School of Journalism and Mass Communications photography students immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the South Carolina State Fair, gaining invaluable hands-on experience as photojournalists documenting the moments that make the fair a cherished tradition in our state.

The Photography for Visual Communications students, under the instruction of Renée Ittner-McManus, put their knowledge into practice in this dynamic setting. After the first half of the semester focused on the exposure triangle — aperture, shutter speed and ISO — as well as the aesthetic elements of layering and composition, students engaged in a photojournalistic endeavor to produce a three-image feature package containing an overall view, a detail shot and a moment. They also explored motion techniques through a study that included stopping action, blurred motion and panning.

These top photos also were chosen for a gallery in The State.