Here is my last blog of favorite photos! I've selected 5 more American Revolution reenactment photos to discuss. In 5 blogs, I've reviewed 25 of my favorites. If you missed it, here is my August blog.

I now try to focus on photographing non-battle reenactment subjects, when attending events. Here is a perfect example. It's a boat that was sailing nearshore from Mt Harmon 2019. I knew this would make a great photo if I included, besides the boat & mast, the water reflection. I added filters in ON1 Software to make the photo appear like a painting. This photo glows and has a peaceful effect on me.

This image from the Battle of Monmouth 2008 is one of my better constructed early reenactment photos. I've used it on my the back of my American Revolution Photos business cards for years. A bonus is that this image also has sold a few times. The comments are always about the musket flashes and vibrant colors. I was lucky, got the musket blasts all at the right time.

Photographing battle reenactments and sporting events are identical. I've done both. Action everywhere. No real planning, just trying to capture the moment quickly. But, photography does have rules to guide us. Some examples are the rule of thirds, subjects not in the center of the frame, and rule of odd numbers, etc. 

I'm conscious of the rules when walking through the American and British camps. Here is an example from the Battle of Wyoming 2014. I spotted this Native American reenactor applying his war paint and knew this would make a great photo! My focus was on his eye. As he was applying his war paint I noticed his left hand was on his forehead creating a circular effect when holding his mirror. It guides the viewer directly to his eye. Perfect!

My photography buddies always discuss our photos from previous reenactment events. Some of my favorites they don't enjoy and vice versa. That is true, especially for motion & blur photos. I like them a lot and try to create them when possible. My friends don't!

Here is an example of this technique from the Battle of Germantown 2011. The Continentals had stormed the Chew Mansion and were unsuccessful. They were retreating. This photo was panned, meaning my shutter speed was set to a slow setting. I kept the camera level and moved at a moderate speed from left to right, holding the shutter button in continuous mode, so the photos were blurred. Most of the them were unusable but this one was perfect! I think so anyway.

My goal when photograph American Revolution reenactments is to capture images that provide a glimpse of what it might have been like during the late 18th century. Unlike the American Civil War, photography didn't exist during the American Revolution. It began in the late 1830s in France. This photo of a Native American Warriors from the Battle of Newtown 2019 seems more authentic. I can picture Native American warriors preparing for battle. How does it affect you?

Did you agree with my choices? Would you have chosen other photos? Please let me know.

Thank you for reading. Blog # 28 will be posted in October 2020. Be safe & well!

Ken Bohrer