Bucket List Photos: A Dream Realized in Boston
Not one, but TWO bucket list photos for me this spring in Boston.
Every photographer has a mental list of “bucket list” photos—those iconic shots we dream about, plan for, and envision capturing when the stars align just right. They’re the kind of moments that stick in your mind, waiting for the perfect blend of timing, luck, and preparation. As the legendary Ansel Adams once said, “Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter.”
This spring, in the historic and bustling city of Boston, I had the incredible opportunity to check TWO photos off my personal bucket list. These are images I’ve imagined for years, and finally, the moments were mine to capture.
The Boston Marathon Finish Line in the Rain
For nine years, I’ve dreamed of photographing the Boston Marathon finish line. Every spring, my wife—an incredible athlete—qualifies for and runs this prestigious race, and every year, we make the trip together to Boston. Since our first visit, I’ve been captivated by the energy and emotion of the finish line. It’s a symbol of perseverance, triumph, and the human spirit.
This year, everything came together. Thanks to Point32Health, I found myself in the exact spot I’d envisioned for almost a decade. Not just the finish line, as I’ve been there many times in the past, but right AT the line. What made it even more special was the rain. It wasn’t a torrential downpour, but those periodic showers added texture, drama, and life to the scene. There’s something about rain that gives a photo an extra layer of depth—it feels raw, real, and emotional.
Standing there, camera in hand, I could feel the weight of the moment. Years of waiting, imagining, and hoping culminated in this one perfect shot.
Bagpiper at Old South Church
While we’re in Boston, we always visit Old South Church for their Blessing of the Athletes service, held the day before the marathon. Built in the 1870s, this historic church is awe-inspiring, with its towering architecture and incredible sense of history. The service itself is profoundly moving—a blend of hope, inspiration, and reflection for athletes preparing for the race.
The highlight of the service, for me, has always been the ending. Every year, it concludes with a single bagpiper playing Highland Cathedral. The sound echoes through the church, filling the air with something both hauntingly beautiful and deeply emotional.
For years, I’ve pictured this shot in my mind: the bagpiper standing alone in the center aisle, framed by the grandeur of the church as the music swells. And this year, I finally captured it. Everything fell into place—the light, the moment, and the emotion.
Chasing the Shot: When Patience Meets the Perfect Moment
These two photos represent so much more than just bucket list items. They’re a testament to patience, persistence, and the joy of finally seeing a vision come to life.
Photography, for me, is about capturing those fleeting moments that tell a story, evoke a feeling, or preserve a memory. This spring in Boston gave me two moments I’ll never forget—moments that will forever remind me why I fell in love with this craft in the first place.
To those chasing their own creative dreams: keep imagining, keep waiting, and stay ready. You never know when everything will align for that perfect shot.
Ryan
