Matt is one of my Four Season’s reps and he reached out to me several weeks back to let me know he wanted his summer session venue to be the South Plains Fair. Guys, in case you didn’t know, that place is challenging, to say the least. It’s dirty, smelly, over-priced and after all of the rain lately, muddy. Not only that, there are unsightly electrical wires and trash cans and TRASH. And that’s being nice. BUT THIS kid, this kid…he brought his damned A game.

Matt and I text a few times throughout the day and I reminded him to bring his sunglasses and asked him what he was wearing. He didn’t get into specifics but said he was going to be very “colorful.” I was so excited and knew he would not disappoint. I explained to him the rain had kept most people away from the fair the last few days so please expect it to be crowded. You know what his response was? “You know me, I like a big crowd!” I mean, come on!!! Who doesn’t love that confidence?? Matt is on the Lubbock-Cooper Pom squad and he brings that same A game every single week. Just look at that jump below!!

Matt knows how to bring “the look!” It just works.

When Matt went to change into his second outfit, I took a few minutes to shoot a few pictures of my surroundings. Little did I know this swing right there would come into play in a very big way a few minutes later.

I shouldn’t complain because the “carnie” allowed us the shot but not before giving us the ‘what for.” Matt was prepared for every single shot…no matter how quick it was. I love his smile.

I brought my flash…not sure if this “works” for the “trained eye” but I like how it turned out all dramatic and different!!

And his style…get outta here!!!! Amazeballs!

And then there’s the infamous Ferris Wheel…who can go to the fair without taking a ride on this fan favorite? We certainly took advantage of it and man, am I glad we did! Matt, the fair and that West Texas sky!! (Insert heart eyes emoji.)

Matt and the sun just absolutely slaying this image!

Our view from the top of the ferris wheel.

Matt went and changed into his third and final and his favorite outfit. He couldn't have nailed it any better. Loud, proud and bright! Matches Matt’s personality to a T! We went straight back to the ferris wheel because WHY NOT!!

Matt brought passion and fun to EVERY.SINGLE.SHOT!!

I told him to laugh and he did…real and authentic. I love this one so much.

We then found the loudest, brightest wall that would be the perfect backdrop for Matt to do his THANG!!

As much as I loved photographing him dance, I think I loved seeing so many people stop to watch him even more. He is certainly fun to watch!

This one stopped me dead in my tracks…work it, Matt!

What a perfect backdrop for a kid who likes to dance as much as Matt does! (And sometimes you’re just going to get random fair goers in the shot.)

So then it was time to head to the swings…last year I photographed my subject sitting behind her but this year, I had the bright idea to sit in front of Matt and turn around to get some shots of him. I situated myself where I could half way turn around and just started to click away. Before I knew it, we were going super fast and we were what felt like 1000 feet in the air. I got super dizzy, a little nauseated and quite frankly, TERRIFIED. If you know me, you know I am so afraid of not just heights but falling from said heights. I managed to get some pretty fun shots of Matt before I turned myself around and prayed for the “carnie” to lower my old butt to the ground.

While Matt felt like eating after we exited the ride, I felt like puking. LOL. I mean, what’s a fair shoot without an eating shot!!

Matt, you are without a doubt OUT OF THIS WORLD amazing!! I hope you love these photos as much as I love your spirit. Can’t wait until your fall session.

Matt at the Fair

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