As previously reported, I attended this year’s Doylestown Memorial Day Parade and remembrance ceremony per usual. It’s always a wonderful experience and sometimes I get a keeper or two. But this year I took a different approach. Instead of arriving at my normal spot at the crowded intersection in the middle of town at the appointed time, I decided to head to the staging area an hour early. This way I could hang out and maybe get a different take on things.

Turns out to have been a very good decision. Not only did I get what I think will a number of keepers, but I had a lot of fun talking to the participants. This gave me an entirely new perspective on the event and those who take part in it. And once the parade started, I was standin at the beginning of the route at a better position to make pictures.

So what’s the point?

I’m trying to think about new perspectives and better ways to make pictures, especially concerning an event like a parade. This is especially useful when you photograph the same event on a regular basis like I often do. It’s also more entertaining!  I gain a better understanding of the event and get to chat with some very interesting people.

So yah, I’m spending a lot more time at Doylestown Memorial Day Parades, Asbury Park Zombie Walks and Philly Naked Bike Rides, but it’s time well spent. Try it, but one thing … make sure you have enough film!

Stay well,

Michael