Running around at the Renaissance Fair

One of my favorite things to do, is to photograph people enjoying their lives and their hobbies, and the Renaissance fair certainly had that opportunity.

The Brevard Renaissance Fair was in their 8th year running this year, and it was certainly a sight to see. Arial silk performers, bagpipes on fire, the Wheel of Death, and beautiful costumes as far as they eye can see. People were filled with joy and not caring what others had to think and say, selling their wares, and overall helping everyone have an enjoyable experience.

I went to this fair last year, and had a great time, so I was excited to go again this year. I made sure to set aside a day to go without friends, and just spend time with me and my camera, to capture the joy around me. One of the first things I saw upon walking in, was a lovely sweet woman named Kathleen Finnegan playing the harp.

Her music and her presence were so soothing, and she drew a crow of people who watched in awe or closed their eyes and simply enjoyed the music. Smiles filled their cheeks as they swayed to the music. One sweet couple even started slow dancing, and everyone was filled with calm and peace. Once the crowd started to go down I asked to take her photo, and we got talking. Funnily enough a lot of it was in sign language as my voice had been going away, so I unconsciously starting signing while also trying to talk. Kathleen recognized it immediately and started signing back with me. She spoke with me about working with those deaf and hard of hearing during her performances, and offering for them to come close and feel her speakers or harm as she plays to experience her music. It made my heart so happy to hear of someone being so inclusive and caring for others. I knew I couldn't stay forever, so after a sweet conversation I began to move throughout the rest of the fair.

I ended up catching a few moments of a lot of performers, that is too numerous to name. But to highlight some that caught my eye, the Siren Sisters were filled with color and haunting vocals; and the Wheel of Death had moments that make you catch your breath in fear as well as laughter. The dramatic battles of the Nobel Cause jousting team caused crowds to cheer and boo in turn as the mighty Sir Lilith won the final battle for the side of chaos and anarchy. Randal Piper had the beer haul dancing the jig, and the Atmosphere Rising caught many of us off guard as we came around the corner to a sudden creature infant of us that scared us a little, but played beautiful melodies on a metal drum.

But my two other favorite things of the day, was the people I met at Lady Ophelia's Maypole, and the arial silk performance. At the Maypole, there was a costume contest, where I saw some of the most amazing costumes of the day. People and couples dressed in period dresses and garb danced around, and many a people lined up to see who had the best costume. Men and woman, young and old, period and fantasy focused, everyone was excited to show off what they created. Some of my favorites were the medieval Mandelorian (complete with Grogu), the wood nymphs, and a sweet young lady named Jillian who created her own hoof high heels to go with her outfit. She was gracious enough to have a little mini photoshoot with me (see gallery bellow), and I think her smile is so sweet and filled with joy!

Lauryn Murray ended out the day with a beautiful arial silk performance. If you've never seen this art, you must know that is it as beautiful and graceful as ballet, but can also be filled with dangerous stunts like dropping dozens of feet toward the ground. All in all, it was a wonderful day filled with fun opportunities and I can't wait to see something like this again soon. Perhaps Mega Con ;P

I loved capturing people enjoying something without worrying what others would think of them, as well as seeing people show off their talents and passion. Hopefully soon I can do that for you too.

Until next time.

-Stay safe, Much love

Laura