Festive Nostalgia: Cinematic Portraits at Clark County Fair

What could be more movie-like than a county fair? The sights, the colors, the hum of excitement—it’s festive, nostalgic, and brimming with that childlike sense of joy. From livestock barns and car shows to dizzying rides and cotton-candy stalls, every corner feels like a ready-made backdrop.

This was my first county fair since moving to the U.S., and it was everything I imagined and more. For a few hours, I felt fully transported—immersed in a space that seemed both familiar through film and yet brand new through my own lens. The Ferris wheel, especially, offered that magical combination of sweeping views and the thrill of floating above the crowd.

For this series at the Clark County Fair near Vancouver, Washington, I collaborated with Yana (@doveyanaa) on a shoot featuring Lilyana (@lilyxclifford). We both came into the project with ideas and planning—mood boards, inspiration references, and location scouting—so stepping into the fairgrounds felt like carrying a shared vision we could build on in real time.

On the ground, collaboration meant adjusting to each other’s rhythm, exchanging ideas, and sometimes negotiating when our creative instincts pointed in different directions. It wasn’t always seamless—two photographers naturally bring their own perspectives—but that tension sparked new possibilities. Seeing how Yana worked and blending it with my own approach pushed me to think differently, adapt quickly, and ultimately expand my creative toolbox.

That realization feels essential for our community. Too often, photography is framed as competition, when in truth, collaboration opens the door to new perspectives and richer work. Styles differ, methods vary, and every artist brings their own voice to the frame. There’s room for all of it—for all of us. And perhaps that, more than anything, is the beauty of this craft.

Alina Veksler—creative portrait photographer based near Mount Hood and Portland, Oregon. I provide professional photography and creative direction services to those seeking unique, tailor-made sessions of high quality and artistry.

Want your unique story told like this? Let’s make it happen—DM @veksalinaphotography or inquire at veksalinaphotography.com

Model: Lilyana Clifford @lilyxcliffordLocation: Clark County Fair, Vancouver, Washington, USA

Gear used: Sony a7iii + Minolta MC Rokkor 58mm f1.4 + K&F Concept Black Diffusion 1/4

// photographer Alina Veksler, VEKSALINA photography, creative portrait photographer, Pacific Northwest photographer, Oregon photographer, Mount Hood photographer, Cannon Beach photographer, Oregon Coast photographer, Portland photographer, California photographer, Washington photographer, elegant, vintage, cinematic, county fair, haze