5am Boston photo walks

I was lucky enough to be in Boston, USA, for a photoshoot in early June. I left London Heathrow early in the morning, just as the long overdue British summertime sun and blue skies finally made a well-overdue appearance. I landed in Boston at lunchtime on a cold, gray, windy, and wet afternoon. Not quite sure how that happened, but I’m really glad I looked at the weather forecast before traveling as I was thankful to have packed a jumper and a jacket!

The view from out the back of the hotel lobby I was staying at while in Boston. I loved the spiral stair case.

Although I was in Boston for an assignment, I had plenty of time in the mornings and evenings to wander the streets taking photographs. I’m usually pretty good at acclimatising to jet lag, but for whatever reason I just couldn’t get over it for most of my stay. Boston’s five hours behind the UK so although I was going to bed at a very respectable 21.00 Boston time, (that’s 02.00 UK time) I was up like a shot between 04.00-05.00. The first day I tried to force myself to go back to sleep, which didn’t really work and so for the second and subsequent days I decided to just get up and wander the streets to see where the best places were to take pictures.

Boston, with its rich history, easy accessibility and vibrant atmosphere, offers an ideal backdrop for captivating photo walks. As I embarked on my early morning adventures through the city streets, I was immediately drawn to the iconic landmarks that define Boston’s character. The first stop on my photographic adventure was the historic Freedom Trail, a red-brick pathway that winds through the city, guiding visitors to significant sites such as the Massachusetts State House and Paul Revere’s House. The contrast of the red bricks against the lush greenery and the charming colonial architecture provided a picturesque setting for taking pictures.

I had all the professional kit with me, full frame cameras and a multitude of lenses, to be honest, I didn’t want to be wandering about the streets, early doors, with all that heavy gear around my neck or in a bag on my back. I loved the freedom the iPhone gives you and the picture quality and modes that it offers these days is just incredible. So, for the first time ever I decided to leave all the heavy kit behind and head out with just my phone and see what pictures I could take on my early morning rambles.

For my first early morning ramblings I found myself at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. This vibrant marketplace, steeped in history, offers a kaleidoscope of colors, sights, and sounds to photograph. I then ventured onward to the North End and the Italian quarter where I managed to take some great shots of fire stations, fire engines, and fire escapes. I loved walking down the beautiful gas-lit streets of Beacon Hill and the incredible brown brick houses.

And so for each early morning rise I would choose a different route to venture out on and discover new views to capture with my iPhone.

Below is a short video of some of the images I captured on my phone while walking the streets of Boston.

Boston, with its rich history, diverse architecture, and scenic landscapes, offers numerous fantastic locations for photography. Below are just some of the many places to capture stunning images:

1. Acorn Street: Tucked away in Beacon Hill, Acorn Street is a picturesque cobblestone lane lined with charming 19th-century brick townhouses. The narrow streets offer a unique classic New England architectural charm.
2. Fenway Park: One of the oldest baseball parks in the United States, provides an iconic backdrop for sports and architecture photography.
3. Public Garden: Boston Public Garden is a meticulously landscaped oasis in the heart of the city. The vibrant flowerbeds, tranquil ponds, and the famous Swan Boats offer plenty of opportunities for capturing nature’s beauty.
4. Charles River Esplanade: With breathtaking views of the city skyline, the Charles River Esplanade is a photographer’s paradise.
5. North End: Known as Boston’s Little Italy, the North End neighborhood is a feast for the senses and the lens. Wander through narrow streets lined with colorful buildings, capture the aromatic delights of Italian bakeries, and document the lively atmosphere of this historic district.
6. Beacon Hill: This charming neighbourhood is a photographer’s dream, with its gas-lit streets, red-brick sidewalks, and elegant Federal-style houses.

These are just a few of the best places to photograph in Boston, but the city is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re interested in architecture, street photography, or nature, Boston offers a diverse range of subjects that will inspire and captivate photographers of all levels.