Since so many of these pageants feature demonstrations with spectators looking on, it’s always effective to photograph both groups at the same time. This image was made from knee level, using a 24mm lens, for that long depth of focus. Breaking several horizons makes this photo dynamic. (Canada Day, Fort Henry, Kingston, Ontario)

Catching an artillery piece at the moment of being fired is extremely   difficult. This should be an image made on a tripod, and not be a hand-held shot, as the photographer’s hand will inevitably jump when the gun goes off. 

Many of the better pageants will realize there are photographers that wish to catch the moment, and they will “prompt” you, as to when to release the shutter. If not, and if there will be a series of firings, the best bet is to watch the procedure first, and note at which point the gun fires. Use of a motor drive is perhaps not the best idea, as you might well miss that critical moment. (Fort Niagara, Lewiston, New York)

Every once in a while, you find an action shot that says it all. Here, the flag defines the period of history, and the group being portrayed. The obvious casualties establish a feeling of sympathy, even horror, at a scene which is probably very close to what would have actually been common during the American Civil War. The stance of ‘readiness’ and preparation among the participants gives tension to the photo, as they peer into the empty space in front of them - there’s certainly something out there to be confronted! Breaking the horizon with the re-enactors makes this image dynamic. Matthew Brady would have loved this photograph, but it was a tough thing to get hand-held grab shots with the large format cameras of the day.  

This shot was far more successful than the one I made just prior to this one, where the participants were firing. This image was made using a 300mm zoom telephoto on a monopod, from my viewing position on the sidelines. (Battle of Gettysburg, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)