DJ Beats and Boston Streets
#16 From spinning vinyl to Marines in the Commons, family portraits, and candid street photography
From Recovery to Rhythm in Boston
The last two weeks of August were crazy busy. With the walking boot gone, I’ve had the freedom to explore Boston again and —and to take on my first DJ photography session for a friend. Between Labor Day weekend and family visiting, I found myself in the Commons, Seaport, and streets with camera in hand.
Disc Jockey (DJ) Photoshoot
And now for something completely different.. for me.
A friend of mine just started DJ’ing this year and asked me help shoot and produce shots for his social media, branding, and marketing. I was happy to oblige. It was my first time shooting a DJ, and I had a blast. His music choices—from great artists of the 60s, 70s, and 80s—were soulful and full of happy memories.
And guess what… he spins VINYL!
Lighting can be really tricky. The color lights in the bookcase and nothing but my video LED panel to light the face of the DJ. I will get better and struggle with representing the scene effectively. Trying to understand the variations from no light/venue lighting versus adding lights with flash or light panels. Is the vibe better with fill-light or without?
NOTE: Scott Kelby WorldWide Photowalk In Seaport, Boston.
If you live in New England and the Boston area, please join my Photowalk in the Boston Seaport.
🗓️ Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM
🗺️ Where: Boston Seaport.Learn More HERE 👇
Labor Day Weekend - The Marines 250th Birthday Celebration
Our weather was just right during labor day weekend with clear skies & temps in the 70’s. The Marines were celebrating their 250th birthday in Boston and during a photowalk around the commons, I caught some photos.
They landed a couple of VTOL planes and helicopters in the Boston Park Commons. There are a few of the many shots in the shots below.
15,000 Steps that day in great weather!
Self Portrait With Family
I had my sister and brother in-law (outlaw) visiting as well. I had to take them to my favorite self-portrait spot here in the Seaport, to get into the action.
NOTE: NO Freakin’ Boot!
Street Photography - Candid Portraits
And of course, I cannot stay away from my street photography habits of capturing candid’s, unless busted, on my walks around Boston and the Seaport. The purple cowboy stands out to me as something interesting to see in Yankee Boston!
Always kids frolicking through the Harbor Walk at the Seaport.
Some people just look interesting to me.
And then there was the Purple Cowboy in Boston. Everything does match. Granimals?
Lessons Learned 🧠
As always, here are some observations that struck me while preparing this post:
Shooting DJs is hard — I used a flash and LED panel, yet still felt challenged. Photography doesn’t capture the audio that drives the environment. Video may do it better.
Curating for clients — I shot direct face portraits, artistic hand shots, side-lighting. The challenge is presenting images that feel meaningful to the DJ.
Family portraits matter — Including my sister and brother-in-law reminded me that photos connect us as much as they document us.
Street moments surprise — The purple cowboy is a reminder that Boston offers unexpected characters in everyday walks.
Brevity still eludes me — I aim for 10–15 images per post but often double it. Selecting less would sharpen impact.
Your Turn 🫵
How would you approach photographing DJs or live performers?
Do you prefer candid portraits or staged family shots?
If you travel and shoot constantly, how do you organize and cull your images?
What unexpected characters have you found in your own street photography?
Closing Thought
I’m back.
And a big shout out to the more than 25 people who helped me pick paintings to hang at the Gallery. Thank you for the support.
So tell me—what’s up with you? 👀 What are you shooting, seeing, exploring, or thinking about this summer?
Copyright Stuff
All photographs and images are copyrighted and created by me, David Rosen, unless otherwise noted. If you are interested in prints or using these images, simply reach out and ask at click@imagefrontiers.com.
Sounds like a fun day - and I agree, it's tough in that lighting, but I like what you came up with.