I selected numbers 6-10 of my favorite cannon shots in last month's blog. For this month, I'll review my five favorites. At any American Revolution reenactment that fires cannons, they are one of the spectator's highlights. Most kids shout approval, babies cry, dogs howl or bark, and adults are startled. 

From my friend Harry Schenawolf, historian, author, and publisher of the Revolutionary War Journal's website, I learned the sizes of cannons used during the American Revolution. At most reenactments, the artillery units are using the smaller 2-pounder.

5) This photo, from the Battle of Iron Hill in 2009, is a favorite not because of the cannon blast but because of the crew's reaction. Yes, I remember the loud echo from the close when the cannon fired from this street reenactment. It can be so loud sometimes car alarms would go off.

4) This photo from Ft. Lee in 2018 reminds me of pyrotechnics from the 4th of July fireworks celebration. You never know what a cannon blast will look like; each is unique.

3) At first glance, some photos you just like. That's true for me with this photo from the Battle of Trenton in 2013. Instantly, I liked and thought it was different. None of my cannon photos before or after have this goldish, metallic color. Every time at an event, I want different and unique images. This photo does that.

2) I'll often zoom in as close as possible for cannon photos. This photo, from the Battle of Trenton 2016, was also a street battle in Trenton. I zoomed to 600mm, about six times what the average eye sees. Plus, to capture a good shot, my camera Nikon D500 is in burst mode and can shoot ten frames per second. Though fast, many cameras even have a higher count.

The cannon blast produces a lot of heat, smoke, and sparks. The photo shows what the eyes can't. That's why I zoom in often on cannon shots. I'll review it immediately on my camera to see if I captured a good one. I was happy this day!

1) I remember taking this photo vividly. It happened at the Battle of Ft Lee in late November 2017. The sun was setting, and the light was perfect. Plus, where the cannon was in the shade. These were just ideal photography conditions. 

Many times, after a firing, I'll review what I took before the cannon crews can resume again. After taking this photo, I thought it would be great, and it was a wow. I shared it with a photo friend next to me, who said the same thing. Just a spectacular shot!

Thank you for reading! 

Blog # 61 will be posted in July 2023. Be safe & well!

Ken Bohrer