For the past three years, Old Time Photo has set up on the midway at the N.C. State Fair. This year, April and Matt Stewart have set up another location on the south side of Dorton Arena.
Old Time Photo has had studios in Gatlinburg, Tenn., and Myrtle Beach, S.C., since the mid-1990s. They bring their brand of family fun and unique souvenirs to eight or so fairs and festivals per year.
“When we were 18 years old and living in Florida, a friend asked us to come up and help during the summer,” April said. “We’ve been doing it ever since.”
Those of us at the Deep Fried Crew always challenge ourselves to try something new each year. On opening weekend while rounding the side of Dorton Arena, I observed the new Old Time Photo booth with its props and spectators and of course a happy couple dressing in Roaring ’20s-style clothing, and thought it looked fun.
Monday night I grabbed a somewhat hesitant friend and headed off to get my fair photo made. There’s a book to flip through to help you choose styles and poses. Styles include Roaring ’20s, Old West and other time periods.
Men’s clothing, hats and holsters hang outside the booth, which makes it easy to put on the old-time vest, hats and coats over your own clothing.
Women do have to step in the dressing room to change into one of the dresses. Staff will help you perfect your look with feather hats, boas and pearls.
We did have a small audience watching the photo shoot, which I think added to the smiles and fun. And I did take home a pretty cool photo.
“No advance preparation is needed to stop by and get your photo made,” April Stewart said. “We’ll help you get ready for your shoot. It’s good family-friendly fun, or as part of date night.”
Old Time Family Photo is located on the midway and on the southwest side of Dorton Arena near House of Swank T-shirts and Bear Country.
