How we photographed the Illinois State Fair’s Governor’s Sale of Champions
Usa today news
This week’s top photo comes from Assistant Photo Editor Pat Nabong. Follow her on Instagram.
What makes this photo important?
The Illinois State Fair is a tradition that dates back to 1853. It showcases the state’s agricultural and livestock industry while providing visitors with educational experiences, good food and family fun. The Governor’s Sale of Champions is one of the highlights of the fair. Prized livestock raised by students involved in 4-H and Future Farmers of America programs were auctioned off. Seventy-one thousand agricultural and livestock farms produce food in Illinois, and 96 percent are owned by families, according to the Illinois Farm Bureau. This photo, which shows the next generation of farmers, is a reflection of that.
How did you get this photo?
Families were standing and caring for their livestock while they were waiting for Gov. J.B. Pritzker to arrive for the Governor’s Sale of Champions. I was drawn to the bond that the kids had with the animals. I spotted Bowyn Dryer, 4, brushing her family’s steer “Big Shooter.” I approached while she was brushing the steer, and when she was done, she leaned on the animal and I took a photo.
Technical details:
Equipment: Sony A7III with a 24-70 f/2.8 lens
Focal length: 70mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure: 1/250
ISO: 3200
Plus, 13 more great photos from Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ photojournalists:
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who is running for a senate seat, dances as she greets production staff during the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ brunch at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield, Ill. on Wednesday.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Aaron Del Mar, who is running for lieutenant governor of Illinois, prepares to walk on the stage during Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill. on Thursday.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent No.17 runs onto the field Saturday, Aug. 15 before the Bears take on the Cleveland Browns in an NFL preseason game at Soldier Field.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson gets tackled as he runs with the ball on Saturday, Aug. 15 during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns in an NFL preseason game at Soldier Field.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Chicago Bears wide receiver JP Richardson carries the ball on Saturday, Aug. 15 during the second half of an NFL preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Chicago Bears running back Coleman Bennett takes a selfie with fans on Saturday, Aug. 15 after the Bears beat the Cleveland Browns, 34 -10, in an NFL preseason game at Soldier Field.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Jake Goddard (left) and his father Paul Goddard wait to enter Wrigley Field on Monday before the first game of the Crosstown Classic series between the Cubs and White Sox.
Manuel Martinez/WBEZ
Residents on a West Garfield Park street watch as Chicago police investigate a shooting Wednesday in the 200 block of South Pulaski Road.
Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times
A grieving woman is lying in the street as Chicago police investigate a shooting Wednesday in the 200 block of South Pulaski Road in West Garfield Park.
Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times
Tori Amos performs Aug. 14 at the Auditorium Theatre in the Loop.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Mr. T appears at the Fan Expo Chicago on Friday, Aug. 14 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
People sit along North Avenue Beach to watch the Chicago Air and Water Show on Saturday, Aug. 15.
Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times
Ella O’Connor Williams, of Squirrel Flower, sits in her rehearsal studio Tuesday in Hermosa.
