Once again I was allowed back to photograph the Siege of Fort Erie event. This year, unlike last I was much more restricted in my movements so I wasn’t able to shoot in true photojournalist style, but I was able to pick up some great shots from the event as it is.
The British Line.
The trouble with events like this is because dispite appearances things happen really quickly out on the battle field. I found that setting my camera to Continuous High Speed mode, will give you a better selection of shots to choose from. During the day it’s hard to catch the explosive forces when a musket/rifle is fired. But with careful timing you can get some impressive shots.
The Americans fire a volley into the Fort.
I was able to get onto the Battlefield for the re-enactment of the Battle of Chippiwa, and often found myself in the middle of the line of fire. I had to be pretty quick on my feet, and lugging a D300 with my 70-200mm f/2.8 lens around made it difficult, all while wearing period clothes.
Glengarry Light Infantry
As Dusk comes, it makes capturing the explosions from the muskets is easier, however I had to once again reach into the high ISO settings on my camera.
The British send hot lead screaming across the field of Battle.
I was also very happy to have a camera and lens that are fully weather sealed, as the rain started to come down, I could shoot without worrying about my equipment…too much. Events like this are very hard on your camera, but that’s why I paid for the top quality equipment so that I could drag my camera out into the battle field, even if it was a fake battlefield.
And before I leave, just this one awesome shot that I caught during the night battle:
If you want to see all my photos of the event you can view them here: www.flickr.com/photos/axle81401/sets/72157621992580652/
Tags: Event, Fort Erie, Re-Enactment, Siege of Fort Erie, War of 1812
August 22nd, 2009 at 8:03 pm
I have been in Fort Erie re-enactment the last two years, and we had a great time.
Your photography is fantastic and vividly capture the environment and all what we saw that day. Congratulations.
RB
August 24th, 2009 at 7:35 am
Thanks for you kind words!
December 5th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
I am a member of the regiment you have a picture of on your website(the black and white one 3rd from the top;thats me loading). That was taken on the 18 of Aug. at Fort Erie. I know through the fog of war it is hard to tell what unit is what but we are not “THE RANGERS”. We are the Glengarry Light Infantry and I and my regiment would greatly appreciate if you would change the name to that. Don’t get me wrong - we really apppreciate the picture and hope to see more of the Glens on your website.
God’s Speed
Frank
P.S
Thanks for getting the shear beuaty of the loading of my musket.
December 6th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Hi Frank,
Thank you for the corrections, there was just so much going on that it was hard to keep track who was who. I have fixed the title of the image per your request!