Welcome to Boston, Massachusetts!
Often referred to as “Beantown” (one of the city’s many nicknames), Boston is the 21st largest city in the United States by population. However, given its initial settlement back in 1630, Boston is, in terms of American history, one of the nation’s most ancient cities. Similar to many major cities located along the East Coast of the country, Boston is actually much, much older than the United States as a nation!
If you would like to learn more about the extensive history of the United States, Boston is an excellent location to begin. Before the USA became a reality as a republic, several events that triggered the American Revolutionary War -- and eventual independence of the original Thirteen Colonies -- commenced in Boston.
Boston is also a most significant city for the history of TIA International Photography, believe it or not! Back in 2006, the City of Boston hosted a photo contest (https://www.cityofboston.gov/photocontest/pages/8_jpg.asp) that inadvertently triggered TIA’s creation three years later. 400 entries submitted. 35 winners. Part of the significance of this contest was that I was the only winner who was not a resident of Boston. (I was living in Washington, DC at the time). The City invited me back to Boston for a ceremony where Mayor Thomas Menino would present plaques to each winner, but mine had to be mailed to me on account of relocating to. . .where else? Seattle!
Revisiting Boston in 2013 was an overdue reunion of sorts. One of my closest friends who was very excited to see my new photos summarized it best: “I look forward to seeing how you captured Boston this time, and how it captured you.”
Although many call Boston “Beantown”, another contact of mine, knowing TIA’s history, branded the city with another very appropriate moniker: “The birthplace of your calling.” That could not be more true!
Every city TIA visits, explores, and photograph is significant in one way or another. No city or location is frivolous. Boston is especially important because it recognized something in my work (which was still very much a hobby back then) that still took me another three years to act upon. As a result, I will always be very grateful to the City Hall photo contest organizers and Mayor Menino for the final push to ***do something*** with my passion in life.
Boston, you forever have TIA’s gratitude! I hope this gallery (and the aerial gallery) does a bit of justice to your city’s ever-evolving grandeur!