Photo Shoot: Finding Your Place

Steve Heaslip, Cape Cod Times
·2 min read

“Ninety percent of life is showing up.” The quote is attributed to Woody Allen, the percentage is debatable.

For the wandering photojournalist, showing up is easy, where to stand when you get there is the hard part, especially in crowds. Jockeying my way around the Cape Cod St. Patrick’s Parade last week, I remembered my first big crowd lesson, April 26, 1986. The Hollywood in Hyannis wedding of Maria Shriver to Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Wedding day Saturday was a sight probably not seen on South Street in Hyannis since JFK headed to the armory to give his speech after winning the 1960 presidential election. A rope line kept crowds away from all the entrances to St. Francis Xavier Church. Straight across from the church, on the sidewalk, was a set of risers for the media and then crowds filled in the intersection of South Street and High School Road.

Media staging was on a first-come basis, so even hours ahead, just about every spot was taken. I selected a spot right of center to the church entryway and about halfway up the risers. There are many decisions made when you choose “your” spot.

The April 4, 1986, wedding of Maria Shriver to Arnold Schwarzenegger at St. Francis Xavier Church on South Street in Hyannis drew a big media crowd, all searching for the perfect spot outside the church.
The April 4, 1986, wedding of Maria Shriver to Arnold Schwarzenegger at St. Francis Xavier Church on South Street in Hyannis drew a big media crowd, all searching for the perfect spot outside the church.

Too far left or right of the entrance can spell disaster. A high vantage point can help photograph over cars and stray people in the way. But too high and faces become top of head portraits. Standing spot selected, next up, the waiting game, leave your spot and it is gone.

Killing time waiting

This was before cell phones, killing time involved talking to your new best friend media neighbors. After hours of boredom, it's show time, celebrities arrive, side views and backs of heads into church. Once the ceremony starts, wait time again. But you must stay ready, in this case, long after the service started, Andy Warhol and model Grace Jones arrived very late.

The real reward for selecting a good spot comes as the crowd pours out onto the street. Now everyone is facing the camera. Tabloid journalists are yelling questions and the famous couple are front and center. Arnold presents his bride and camera motor drives burn through film. My spot just to the right provided a good angle, beginner's luck.

Many years later, it is still a gamble where to stand. Thankfully for a parade the choice is easy, either side of the street. Miss the shot? Simply race ahead of the marchers and try again.

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Photo Shoot: 'I selected a spot right of center to the church'