State Fair of Texas Photo Rules and Tips

The State Fair of Texas returns to Dallas' Fair Park from September 29 - October 22, 2023.

If you're planning to attend and capture photographic memories of the event, here are some rules for photographers along with some tips to help you get great images.

Photographic Items Not Allowed Into The Fair

The information below is excerpted from the Frequently Asked Questions section of the State Fair of Texas website.

Selfie Sticks, Tripods, Monopods, or Other Camera Equipment
Unless credentialed through the State Fair of Texas’ PR office (for example, the Temporary Photographer Passes made available to members by the PPC), selfie sticks, tripods, monopods, and similar items are NOT allowed.

We ask that you leave your selfie sticks, tripods, monopods, and/or similar items at home or in your vehicle in the interest of the overall safety of our visitors. The use of these items on the fairgrounds is strictly prohibited and will result in the item being confiscated and could result in you being removed from the Fair.

If you are a photographer interested in taking photographs with professional or extensive camera equipment, you must first visit BigTex.com/Media and fill out the State Fair of Texas Media Credentials Request Form. Unless you have received a temporary photographer pass from the State Fair of Texas’ PR office, selfie sticks, tripods, monopods, and similar items are NOT allowed. Use of these items on the fairgrounds is strictly prohibited without credentials and will result in the item being confiscated and could result in you being removed from the Fair.

Drones/UAVs/UASs
The State Fair of Texas is—and has always been—a private entity. The Fair leases the Fair Park property from the City of Dallas but is not part of the City or controlled by a government body.

The State Fair of Texas prohibits the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, within the 277 acres of Fair Park without prior written approval of State Fair’s Public Relations Department. This process safeguards that the remote pilot complies with current FAA rules, provisions, and guidance by taking a responsible, risk-based approach to ensure the safety of the thousands of “non-participants” within the dynamic “open-air assembly” nature of the Fair event. Law enforcement will respond to all unauthorized UAS to identify the pilot and document the aircraft in use.

The State Fair of Texas prohibits the use of all remote controlled devices of any type, including, but not limited to, aircraft, drones, quad-copters, cars or trucks, on or above property owned, leased or controlled by the Fair. Individuals violating State Fair rules are subject to ejection from the grounds and/or criminal enforcement of applicable statutes.


Tips For Shooting State Fair Photos

  • 5 Tips For Taking Photos At The Fair (Click Community)
  • 6 Things To Photograph At Fairs and Festivals This Fall (Perfect Image)
  • How To Take Great Photographs At The Fairground (Digital Photography School)
  • Taking Great Photos At The County Fair (Digital Photo Secrets)
  • Taking Photos At The Fair (Henry's Blog)
  • Tips For Photographing State and County Fairs (Cramer Imaging)
  • Tips To Capture Fun At The Fairs (Capital Photography Center)


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