FFA Fair Prep: California Mid-State Fair (Paso Robles, CA)
If you live on the Central Coast, you know that FFA is a big deal around here. From springtime show prep to long fair days in Paso Robles, raising animals is more than a project—it’s a way of life. So when I got the chance to photograph Lily and her pig, Dolly, a few weeks before the California Mid-State Fair, I knew it was going to be something special.
This wasn’t just a cute photo op (though Dolly was adorably cooperative). It was a session that celebrated months of hard work, early mornings, feed charts, and growing confidence. We used the session as a way to help her practice her showmanship and mark the milestone of all her effort.
These kinds of moments often go undocumented, but they’re such a big part of the story. Capturing them allows families to look back on more than ribbons—they get to remember the process, the bond, and the pride that comes from it all.
Lily and Dolly are part of Templeton FFA, an amazing program that builds leadership and responsibility through agriculture and hands-on experience. And sessions like this are a perfect way to capture everything their journey represents.
If your child is part of FFA or 4-H, I’m considering offering a limited number of pre-fair mini-sessions next season—perfect for pigs, lambs, goats, or any beloved fair partner.
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Would You Be Interested?
Would your child love a session like this before fair season? I’d love to hear from you! Let me know in the comments or shoot me a message if you’d like to see California Mid-State Fair photography mini-sessions offered in the future.
