On Wednesday, July 3rd, I tasked myself with the job of deciding where to shoot this year’s fireworks show. I visited a number of spots including Gas House beach and Fort Sewall before revisiting Crocker Park (the site of last year’s shoot). While there, I noted some great clouds developing over the harbor and started photographing the harbor filled with boats under a beautiful sky. It wasn’t long before I started taking note of two kids who were scrambling up the ‘bridge’ connecting Crocker Park and the float below. Each seemed to be trying to outdo the other with impressive jumps involving twists and somersaults. At one point they took a break to warm up and I asked if I could shoot them jumping toward the lighthouse side. Both agreed and we got to work. There wasn’t all that much involved other than a countdown and counting on the high frames per second of my camera to capture a perfect moment after having settled on a composition.
The first boy had a solid somersault and I was pleased with the capture. Then Stu clambered up and pulled off a crazy skater/snowboard inspired twist. I captured two great scenes and settled on this as my favorite. I couldn’t believe my timing not only in capturing this crazy move but in having it located in perfect juxtaposition to the beautiful sailboat on the left and Marblehead lighthouse in the distance. Nothing quite like the enthusiasm of youth, the perfect light and a full harbor to tell you that it is truly Summer in Marblehead.
