On January 9, 2009, a Boston fire crew’s ladder truck, Ladder 26, suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure returning from a call on Mission Hill. Boston fire Lieutenant Kevin Kelley died after the truck slammed into a building on Huntington Ave. It is hard to believe that ten years have passed. Here is a photo of the very solemn moments after Lt. Kelley’s BFD colleagues, Boston EMS, and Boston police officials recovered him from the rubble. Needless to say it was a very difficult photo to snap at the time. There was not a dry eye in the area at that moment. Rest in Peace.

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My Boston year in photos, 2018

 From airplanes to storms, moons to sunsets, all the way to an exciting new job with my new employer NBC10Boston/NECN/TELEMUNDO. These photos span from January 4, 2018, a Winthrop storm photo, to December 31, a newly married couple posing for a wedding photo at FirstNightBoston. My new career started on November 12. I am proud to say that there are 8 photos taken after November 12. Thank you all for your support. Happy New Year!

March 2018, Boston,MA. An airliner approaches Boston’s Logan airport. 

April 6, 2018. Snow and fog at Logan.

December 4, 2018-Parking lot of NBC10Boston. A departing airliner through my view of the crescent moon.

January 7, 2018. At 40,000′ high, this Lufthansa airplane flies through my view of the sun as they fly to NYC from Germany.Photographed from Winthrop,MA.

January 5, 2018. Wind and blowing snow at Logan.

May 21, 2018.Long lens compression makes this Logan departure look as if it is a hood ornament atop the Pru.

June 30, 2018. Harbor fireworks.

November 7, 2018. Boston Harbor birds

December 5, 2018. A construction crane atop One Dalton, Boston’s newest high-rise, frames the rising crescent moon.

January 31, 2018-Hull,MA. A special lunar trifecta ends with the moon setting over Boston, as seen from Hull, shortly before 7am. The second full moon of this month, called a Blue Moon, and a close pass to earth called a Supermoon, along with a partial lunar eclipse will not happen again until 2037. 

December 8, 2018. The setting Boston crescent moon.

03/01/2018-Boston,MA. This morning’s moon is framed by the Chelsea Street Bridge, and the new (under-construction) casino, in middle, as it sets over Constitution Beach in East Boston.

December 12, 2018. Mourning Dove with Crescent moon.

September 4, 2018. The crescent moon, a bird, and Boston’s North End.

February 17, 2018-Revere,MA. Revere and area firefighters battle a 5 alarm fire at 61 Squire rd, Sozio Appliances. 

February 17, 2018-Revere,MA. Revere and area firefighters battle a 5 alarm fire at 61 Squire Rd, Sozio Appliances. 

January 16, 2018-Dorchester,MA. Boston firefighters work the scene of a 4 alarm fire at Codman Square Market and Mod Liquors, at the 500 block of Washington St. Firefighters needed foam to squash the fire. The foam accumulated on Washington St.

January 16, 2018-Dorchester,MA. Boston firefighters work the scene of a 4 alarm fire at Codman Square Market and Mod Liquors, at the 500 block of Washington St. Firefighters needed foam to squash the fire. The foam accumulated on Washington St.

BOSTON, MA. – August 8: Lightning strikes over a foggy Deer Island as a series of vivid lightning storms visited Boston, on August 8, 2018.

BOSTON, MA. – August 8: Lightning strikes over South Boston as a series of vivid lightning storms visited Boston, on August 8, 2018.

August 4, 2018. A thunderstorm of Cape Cod is seen from Winthrop,MA.

03/02/2018-Winthrop,MA. A driver abandons her car on Moore St., at Shirley St., after driving through during the height of today’s high tide.

BOSTON,MA. – August 3: Lightning strikes over and to the rear of Logan airport early afternoon, on August 3, 2018. 

03/02/2018-Winthrop,MA. A car sits stuck in the water as the high tide pushes up and over the seawall at Short Beach, on the Revere/Winthrop line. 

03/02/2018-Winthrop,MA. The high tide pushes up and over the seawall at Short Beach, on the Revere/Winthrop line.

01/04/2018-Winthrop,MA. Joey Constantino peers out the window of his Shirley St. residence as heavy seas inundated his neighborhood. 

03/02/2018-Winthrop,MA. A fire truck pushes through Shirley St., during the height of today’s high tide. 

01/04/2018-Winthrop,MA. A Town of Winthrop fire truck sits stuck in water from heavy seas that inundated the Shirley St. neighborhood.

September 5, 2018. Our son Leo takes flight.

03/17/2018-Revere,MA. Participants, of all kinds, are seen at the annual, and frigid, Revere Polar Plunge this afternoon at Revere Beach. The annual plunge benefits Special Olympics Massachusetts, and is helped along by the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympic Massachusetts. 

February 20, 2018. A father teaches his aviation-loving boys how to photograph passing jetliners near Logan airport.

April 7, 2018. Belle Isle Marsh Revere.

July 4, 2018. The Queen Mary pulls into Boston Harbor.

September 18, 2018. Boston sunset.

December 10, 2018. Newton firefighters salute as the body of fallen FF Christopher Roy passes below them on the Mass pike.

December 31, 2018. Newly weds pose for their wedding photographer in Copley Square.

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Arthur Pollock, Boston Herald assistant director of photography, died yesterday. Arthur was a great photographer/morning-desk photo editor, very good person, special friend, loving husband to Judy Cockerton, caring dad to Jesse, Jenna and Brianna, and awesome coworker. I will remember his attention to detail, discipline, (fairly) cool demeanor , and voracious reading skills. He cared about journalism. Arthur would often finish reading the Herald and get halfway through the Globe before the beginning of his morning shift as morning-desk photo editor. His command of nearly every story was second to none at the Herald, including the writing-side editors. He would sometimes compliment or gently criticize a reporter, when warranted. He would even sometimes tell me: “please tell Laura Crimaldi (my wife and Boston Globe reporter) that her story in the Globe was great, today.” When a photographer got a message from Arthur of “congratulations, great photo”, it was known that he truly meant it. He was a great teacher, teaching me the nuances of the morning photodesk as I would often have to fill in for him during his treatments the last year, and teaching me the art/business of photojournalism. I remember his favorite lesson line of “shoot it like you had been contracted by Parade or People Magazine.” In other words, make every shot count. From my first day at the Herald in 1993 until the last day that I saw him in May, he would have an interesting story to tell, telling it with that famous Arthur grin. He was fiercely loyal to the Herald, Jim Mahoney and The Chief, Kevin Cole. The photos above are some of his favorites, including the Dinosaur of Boston, Roller Coaster, and his view of the very sad Challenger explosion in Florida. He covered the Pope, Presidents and travelled the world until becoming more of a presence on the photo desk in the late 90’s. The photo above of Arthur, at right, fixing my tie was taken in the mid 90’s in Warwick,RI. Five Herald photographers had won photo awards and we were in a hotel about to be feted. Arthur knocked on my hotel room door and wanted me to hustle as we were going to be late. He took one look at my tie and said: “Your tie is on wrong”, and proceeded to fix it. Not sure who took the photo but I will treasure it. RIP Arthur.

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In 1997 I was sent with Boston Herald columnist Peter Gelzinis to cover the 2nd anniversary of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building. In 2001 we returned to the bombing site to provide coverage of the moment that Oklahoma City bomber/murderer Timothy McVeigh was executed (in Indiana). While we were there, on both trips, Peter introduced the Denny family to our readers and to me. Peter had met the Dennys only hours after the actual bombing when he and Herald photographer Matthew West were dispatched to the horrific scene. In 1995 Rebecca Denny, then age 2 years, and her 3 year old brother Brandon Denny, were severely injured in the explosion while they were attending the building’s day care center. On June 11, 2001, the day that Timothy McVeigh was executed in Terre Haute Indiana, many victims and relatives, including the Dennys, marked this moment by returning to the now beautiful grounds and memorial of the Murrah federal building’s footprint. Here, beginning with a 1997 black & white photo of The Survivor Tree, are some of my photos from my two memorable trips. On a personal note, it is heartening to see that from senseless tragedy, good and decent people rise from the ashes and quickly turn the narrative positive. Also, I feel blessed to have met the Denny family.

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1997 photo of Rebecca Denny, then age 4 years, and me, as Peter Gelzinis, off camera, interviews Rebecca's brother Brandon, at their Oklahoma home.

1997 photo of Rebecca Denny, then age 4 years, and me, as Peter Gelzinis, off camera, interviews Rebecca’s brother Brandon, at their Oklahoma home.

Rebecca Denny, age 11 years, is seen at the Oklahoma City National Memorial, moments before the execution, in Indiana, of Timothy McVeigh.

Rebecca Denny, age 8 years, is seen at the Oklahoma City National Memorial, moments before the execution, in Indiana, of Timothy McVeigh.

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Brandon Denny, age 9 years, also known a "Miracle Boy" due to his improbable survival living against all odds after having a hole the size of a fist punched thru his brain in the Murrah Federal Bldg bombing, prays at a chair that symbolizes his dead friend Chase Smith who was in the same day care in the bldg but did not survive.

Brandon Denny, age 9 years, also known a “Miracle Boy” due to his improbable survival living against all odds after having a hole the size of a fist punched thru his brain in the Murrah Federal Bldg bombing, prays at a chair that symbolizes his dead friend Chase Smith who was in the same day care in the bldg but did not survive.

The Denny family, moments before the McVeigh execution.

The Denny family, moments before the McVeigh execution.

 

Seconds before the execution of Timothy McVeigh, Deb Ferrell-Lynn, who lost her cousin Susan ferrell, hugs Constance Favorite, who lost her daughter LaKesha Levy.

Seconds before the execution of Timothy McVeigh, Deb Ferrell-Lynn, who lost her cousin Susan ferrell, hugs Constance Favorite, who lost her daughter LaKesha Levy.

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More from Saturday’s big Revere fire. Per reader requests.

My Boston Herald photo coverage of Saturday’s 5-alarm fire in Revere caught the attention of several readers of my blog, and of the Herald. Here is most of my photo shoot from Saturday evening’s fire at Sozio Appliance, a fixture on Squire road for many decades. Here is the Herald story from Kathleen McKiernan, and, as always, reader feedback is very much appreciated..



 

 

 

 

 

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The Boston Herald Extra edition published Friday the 13th of December, 2002, showing my photo of Bernard Cardinal Law just hours before he announced his resignation from the Archdiocese of Boston. My photo & this Extra, was then replaced with the moment he resigned, which was then captured by the Herald’s Matt Stone. Below are some of my Boston Herald photos of Bernard Cardinal Law.

Above. (06/14/02-Dallas,TX) “I am glad my mother is not alive during this (abuse scandal). I am glad she has the perspective of heavan.” A somber looking Bernard Cadinal Law speaks to Herald reporter Eric Convey during a brief interview at the Fairmont Hotel-Dallas, during the US Catholic Bishop’s Conference. Boston Herald staff photo by Mark Garfinkel

Above 06/15/2002-Dallas,TX. Bernard Cadinal Law pauses during morning prayer prior to discussions that would eventually yield to a “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops in Dallas. Boston Herald staff photo by Mark Garfinkel.

Above. Toronto, Canada. July 2002.  After the Mass officiated by Pope John Paul 2, Bernard Cardinal Law returned to his hotel and gave “one on one” interviews with Boston area media outlets. HERE, Boston World Youth Day Pilgrims listen intently to the Q and A session. Boston Herald staff photo by Mark Garfinkel

Above. July 2002. “Papal Trip” . Boston’s Cardinal Bernard Law has some words of encouragement to a busload of Pilgrims headed to see the Pope in Toronto. The entorage is scheduled to arrive at World Youth Day this evening. Staff photo by Mark Garfinkel

Above. September 25, 1999-Foxborough,MA. A young boy breaks from the audience with other children and hugs Bernard Cardinal Law at Foxboro Stadium tonite. Boston Herald staff photo by Mark Garfinkel

At Easter services, Cardinal Law reiterated his stance on standing firm. He s

A man who claims to have been abused by the Rev Thomas Birmingham writes a note on a sign of protest against Cardinal Law and support of victims while protesting outside of Holy Cross Cathedral.

A group of approximately 400 people descended upon the Church of The Holy Cross in the South End today calling for Bernard Cardinal Law’s resignation.

“Shadowed Cross” Protestors hold hands in a ring around Cathedral of the Holy Cross during Good Friday services. They were protesting Cardinal Law’s handling of the Clergy Sex Abuse crisis.

A group of approximately 400 people descended upon the Church of The Holy Cross in Boston calling for Bernard Cardinal Law’s resignation.

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The Antonov Design Bureau AN124, a Ukrainian cargo plane with a tail # UR-82008, is seen departing Boston’s Logan International Airport after a surprise and brief refueling stop prior to a flight to the NASA Shuttle Landing Facility (Titusville). My photos from early this morning.

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Gisele Bundchen.
Some know her as a supermodel, others as the wife of New England Patriot QB Tom Brady, or as a super mom. She has been a champion for the environment, and a spokesperson for the United Nations, and the Brazil olympics. 8 years ago today I knew her as an aspiring helicopter pilot, 6 months pregnant. Good for her, she can do anything. September 21, 2009, a day that most surely will be etched in my mind forever. I arrived at Marshfield Airport at 6am and waited and hoped, on a tip, that Gisele would be flying a helicopter with flight instructor Stuart Matsumoto.  All of a sudden, there she was and away she went. Gisele and Stuart stayed up for almost 2 hours before gliding the craft to a perfect landing.

(09/21/09-Marshfield,MA) Gisele Bundchen takes flying lessons today.. After flying, the pilot came over to a cameraman and said: "She (Gisele) is testing a new and cleaner fuel as part of her UN Goodwill ambassadorship, more will come out at a later date" Photos: Mark Edwards. NO BOSTON SALES

(09/18/09-Boston,MA) The 2nd Annual, Running of the Beds" competition pitting Boston's waterfront area hotels against each other. This is run in honor of International Housekeeping Week. Here, Staff Photo by Mark Garfinkel

(09/18/09-Boston,MA) The 2nd Annual, Running of the Beds" competition pitting Boston's waterfront area hotels against each other. This is run in honor of International Housekeeping Week. Here, Staff Photo by Mark Garfinkel

(09/21/09-Marshfield,MA) Gisele Bundchen takes flying lessons today.. After flying, the pilot came over to a cameraman and said: "She (Gisele) is testing a new and cleaner fuel as part of her UN Goodwill ambassadorship, more will come out at a later date" Photos: Mark Edwards. NO BOSTON SALES

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I’m seeing more and more dire reports regarding the knockout punch that Hurricane Irma delivered to St. Martin/ St. Maarten. My first trip to this beautiful island was in 2004. I did a travel piece for the Boston Herald. I focussed on the Island’s unique airport that abuts Maho Beach. This is an aviation enthusiast’s paradise. The relatively short runway forces arriving aircraft to make a very low approach over the beach. If you have not seen any photos of the jet arrivals at this beach, then you really are missing something. People come from all over the world to experience the exciting landings and the even more hair raising departures. The second visit that I was lucky enough to enjoy, was with my wife Laura, in 2011. We stayed at Le Petit Hotel, on the French side of the Island. We rented a car and drove throughout the island. The permanent residents were very nice and accommodating. The French side is quiet and very beautiful. We did find a short period of time to view the airplanes at Maho Beach. The temperature was 82 degrees when Laura and I trotted over to the Sunset Beach Bar, the unofficial headquarters of the Princess Juliana Airport fan club. There was a large crowd awaiting the day’s arrivals, and waiting for the larger departing planes so that they could get blown into the ocean by the large jet engine’s fan bladess, a Maho beach tradition. The incoming airplanes arrive only 50 feet-or so overhead of the people watching them. I wish the people of SXM well  in their recovery, and look forward to visiting soon.

                                 

                                 

                                  

                                  

                                  

 

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I was not planning on spending too much time, or thought, on today’s Solar Eclipse, due to a wrist fracture that I sustained covering the controversial protests on Boston Common two days ago. I decided I would try to set up my heavy gear in my Winthrop,MA driveway. With some help from my neighbor Ron, my set up of a Canon 800mm lens and a large tripod was complete with seconds to spare before the solar show. Stuart Cahill, a colleague of mine at the Boston Herald newspaper, had already made me an improvised solar filter for my large lens, and I had already obtained nerdy solar glasses for my eyes. I was amazed at how good the filter worked on my lens. I started to shoot photos every 4 minutes, or so, and was excited with what I had. There was one thing that I really wanted, though. I had expected that there would be an opportunity to get a high altitude airliner through the sun, or more correctly stated, through my view of the sun. I was not disappointed, though it came very late in the eclipse, and did just barely sneak into my view of the sun. I watched as one after another high altitude airliner, most flying from Europe to NYC, just missed the sun. I remember thinking that I wished air traffic controllers in Nashua,NH., would turn them just a little for me. It was getting late and clouds and haze were moving in front of my view of the sun. I noticed the flight tracking systems that I use, flightradar24 and planefinder, were showing an Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger plane, over the Massachusetts/NH border, and heading my way. The plane was at a flight level of 40,000′ and traveling at 446 knots. The Etihad Airlines plane was flying from Abu Dahbi to New York city. It was almost directly over Tufts University when I watched as the plane disappeared into the blinding rays of the sun. I shot a heavy handed burst of several photos. I only knew of my success as I looked at the back of the Canon digital camera a few seconds after the moment of impact. The spots on the sun are not dust, they are sun spots, or storms on the sun itself as I understand it. This was a once in a lifetime photo for me, on a couple of fronts. First, and most important, was the rarity of today’s solar eclipse. Second, this is the first time I have photographed an airplane thru the sun, as I usually concentrate my aviation photography on the moon and an airplane, as seen in my aviation photo link above. Also, this is the first time I have captured the A380 thru the sun or the moon. The sky is black due to the heavy filter I was using to safely photograph the sun.
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08/21/17-Winthrop,MA. With just a few minutes left before today’s rare solar eclipse ends, an Etihad Airlines, Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger jet, flies across my view of the disk of the sun en route to New York city from Abu Dhabi. Photo by Mark Garfinkel

 

 

 

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