USS Constitution Sailing Boston Harbor – Seaport Photography
#18 Caught the USS Constitution sailing in Massachusetts Bay — plus Boston Harbor and Seaport stories
Intro
The feature image above of the USS Constitution, is one of my favorite captures in recent weeks. While heading out into Boston Harbor last Friday, I was surprised to see her departing and caught photographs from both directions. It felt like stepping back into history on an otherwise ordinary day.
COUPLE OF ANNOUNCEMENTS TO NOTE:
Boston Seaport Photowalk — October 4, 2025 at 1:00 PM 📸
Join me for the Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk in Boston’s Seaport District. Bring any gear you like — DSLR, mirrorless, film, or phone.
Start: 60 Seaport Boulevard Courtyard
Duration: ~2.5 hours
Route: Seaport → Fort Point → back to Seaport waterfront
Highlights: Contrasting architecture, lively neighborhoods, waterfront skyline views
👉Learn more-Register for the Seaport Photowalk
Each registered attendee may submit one photo to the global and regional contests.
First Gallery Exhibit – Now Showing 🖼
My first gallery display is now up at The Real Deal in Jamaica Plain, featuring two favorites:
“Fountain Fun”
“Snap in Time”
Where: The Real Deal – 736 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Both works are printed as museum-quality giclée on 305 GSM paper, framed archivally, and available for purchase.
And Now for My Week In Photos and Stories
The past few weeks I have been lucky to spend it on the Boat, and near the waterfront, along with some expected and unexpected events.
USS Constitution - Out for a Spin…
As the feature image above shows, The USS Constitution made a surprise turnaround trip to Castle Island and back. She sailed dressed in flags, escorted by police, and shadowed by a flotilla of smaller boats.
When out on the water, this is my usual shots of her in her Charlestown berth, behind the fences and open to the public to board.
If you have ridden along with me on the on the boat, it is one of my usual touring points of interest we go by and I speak about her and some history.
Learn More about the ship, schedule and history here: USS Constitution Museum
Usually, my shots of her are from Charlestown, static at berth behind fences. This time she came alive in open water, and the difference was striking.
Another frame shows her passing Logan Airport — old ship and modern jet sharing the same skyline.
ICYMI - DJ Beats and Boston Streets
Last week’s post highlighted my first attempt at photographing a DJ in motion. If you missed it, here’s the link:
Back to the Water - More Shots in Boston Harbor
Friday brought classic late-summer skies with textured clouds over Boston, Charlestown, East Boston, and Seaport. My boat buddy Stan Lee was along for the ride, taking it all in.
While I start in the swanky part of downtown Boston on my boat, I always end up heading into the industrial zone and love both.
I’m continually drawn to the industrial side of the harbor. Barges at the scrap yard, trucks unloading metal, slag being prepared for export — the rhythm is both raw and cinematic.
For more on this genre, visit my post on Junkyard Dogs… with a similar vibe.
For a wider lens on industrial photography, see my friend at Perfectlight and his Substack.
Back on Land in the Seaport and Marina
After docking the boat, I took my usual walk around the Seaport. I have a bad habit of stopping to take a “selfie” from the land after the boat. Do you see me?
The golden light hitting the harbor (through the buildings) always warms the spirit. Along the waterfront, there are hundreds of people walking and chatting while sailboats get ready to drop or set-sail.
And of course the lone dad-escort finds the kids getting fascinated by the most unusual things.
And on this afternoon, I became entranced by the light and shadows that were pulling me to the mirrored buildings and reflections in them.
Near the Convention Center, a staircase caught me with its geometry and shadows.
The day ended on my 14th-floor balcony — Boston skyline shifting into evening calm.
So come and see the Seaport with me and a group of other photo enthusiasts on October 4th at 1pm.
Join me October 4th for the Seaport Photowalk 👉: Register Here
Lessons Learned 🧠
As always, here are some observations that struck me while preparing this post:
Surprise is fuel — The Constitution wasn’t planned, but those moments create the best stories.
Context deepens images — A ship becomes more powerful when shown against a modern airport or skyline.
Industrial scenes have beauty — Not polished, but layered with narrative and human effort.
Golden light transforms — Even familiar streets glow when late-day light reflects through glass.
Balance quantity with clarity — I lean toward more photos, but tighter curation would sharpen impact.
Community builds energy — Between gallery supporters and upcoming photowalkers, sharing work in public keeps momentum alive.
Your Turn 🫵
If you were photographing Boston Harbor, would you focus on the historic icons like the Constitution, the people and street scenes, or the industrial undercurrents?
Which stories call to you most?
Closing Thought
Thanks again to everyone who helped select my gallery pieces. Your support makes this journey collaborative instead of solitary.
So — what’s new with you? 👀 What are you shooting, exploring, or experimenting with this season?
Copyright Stuff
All photographs and images are copyrighted and created by me, David Rosen, unless otherwise noted. Feel free to share this post by linking to it, re-stacking, or creating notes to spread the word. The images may not be reproduced or distributed without my explicit permission. If you are interested in prints or using these images, simply contact me at click@davidrosenphoto.com.
I especially love the reflection shots!