My Favorite Published American Revolution Reenactment Photos-1 of 2
It's hard to believe sometimes, but I started photographing American Revolution reenactments in 2007. In that time, I've posted over 10,000 photos on my site. I'm proud that many of my images have been displayed in numerous books, magazines, and websites. Seeing your work in print or online has been incredibly rewarding for me. It validates my efforts and serves as a source of personal pride and motivation to create even better images. It has enhanced my professional reputation and signals to others that my work meets high standards that respected professionals value. That is a reason I enjoy attending the Jockey Hollow encampment in NJ as often as possible.
Why? The book, "Where a Forgotten Army Persevered to Win America's Freedom," by Rosalie Lauerman, which is displayed prominently in the Visitor's Center at Jockey Hollow, features three of my photos, two of them below. I am reminded of the importance of showcasing my work. As a photographer, it is an incredible honor to have writers select your work for their book. In total, I've had photos published in seven different books and magazines.
This photo from the Battle of Monmouth in 2014 is one of my favorites, and I selected it as one of my top 25 photos, as featured in my September 2020 blog. The image is also on the back of my business card. Below, I caught the musket blasts all at the same time. It's one of those yes, I got it photos.
This photo is from the Battle of Monmouth in 2014. I recall being behind a tree, leaning forward precariously, to ensure no spectators were visible in the photo. Not intentionally, but this image is unusual because most of my cannon photos are shot horizontally, rather than vertically. I'll need to be conscious of this now at other events. This technique should increase the chances of being featured in more books and magazines.
This photo is from the Washington's Crossing event in 2009, an event I attend most years, either on the practice day (about two weeks before) or on Christmas Day. This particular day was special with snow on the ground, making the day feel more authentic, just like when Washington led a daring and dangerous crossing of the icy Delaware River with his Continental Army.
In the first few years, I photographed from the NJ shoreline. That's how I was able to get this shot, because the boat is close to landing. Now I stay on the PA side of the Delaware River. You know that this Durham boat has George Washington in it because his flag has 13 Stars (representing the 13 original colonies) on a blue field.
For much of its 80-year print run, Popular Photography magazine was widely recognized as the world's #1 print photography magazine in the US. In 2014, I was selected, along with two other photographers, for an article entitled "In the Picturing History," which featured an interview with us about photographing reenactments.
Below is the magazine cover, along with the article's main page. I've posted here two of the three photos from the article. I was hoping one of my photos would be the article's first page; unfortunately, that didn't happen. But, what an honor! When the magazine issue was released, I purchased three copies.
The powder horn photo I took at the Battle of Bushy Run reenactment in 2013 was the only time I attended this event. It isn't a Revolutionary War battlefield, but rather a French and Indian War battle that took place in August 1763. It's about an hour east of Pittsburgh, PA. That was a fun weekend.
I was also able to attend a Pirates game. They were a good team that year, and PNC Park is one of the best stadiums in Major League Baseball to experience "America's pastime."
I took this image at the Battle of Monmouth 2014. It's a simple photo, just a couple of dragoons (cavalry) loading their muskets. But to me, what stands out is that since green and red are complementary colors, they create a strong visual tension when placed side by side, which makes the colors pop.
Thank you for reading! Blog #93 will be posted on August 15, 2025, my birthday. Be safe & well!
Huzzah,
Ken Bohrer
