In my May 15 blog, I shared five favorite photos of women portraying camp followers. That post has become one of my most popular posts recently. It has drawn about 500 views. The post was partly inspired by Abigail Adams’ famous “Remember the Ladies” message from her March 31, 1776, letter to John Adams. It's a reminder to recognize often-overlooked perspectives.

In my June 1 blog, on my visit to Jockey Hollow I described my portrait approach at these events. About half the time, I ask permission; the other half, I rely on candid moments—like this one. This balance is central to my process and helps capture the authenticity I seek.

As a result, I almost always leave these events with a few strong portraits like this. This image, for instance, was taken at the 2015 Battle of Boone. Her expression is natural and unguarded. If I had asked for her photo, she likely would not have appeared as relaxed, making this candid moment even more meaningful.

Beyond photography, the strongest joy I’ve found at reenactments is the lasting friendships I’ve developed—with fellow photographers, sutlers (merchants), and reenactors. Camaraderie defines the reenactment community, present across American and British units, but the most distinctive bond appears among the camp followers.

That connection likely comes from their shared responsibilities. Much of the behind-the-scenes work—cooking, cleaning, childcare, and countless camp tasks—falls to them. There’s a quiet teamwork in these roles that creates a strong sense of community.

This photograph, taken at the Redcoats and Rebels Grand Tactical at Mount Harmon in 2024, captures a simple but telling moment. A small group walks together along a path, heading back toward their campsite. The ease and familiarity in their movement reflect how shared experience builds lasting friendships.

What makes this image especially meaningful is the setting: a closed tactical event with no spectators, designed just for reenactors to practice. I received special permission to attend and document moments that most never see. After I took the photo, a couple of participants waved, surprised by my presence.

This event reinforced for me that reenacting is ultimately about the people. The connections and sense of community bring the past to life more than the battles themselves.

At most of these events, one of the first things you notice is the aroma of food drifting through the campsite. Meals are constantly being prepared. The responsibility for feeding everyone falls largely on the camp followers—work that is as demanding as it is essential.

This photograph, taken at the Battle of Newtown in 2019, vividly captures that effort. In the image, a woman stands over a large iron pot, steadily stirring a hearty stew filled with visible chunks of vegetables and meat. The long wooden stirring stick and the sheer size of the pot hint at the scale of the task. This is not a meal for a few—it is sustenance for many. The image highlights the physical labor involved in camp life.  The kettle appears enormous.

Moments like this remind me that behind every reenactment lies a quieter, often-overlooked story—the daily work that kept everything running. These scenes, as much as the field action, bring history to life.

Many reenactment families bring children of all ages to these events; all dressed in colonial attire that adds authenticity and charm. It’s especially enjoyable to watch the children spend time with their parents, interact with friends, and simply be kids, like in this moment captured at the 2019 Battle of Stony Point.

A certain energy is always visible at these events when reenactors bring their families, transforming common ground into a living colonial experience. At the 2022 Battle of Bound Brook, participants of all ages—dressed in period attire—brought generations together, with even the youngest reenactors adding a charming, unforgettable memory.

I’ve enjoyed using ON1 Software on my photos since I began photographing American Revolution reenactments in 2007. Every image on my site is processed with this program. It’s an essential part of my workflow, and I often feature it on my blog because I truly depend on it. I personally edit every photo here, and ON1 remains a reliable post-processing tool.

Interested in ON1 Software? Click the image below and enter code AFFILIATE20 to save 20%. Try it—you won’t be disappointed!

Thank you for reading! Blog #113 will be posted on July 1, 2026. Be safe & well!

Huzzah,

Ken Bohrer