EG Photography provides a unique fair benefit

There are some new faces at this year’s Holmes County Fair, although people may not be able to see them behind the camera lens.

The team from EG Photography stepped into a major role at the 2025 Holmes County Junior Fair, providing a valuable service to all of this year’s exhibitors in the large show arena.

Ella Orians and her team assumed the role of official fair show ring photographer, taking pictures in the show arena of all the exhibitors, from the rabbits and chickens to the steer and everything in between.

Orians has plenty of experience doing this type of thing, having photographed numerous other fairs, but this marks her first venture to Holmes County.

“This has become a really big thing for county fairs. It’s really blown up in terms of popularity for kids to get photos like this,” Orians said.

EG Photography takes all the livestock photos including ring shots and backdrop photos.

“Everyone is used to getting these professional photos, so it’s pretty neat that all of these donors would step up and support the kids like this,” Orians said.

What makes the venture even more exciting is every exhibitor has the opportunity to download any photos they like absolutely free, thanks to the generosity of a handful of local sponsors who stepped up to make that a reality.

Those sponsors include GRT Utilicorp Inc., Fryburg Roll Offs, the Holmes County 4-H Committee, Holmes County Senior Fair Board, Holmes County Roots, Kathy Schlabach, Millersburg Eagles FOE #2418 and Tom’s Custom Painting.

Thanks to this group of donors, presenters and their families won’t have to worry about missing a single moment in the ring, with every photo professionally shot, edited and downloaded.

Orians worked with senior fair board member Renee Zimmerman, who went about the process of securing the donors who made this effort possible.

“A couple years ago, this really started to become a big thing at county fairs,” Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman said she reached out to different fair committees, and they went out and connected with sponsors.

“The various committee members had some really good ideas as to who to connect with, and they reached out and the community really got behind it,” Zimmerman said.

One of the key partnerships was through Jenni Tish, who brought in the Millersburg Eagles, who ended up being a key contributor to the project.

Zimmerman said seeing the community come through is nothing new for Holmes County, and their effort has changed the viewing landscape for parents and family.

“The parents don’t have to worry about taking pictures. They can go enjoy the show,” Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman said Orians has been to Harvest Ridge to photograph others shows, and Orians said it was exciting to connect in this new endeavor.

“I think this really helps the parents out, especially those with multiple kids in 4-H or kids who are showing different species,” Orians said. “It can get expensive, so it’s great to see this community stepping up for the families.”

Orians understands that firsthand, having grown up showing animals in 4-H. Orians grew up in Upper Sandusky but now resides in Marysville, but she found the time to make the trek to Holmes County for this year’s fair and hopes this is the beginning of a long relationship.

She said having shown her own animals at fairs throughout the years and purchasing photos, she found it both fascinating and alluring as a full-time gig. Her experience also helped her recognize what parents and kids are looking for in photos, and that understanding has helped her pass along her knowledge to her staff.

As far as Harvest Ridge and Holmes County’s relaxed atmosphere, Orians said it suits her.

“I love this place; it’s beautiful,” she said of Harvest Ridge. “It’s gone really well, and everyone’s been really great. I’d love to continue doing this for years to come.”

To obtain photos, visit www.egphotography.com or view EG Photography on Facebook, where all the photos will be available.