Happy Holidays! Wow-what a year! Writing this month's blog has been more difficult than I thought it would be. In 2020, I haven't been able to attend a reenactment event. Besides a contentious Presidential election, we have had to endure a Coronavirus pandemic that appears not to be under control any time in the foreseeable future. Add a recession to this mess makes for a stressful year. Plus, I have been working remotely from home since the middle of March. Luckily, everyone I know is well and healthy.
Not attending reenactments has me appreciate the 5 core events I regularly attend most years. Also, since I live so close to Valley Forge National Historical Park, I'll visit as often as possible to photograph something unique.

Every June I look forward to the Battle of Monmouth reenactment. I have so many good photos, over the years,from this event. It is an easy drive from my home in the western Philly suburbs, only about 1 1/2 using the PA & NJ turnpikes. Here are my comments about this event from my first blog posted in June 2018

Why do I enjoy this event so much? Its location is one reason. When walking behind the visitor’s center, you stop and gaze. There are clusters of trees sporadically growing everywhere. In the middle of the field is a big grass area gently sloping downward. In the distance is a large cornfield. The entire area is green throughout. It’s so stately. This awe feeling comes over me every time I visit.

When fall arrives in October, the Battle of Germantown reenactment occurs. For me, it's also a short 30-minute drive from the western suburbs to North Philly. This year there was the Revolutionary Germantown festival but with no reenactments and a limited number of reenactors.  It felt great attending any event this year, even if it wasn't the same!

Amazingly, the original stone house that was so pivotal in the outcome of the day's battle still exists with visible bullet holes and cannon indentions in the walls. In 2020, I photographed the reenactment from the 2nd floor. What a special, unique opportunity it was to be permitted to do this. It was a tight fit with everyone crammed together. And wow, was it loud. It provided me an idea of what it must have felt for the British soldiers defending this house during the battle.

Visiting Ft Mifflin is an easy drive for me. It's right next to the Philadelphia International airport, a 20-minute trip. The first time visiting was in 2007. It reminded me of the time, as a young boy with my family, initially seeing Ft. Ticonderoga. Both forts appear so massive with their high stone walls and flags flapping in the wind. There is something magical about visiting these magnificent structures that is hard to describe. Maybe you feel the same?

In 1776, a British Navy bombardment destroyed Ft. Mifflin. The fort started to rebuild in 1794. Ghosts, including a screaming woman, supposedly haunt it. Ft. Mifflin conducts numerous paranormal programs & events yearly. Reenactors who have stayed overnight said they heard voices. Not exactly a restful night's sleep!

Next month I'll feature Washington's Crossing, the Battle of Trenton, and the many events at Valley Forge.

Thank you for reading. Blog # 31 will be posted in January 2021. Be safe & well!

Ken Bohrer

The 2020 Revolutionary Germantown Festival was a different event this year because of COVID-19. No surprise! There weren't  reenactments,  few Continental & British reenactors, no sutlers (merchants), food trucks, beer garden, reenactor tent, house tours, or even porta-potties. Very strange! Of course, everyone kept a social distance and were wearing masks. Compare to last year's event.

This reenactor was typical of the day. Can you guess who he is? Hint-he's been attending this event since 1984. I'll disclose who

this is at the bottom of the blog

But, it sure felt good strolling the grounds and speaking with a photographer and reenactors I knew. This is my first event of any kind in 2020. Also, played with my new DSL Nikon-500. It was fun and I can't wait for a "normal" Revolutionary Festival next year.

Some events remained the same as in years past such as musket demonstrations.

Also, author Tom McGuire tells the story of the Surprise at Germantown.

The masked reenactor above is Patrick Jordan.

Thank you for reading. Blog # 30 will be posted in December 2020. Be safe & well!

Ken Bohrer

One of the many joys of interacting among the American Revolution reenactment community is meeting so many wonderful reenactors, photographers, site administrators, sutlers (merchants), and historians/writers. An author I recently met on-line is Harry Schenawolf, founder of the American Revolution Journal. When I conducted American Revolution research material for my blogs his web site articles kept appearing. I contacted him and introduced myself. We've been corresponding regularly since the beginning of this year. I asked him to be interviewed for my October blog. He graciously agreed. His background is amazing!

1) Where did you grow up? What is your educational background?

New Jersey – outside Newark to Morristown.  Studied Astro Physics at Univ. of Arizona – switched to fine arts when transferred to Montclair State College (now Univ.). Did my Masters work at Temple University in Philadelphia and my doctoral work at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

2) What types of jobs have you had in your career?  

You name it – repairing water pipelines, fireman, truck driver, teacher Elem – High School & University Professor. Musician – both classical and jazz. 

3) What inspired you to create the web site Revolutionary War Journal? 

As I neared retirement, I wanted to devote the rest of my creative life to my first love–history–mainly military. There are multiple web sites devoted to the Civil, First World Wars, and later Second World Wars including Korean and Vietnam. However, at the time I started the site, only a few major web sites on the Revolutionary War and most of them were loaded with adds from T-shirts to tires. I wanted a site that was devoted to knowledge – focusing on little known information that had an impact on the war – plus would only sell books.

4) What year did you start? 

 I think it was late in the year, 2012.  A friend and fellow historian told me I was a mini-encyclopedia about everything military – in other words boring the hell out of him with tons of little-known information – that he suggested I put it in writing.  So, I did.   

5) How do you create content and what about submissions from other contributors?  

I have, over the years, downloaded or xeroxed literally thousands of books from the National archives or old, dusty books you can get on inner library loan – Dartmouth, Middlebury College, Univ. of Vermont, and SUNY (where I was adjunct for many years) had great libraries of old historical texts. I research mainly through text books – however the internet is very useful to point me in the right direction – google books and the archive search, along with dozens of other site searches are very helpful. I do all my own writing – however, just this year – having been preoccupied with potential screenplays started to accept submissions from other authors.

6) When did your interest in the American Revolution, especially African American studies, develop?

About fifteen years back, I started writing a novel about African explorers. My main protagonist was a youth who escaped the law in colonial Virginia by taking to the high seas.  He was shipwrecked off the West Coast of Africa in the late 1700s and had many adventures throughout the regions. During research –I stumbled across slave rebellions – wrote another book on the Gabriel Rebellion of 1800 – about 12 years back – and discovered the incredible impact African Americans had in the Revolutionary War.  There were few if any sites on the internet at the time.  So, I decided to write a series of historical fiction, based on African American soldiers fighting for both sides of the war I entitled “Shades of Liberty”.  

7) What is the motivation behind your fictional Shades of Liberty Series?   

My desire to tell a story that had never been told.  I started writing the series about twelve years ago when there was little if any interest.  It is amazing that this topic has gained such a following – helped by light being shed on the social injustice that has been prevalent in this country all these decades. Motivation? I want to make a difference – my small part in correcting something that has been buried for far too long.

8) What do you want folks to take away from browsing your web site?  

Knowledge. An open mind.  Not to accept things for face value on the internet – but to dig deeper to find the truth – something that has been under severe attack not only in the US, but the world. Most of my articles are detailed – not cut and paste from other articles that unfortunately has become the norm on the internet – solely to advance revenue.

9) How would you define your personal mission?   

History is truth – and often we bury it rather than embrace it – so my mission is to promote it – however I can. Without history – as well documented, we will continue to make the same mistakes – over and over – not only in war but in the development of authoritarian regiments dating back centuries – vile roots that need to be exposed.  But also – the sacrifice and contribution by so many incredible people who continue to enrich our present life. I want history to open eyes – so we as a nation and a people – self examine who we are, where we are going, and if we truly deserve to honor who we believe we have become. History is a gate that unfortunately remains closed for so many because we have either lost the keys or don’t care if they ever existed. 

10) What about future career aspirations?   

I hope to finish publishing the novels in my Shades of Liberty Series. I hope to see the story of African American Founders on the big screen.  And I want to make a difference – to cast light on that which should never have been extinguished.

Thank you for reading. Blog # 29 will be posted in November 2020. Be safe & well!

Ken Bohrer

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

Because of Covid-19 and no American Revolution reenactments in the foreseeable future, I'll continue reviewing 5 more of my favorite 25 photos. If you missed it, here is my blog from July.

Occasionally, a photo captures an event perfectly like the one below from the Battle of Trenton 2012. It's of 2 Hessian soldiers at the Trenton Barracks with snow falling gently.  It's easy to envision the Hessian troops stationed here in 1776.

I've attended this event numerous times. My best photos are when it has snowed. Magical!

One year it took me twice as long to drive home from this event because of a snow storm. But, the photos I took were worth it!

Some photos are so simple yet they are still memorable. That was true with this photo from the Battle of Monmouth 2017. It started to drizzle. The British soldier just looks up at the sky. He was probably wondering if as he was loading his musket if it would fire? The rifles/cannons won't fire if wet.

On my website, I have many photo examples of musket firing blasts of fire & smoke! You would believe they all would look the same? Surprisingly, no they are all unique. But this one from the Battle of Germantown 2012 is so different than any other. The sparks shooting from the flash pan appear like tiny pieces of metal strands flying in the air. I have never seen another photo like this ever. It's the reason why I like it so much!

I remember vividly taking this photo from Washington's Crossing 2014. It was the last shot I took that day. I was on the NJ side of the Delaware River walking to my car. I turned around and spotted the Durham boat full or reenactors near shore. The sun was setting. So quickly I took the photo. Because I was facing directly into the sun, the resulting photo became a silhouette. Good photos sometimes just happen.

As a child, I remember visiting Fort Ticonderoga, in upstate NY, for the first time. It was magical. The fort appeared so big and majestic when I was young. I had that same feeling again visiting Fort Mifflin for the first time in 2007. What is it about forts that bring out the child in you?

This photo is from Ft Mifflin 2012. I had taken my tripod hoping to capture a photo of the entrance to the fort. What added to the photo  was the cloudy day at sunset. The fort flag, only flown during this reenactment, seemed to glow in the light. When you are visiting Philadelphia, this is a must-see destination!

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

Thank you for reading. Blog # 27 will be posted in September 2020. Be safe & well!

Ken Bohrer

I reviewed my top 10 American Revolution reenactment photos in my latest May & June blogs. It was both difficult & fun selecting my favorites. I enjoyed reminiscing on where and when they were taken. Since there are no reenactment events in the foreseeable future because of Covid-19 I'll continue to discuss more of my personal best photos. So for this blog and my next 2, I'll review 5 of my favorite photos each month. Then I would have reviewed a total of 25 photos!

This photo is from the Battle of Monmouth in 2009. The American soldiers marching to start the reenactment. Originally, I liked the photo so much it was in my top 10 list.

I've been attending this event for over 10 years. Some of my best photos have come from this June reenactment. Why?

First, the park area itself is picturesque. Behind the visitor's center is a large sloping grass-covered field and woods on both sides. In the distance is a bridge and still further crops in the field. The background is perfect for reenactment photos.

At each event, I plan on the day being hot, usually in the high 90's with extreme humidity. The weather was ideal with many puffy clouds. For me, they add so much drama to any photo.  The light was ideal so the colors just pop, a wonderful photo.

At every reenactment, I'll take some informal reenactor portraits. So many of them have the facial features, expressions & uniforms that make for a powerful photo. Here is a perfect example from the Battle of Germantown 2017.

When I review my event photos afterwards, I immediately decide whether the image is more compelling in b&w or color. It was an easy decision for this one, b&w. In this photo, his demeanor and the light focused on his face make this photo special.

Some of the best events I've attended only happen infrequently. This photo is from the Return to the Hook 2013. I don't believe the event has been held since? At no other event, have I seen a house exterior been built and then burned to the ground? It was amazing.

I was lucky to photograph from such a unique vantage point. There were 2 platforms constructed about 20-25 feet high right next to the spectators' area. That is why I was able to capture so many unobstructed photos of the burning house.

I was excited to learn recently that in October 2021 this event is scheduled again. Plan to attend, it's magnificent. Plus, Colonial Williamsburg is so close, just across the York River.

I'm often asked  which American Revolution reenactment is a must-see? Immediately, I mention Patriot's Day's  (Lexington & Concord) in Boston, MA on April 19. It's the event you will never forget. Unfortunately, it's been 2011 since I last attended. At that time, 3 separate reenactments occurred at the Lexington Green, North Bridge & Battle Road (the route taken by the British expeditionary force.) This photo is from 2010 on Battle Road.

At this event, the British are retreating to Boston and the militiamen are ambushing them along the way. The action is non-stop. As a spectator, you are following them throughout. You feel like you're part of the battle. It provides a small sampling on how the minutemen and British troops must have felt on that eventful day!

Photographers have always manipulated their photos. Before digital cameras, it was achieved in a film darkroom. Today photos are still enhanced. It's not done using chemicals but instead with computer software. In my digital darkroom, I stylized this photo from the Battle of Oriskany 2012. The focus of this photo is the Native American warrior.

He's surrounded by both American & British troops. Who's he attacking? Can't tell. I knew this would make a great photo when the warrior extended his arm with a ball-headed war club.

By adding blur and movement, in a wonderful photo editing program ON1 Software, I accentuated him further. These few minor editing changes make this photo very unique!

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

Thank you for reading. Blog # 26 will be posted in August 2020. Be safe & well!

Ken Bohrer

About two months ago one of my reenactor friends suggested I select my top 10 photos for a blog post. The COVID 19 virus has canceled all upcoming American Revolution reenactment events for the foreseeable future. She asked: "Maybe you can do a compilation of your “greatest ” to entertain the “troops” until we get kicking again? Could make for an interesting blog!" I thought what a great idea!  In last month's blog, I selected & reviewed my #6-10 selections. Now I'll reveal my personal top 5 photos.

#5

My goal at every  reenactment event is to capture unique images. The photo below is a good example. It was taken at the Battle of Trenton 2019 reenactment. This event is special because the reenactment occurs in the streets of Trenton, near the Trenton Barracks  and NJ State Capital. I'm so close I could touch the reenactors.

This event is difficult to photograph. To avoid modern elements I zoom in often with my telephoto lens very, very tight. I want no cars, telephone poles, or street signs, etc. in the photos. That's what I did here. I zoomed in close!

I had to move/jog with the reenactors as they fired in the streets. The photo shows the musket in Half-cock -the hammer with flint attached (called a dogs head) pulled back. Then a small amount of black powder is poured from the cartridge into the flash pan. I haven't seen another photo like this before. Yes!

#4

I've always been able to capture fabulous & interesting musket firing photos at every reenactment event. No two blast photos I've taken look the same. But, this one is far different than any other posted on my web site. This photo is from the Battle of Germantown 2019.  Magic happens when the flint strikes the black powder in the flash pan, an explosion. This flash was bigger than any other I've seen; it engulfs the entire photo. All the fire & smoke makes it an abstract photo. There is no clear subject. Your eyes wander aimlessly. Amazing!

#3

My advice when photographing special events is to take tons of photos. Sometimes you just get lucky. I did! That's what happened with this photo from the Battle of Stony Point 2019. It occurred in the morning when the Continental troops were assembling. To get the best images I'll photograph from all different angles and vantage points. Afterward, when reviewing hundreds of photos taken that day, I noticed this reenactor secretively extending his middle finger.

There is a saying, every picture tells a story. This photo has many possibilities. He isn't a real soldier so what could have happened that day that he needed to show his frustrations so dramatically? Plus, the day just started. We'll never know? But, that is why this is such a good photo. So many possible scenarios!

#2

In rare occurrences, a photo expresses everything you're hoping to achieve. That is what happened in this photo from Washington's Crossing-Practice Event in 2019. Here's the background. It's December in PA with John Godzieba portraying George Washington looking through his spyglass. Looks great having the reflection of the NJ's Delaware River in the photo. He's preparing to cross the Delaware River that day. How perfect is that! I couldn't have scripted this photo any better if I tried.

#1

Here is my favorite photo. Probably always will be. Why? Because it's my first really good reenactment photo. It was taken at the Battle of Monmouth in 2009. For the first 2 years, I've posted numerous galleries with hundreds of photos. Some were good. But, this one was so much better. Taking this photo was not easy.

Most of the Monmouth battle reenactments held in June are incredibly hot with many spectators attending. It's important to secure a good location at least 1 hour before the battle starts. In 2009, the cannons were very far away. I knew photographing them would be difficult. My photography equipment was important in constructing this photo.

My Nikon DSR (interchangeable lens) camera has a smaller crop sensor compared to a full-frame sensor camera. Simply, this means the cropped sensor “sees” a narrower field of view. But, the good news is this smaller sensor magnifies my lenses by 1.5 times! Now my 80-400 lens becomes a 120-600mm. Also, to gain even more distance, I added a 1.4 converter which extends the lens even further. Now it's comparable to an 840mm. Why is this significant? The average eyes see around 50mm!

Now, I could photograph the cannons. After many tries, I got it. For me, this photo will always be #1!

Did you agree with my top 10 list? Would you have chosen other photos? Please let me know.

Thank you for reading. Blog # 25 will be posted in July 2020. Be safe & well!

Ken Bohrer

Every April, I look forward to enjoying  Major League baseball & photographing American Revolution reenactments. Unfortunately, both activities are now canceled for the foreseeable future! COVID 19 has changed everything! Who knows when life will get back to normal?

Something positive has happened during this terrible time; people are reconnecting more with family & friends remotely. Me too. One reenactment friend Olga Leake, who I interviewed for a blog in January 2019, suggested: "Maybe you can do a compilation of your “greatest ” to entertain the “troops” until we get kicking again? Could make for an interesting blog!" I thought what a great idea!

I do have many photos to choose from. A brief history about me; I've been photographing American Revolution reenactments since 2007. My web site has over 7,300 photos. My first step in this endeavor was to review all my many galleries and self-critique my photos. A daunting task. I initially selected 41 of my best photos. Some I knew immediately would make the list; others I would need time to mull over.

The photos I selected aren't all necessarily technically perfect but are the ones that have personal significance for me. In every one of these images, I remember all the details of where and how they were composed. For this blog, I'll discuss #10 to#6. Next month I'll list my top 5.

#10

This photo originally was not in my top 10 list. I changed my mind after reviewing it a few times.  It was taken at Valley Forge's March-In event in December 2017. The temperature was extremely cold with snow on the ground, just like in 1776. There was an unoccupied hut in the Muhlenberg Brigade area of 9 log cabins. I peered inside and saw a few muskets stacked and the fire was blazing. Knew this would make a great photo. I dropped to 1 knee and raised my external flash in my left hand as high as possible. And with just my right hand on my camera took numerous photos. Luckily, I captured this one.

# 9

Colonial Williamsburg is my favorite place to take photographs. I mentioned this in the 2014 gallery when the photo below was taken.

ONE DAY IN WILLIAMSBURG REFLECTING!
My goal for the last decade has been to visit Colonial Williamsburg at least once a year! Unfortunately, that hasn't always happened. For me, this is the place I go to relax and get away from everyday stresses. I get to stroll around the town that so many of our Founding Fathers developed their political thoughts. It’s amazing that Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Henry, etc. walked these same streets. Did you know that Benjamin Franklin visited here as postmaster twice in 1756 & 1763? William & Mary awarded him an honorary MA degree in 1756.

It was early in the morning when I was walking around streets near the Capital. Behind a house was a storage building with a ladder hooked on its side. Looking closer I imagined the windows as eyes and the ladder a mouth. Knew I had a photo opportunity. Later, I cropped it to appear like a face. This photo still makes me smile!

# 8

I'm almost always able to capture at least 1 good flash photo at any event that has a firing cannon. My web site has many excellent photos to choose from. But, this one is my favorite.

It was taken at the Retreat at Ft Lee event in 2017. The day was perfect; it was late afternoon in December so the light was ideal. The orange blast in this shot just pops. Plus, what makes this photo interesting is that the cannon vent spark is so high. Immediately afterward, I shared this in-camera shot with the cannon crew & photo friends next to me. Knew I had a good one.

# 7

Sometimes when taking a photo everything is just perfect. The light is exquisite, subject engaged, colors are exemplary, and a background that is ideal! That is what happened with this photo from the Focus on Women & Civilian Contributions at the Valley Forge in 2019. It was a late afternoon, a perfect time to take a photo. This reenactor was standing against the side of a log cabin holding his musket. Other folks were taking his photo at the same time. He saw me, posed, and provided the perfect grin. Simple. That's why I think it's one of my best photos.

#6

Battle reenactments are loud. When the reenactors fire their musket volleys in unison your ears hurt. Add cannons, especially in close quarters, it's painful! That's what happened in the photo below. It was taken at the Iron Works Hill, Mount Holly, NJ, event in 2011. The canon was firing in the town's main street and when it went off the echo was deafening! It was the loudest cannon I can remember. The British reenactors' expressions show their pain!

I miss this event. It hasn't occurred for many years. There is a great NY style pizza shop downtown where I want to eat again.

Thanks for reading. Blog # 24 will be posted in June 2020. Then I'll reveal my top 5 photos. Be safe & well!

Ken Bohrer

Most everyone has heard of George Washington's winter encampment of his army in 1777-78 at Valley Forge PA. Because of Prussian volunteer Baron Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand Steuben (great name) creating a standard method of drills for the entire army it is famous for being the birthplace of the American Army. But have you heard of the encampment at Jockey Hollow, around Morristown, NJ, in 1779-80? It was called the "The Hard Winter"; the most severe known in early America! How bad was it?

This winter produced 26 snowstorms with 6 of them being blizzards! There were snowdrifts over 6 feet & the temperatures were only above freezing a few days. BURRRRRRRRRRR. In the Valley Forge winter encampment of 1777-8, there were over 1.400 deaths. At Jockey Hollow, amazingly under 100 perished. Why? The camp layout and hut construction had improved since Valley Forge. The soldiers lived in less damp conditions and did properly take care of camp sanitation, resulting in less sickness and death.

Where is Jockey Hollow? It is located in Morristown, NJ about 30 miles from New York City. George Washington used this site twice for winter encampments, December 1779-June 1780 & November 1780-January 1781. Around mid-April is the annual encampment weekend. Unfortunately, the event had to be canceled this year because of the Coronavirus outbreak. Wait until next year.

In 2015, I  posted the cover/page/overview of a book aimed at middle schoolers entitled Jockey Hollow-Where a Forgotten Army Persevered to Win America's Freedom by Rosalie Lauerman. Three of my photos are featured in the book.

Some fun photos from recent encampments below.

Below is Henry Wick's house built in 1750. His farm called Jockey Hollow consisted of over 1,400 acres much of it timber. He was also the Captain of the Morris County Cavalry. It was the ideal location to house the army plus it was a mountainous range. It would be a difficult location for the British to attack. The timber from his farm was what was used to build the huts.

Replica of a soldier's cabin in the visitor center.

Six miles away in Morristown, NJ is the Washington Headquarter's Museum (above) & Ford's Mansion, a Georgian style home, where Washington stayed during the encampments. Visit this national treasure; it's a special & historic place!

Thanks for reading. Blog # 23 will be posted in May 2020.

Ken Bohrer

Recently, I've been fascinated with learning more about the creation of the US Constitution. Besides visiting the outstanding National Constitution Center museum in Philadelphia, I've read 2 excellent older books on this subject, the US Constitution, Miracle at Philadelphia, 1966 by Catherine Drinker Bowen & Genius of the People, 1987 by Charles L. Mee Jr.

James Madison & Alexander Hamilton are usually the leading founding fathers mentioned in the creation of the US Consitution. But, have you ever heard of James Wilson? Probably not, most people haven't. He is credited with being the second most influential statesman at the Constitutional Convention! Only James Madison is more important. Wilson addressed the Convention 168 times! He also signed the Declaration of Independence. So why is he not remembered today?

Life-size, bronze statue of James Wilson at the National Constitution Center

James Wilson's legacy reminds me of another founding father I did a book review on a few years ago, Richard Henry Lee of VA. Both men in the 1970’s Broadway play/film 1776, about the signing of the Declaration of Independence, were depicted horribly. Lee was described as a buffoon. And Wilson as a sycophant of John Dickerson. He wasn't indecisive as implied but instead following the wishes of his conservative Pennsylvania constituents.

Wilson Wilson was originally from Scotland and studied at numerous universities without receiving a degree. After immigrating to British America in 1766, he began tutoring & teaching at the College of Philadelphia (now the University of PA). Shortly afterward, he studied law under John Dickerson for 2 years. He passed the bar and began practicing law in Reading, Carlisle & Annapolis.  In 1771, he married Rachel Bird and eventually had 6 children.

In 1774 Wilson wrote  an influential  essay titled "Considerations on the Nature and Extent of the Legislative Authority of the British Government".  This document challenges the authority Parliament has over the colonies. During the American Revolution Wilson & his family moved to Philadelphia. He later became the main author of Pennsylvania's new constitution.

After winning American independence Wilson became the University of Pennsylvania's first law professor and founder of the Penn Law School. But, his later years were difficult. After his first wife dies, he married again and had another child. But, his economic ruin occurred because of his unwise land speculation. For a brief period, he was imprisoned in the debtor's prison and had moved to NC to avoid creditors. There is where he died of malaria and buried in 1798. In 1906 he was reinterred at Christ Church in Philadelphia.

James Wilson's Gravesite at Christ's Church in Philadelphia

Thanks for reading. Blog # 22 will be posted in April 2020.

Ken Bohrer

A first for this blog, none of the photos were taken by me at a reenactment. Instead, they are recent photos of me from my photo friends.

One of the many great reasons for me photographing American Revolution reenactments is developing friendships with reenactors and fellow photographers who all have similar interests. To have fun, we photographers regularly like to photograph each other and then share. We generally do this for 2 reasons. The first is to show us in action, like the photos below.

The other is when we're waiting for the action to start. We're bored! At each reenactment event, there is a prime location to photograph. So we have to claim our spot early so that means we have to wait...and wait some more. These images show the boredom...and that I'm getting older.

The photo below shows us waiting and chatting!

Sometimes we're not the subject; we're in the background.

I appreciate my photo friends. When we're together we talk shop. Either it's about what our cameras are doing/not doing something or where would be the best location to photograph.

Thanks to them for wonderful times!

Thanks for reading. Blog # 21 will be posted in March 2020.

Ken Bohrer

For this blog, I'm going to review and comment on the 9 American Revolution reenactments I've photographed in 2019, visiting a historic site and participating in a reenactment wedding. It's been quite an exciting year! 

As a photographer, our goal is to try to make our photos interesting & unique. After reviewing last year's portfolio I incorporated more new ideas & techniques into my photography. Many more images now have blur, motion, combining photos together, panoramas & an occasional video than in previous years. Also, my photos weren't all posted 8 x 12.

This is my favorite image of 2019, photographed at Washington's Crossing practice event. It's George Washington, viewing the Delaware River through his spyglass. I believe the reflection is what makes this photo so special.

For me, having motion & blur in a photo enhances it further. Here are 2 examples from the Battle of Germantown reenactment.

The photo below from the Battle of Newtown reenactment was not planned. As I was reviewing my photos I noticed unconsciously photographing both sides of this reenactor's war-painted face. Combing these 2 photos together is a stronger image than separately. Photographers are lucky sometimes too!

I enjoy incorporating panoramas in my galleries. They provide a broad perspective of the event & scene. Usually, I'll stitch between 3-5 photos together in photoshop. Below is from Ft Mifflin. It shows the size & scope of this magnificent historical fort.

The highlight of the year was visiting the Fort Boonesborough replica site & photographing the reenactment wedding in KY.

I added a few more videos than in previous years. This is an area I need to develop further. A video provides a quick overview of a reenactment, especially a battle. Here is an example from the Battle of Germantown.

After reviewing my portfolio from last year I'm pleased. I experimented and tried new techniques that overall has made my photography better. Looking forward to 2020. Here is a sampling of some of my favorite photos of 2019.

Thanks for reading. Blog # 20will be posted in February 2020.

Ken Bohrer

This blog will be different than all my others! The previous 17 all focused on some aspect of the American Revolution. Not this time. Recently, I attended the PhotoPlus Expo at the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan on Saturday, October 26. It's probably been over 5 years, don't remember exactly, since I last attended? I'm originally from Long Island so it felt good to be back in the "city". So what is the PhotoPlus Expo?

Beginning in 1983, it's the largest photography and imaging event in North America. There are over 200 exhibitors and brands displaying thousands of the latest equipment, products, and services. Most of the major camera companies are represented. Think of this expo as Disneyland for photographers!

I knew this would be a long trip because it involved taking both the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) & NJ Transit trains from the Philly suburbs. The earliest first SEPTA train to the beautiful 30th Street Station was at 5:30 am.  I'm used to the commute. Every weekday I take the train to work.

From 30th Street to Trenton, NJ.

Once at the Trenton Transit Center, I boarded the double-decker train to the NY PENN station, about a 2-hour trip. When closer to Manhattan the train became packed.

It was about 10 blocks to the Javitts Center. I arrived around Noon.

It took only a few minutes to activate my registration. Once inside, I was immediately immersed in photography-related products and award-winning photographs displayed everywhere. My first stop was the Nikon booth near the front entrance. I've always had Nikon SLR cameras & I'm in the market in purchasing a new one hopefully soon. Oh, if money wasn't a concern! So many great cameras, lenses, & accessories to choose from. This hobby can get very expensive. How much do those big lenses that photographers use at sporting events cost? Easily, over $10,000!

I walked the hall to view the different vendors; it was less crowded than I remember. At the Skink Ink Fine Art Printing booth they had a promotion for a complimentary 8 x 10 print. Fantastic, I believed the photo below photographed at the recent Battle of Germantown 2019 reenactment would look great printed/framed. Thank you Skink Ink Fine Art Printing!

Because of smartphones, folks today have fewer printed photos than in years past. Print, frame & mount your photos; they have so much more impact.

After staying for about 4 hours it was time to go home. Reviewing all the vendor's literature made the trip feel quicker. Next year try to attend the PhotoPlus Expo. For photographers, it's a wonderful day to review & compare products plus dream!

Happy Holidays!

Thanks for reading. Blog # 19 will be posted in January 2020.

Ken Bohrer