As a photographer, I walked into the Carolina Renaissance Festival on a cool fall morning, camera bag slung over my shoulder, excited at the prospect of capturing images of the fun. It’s held in a wooded area outside Charlotte, North Carolina, with thatched buildings, jousting areas, and vendor booths full of activity. The gates opened at 9:30 a.m., and the parking fields were already filling up with cars from all over. I grabbed a map at the entrance and headed straight in, passing the ticket booths where staff in period garb greeted everyone with smiles and “good morrows.”

The outfits were bright and creative: women in exquisite formal ensembles, pirates with red sashes and tricorn hats, fairies, elves, and people in masks. Laughter was everywhere. You could hear the clanging of the blacksmith’s hammer, the strum of lutes from a nearby stage, and the cheers from the jousting arena. Food smells—roasted turkey legs, sausage-on-a-stick, and fresh-baked pretzels -filled the air.

My method was simple—pick a spot with a good background and light, wait for the right moment, take a few shots, then move on to the next suitable area. Most photos were quick candids, composed and focused in a second. Sometimes, if there was time and an interaction with a willing subject, I’d offer subtle directions or coaching.