Revolutoinary War Journal is published by Harry Schenawolf, author of the Shades of Liberty Series about African American soldiers in the American Revolution.
Article Features Photographer Ken Bohrer of American Revolution Photos
It is a pleasure to offer Ken Bohrer, University Educator and Renowned Photographer of American Revolution Reenactments this platform to begin sharing some of the thousands of incredible photos he has collected on his web site American Revolution Photos. A dedicated historian with a passion for the American Revolution, he has spent years traveling to Revolutionary War reenactments. He has recorded in both pictures and interviews, the many remarkable reenactors who embrace his devotion and authenticism to portray our nation’s incredible struggle; that which embodies our democracy and defines our heritage for future generations. In Ken’s own words: “Since I now live in the Philadelphia area, I’m centrally located to photograph many of the reenactments in the Delaware Valley region. My future goal is to photograph every major American Revolution reenactment… Plus, it’s fun and all reenactors want to share stories; they’re storytellers!” I hope you enjoy his work as I have come to appreciate immensely. Harry Schenawolf – Sr. Editor Revolutionary War Journal
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.
This photo was not originally 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.
Colonial Williamsburg is my favorite place to take photographs. I mentioned in the 2014 gallery when this photo 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!
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. Knew I had a good one.
Sometimes when taking a photo everything is just perfect. The light is exquisite, subject engaged, colors are exemplary, and an ideal background! That is what happened with this photo from the 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.
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