful and powerful world of ICM (intentional camera movement) photography with long exposures and creative blur.

If there’s interest, the Merrills will share favorite apps to expand the capabilities of phone cameras. The learning and camaraderie continues through a dinner/snack break before exciting twilight and night photography with neon lights and fast-moving rides.

To ensure a personalized learning experience, the PhotoWalk is limited to 10 participants with 2 leaders.

After uploading up to 5 photos to a shared folder, the group will reconvene via Zoom to discuss them, give and get supportive feedback, and be inspired by what others created at the same location. The Washington State Fair PhotoReview session will be Wednesday September 24 from 7-8pm (a recording will be available for anyone who can’t join).

John and Lisa welcome questions about any aspect of this PhotoWalk, including gear. Other than your camera and a desire to create and have fun, everything on this list is optional:

• Camera (dSLR, mirrorless or phone) with a charged battery, and an extra if you have one
• Camera manual (or file downloaded to your phone)
• Lenses – if you have more than one, bring any that you want to use. A wide angle and telephoto are great options to expand creative possibilities
• Circular polarizing filter - one to fit the diameter of each lens – highly recommended to reduce sheen on surface of water/windows and saturate colors
• Flash - if you have one and want to learn to use it to add “fill light” with portraits
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Raincoat
• Hat
• Water and snacks

John and Lisa Merrill are travel and social impact photographers who create images to evoke joy and wonder, inspire action and strengthen communities.

The Merrills are inspiring educators who enjoy nurturing creativity. They’re grateful for the community of Seattle-area photographers who join them for small group PhotoWalks and workshops at libraries, art schools and camera clubs. Upcoming Merrill Images photo adventures include Vietnam (October 2025) and Slovenia (June 2026), and an UnCruise small ship expeditions in Costa Rica (January 2027)

Visit www.merrillimages.com to view image galleries and learn more.

Visit www.merrillimages.com to view image galleries and learn more.

By registering for this event, you agree to receive the quarterly Adventures and Inspiration e-news from Merrill Images with info about new PhotoWalks and workshops, and photo tips and resources. You can unsubscribe at any time.

This event is limited to 8, and registration is required for each participant. If you are on the waitlist for this event, you will receive a notification via email if a space becomes available.

Participants must pay for their own Fair admission and parking

Merrill Images PhotoWalks are held rain or shine (puddles reflect hidden wonders!). If you need to cancel, please notify [email protected] at least 2 days before the event date and the Merrills will issue a credit which can be used towards a future PhotoWalk. Note that Eventbrite fees are not refundable (unless the event is canceled by Merrill Images).

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Washington State Fair - Meet Inside the Fair just inside entrance at Blue Gate, 110 9th Avenue Southwest, Puyallup, United States