Boy, was I wrong. After photographing the Rose Parade in Pasadena in 2019, I figured I had peaked in the parade department. Nope!

The California weather was nice, but it’s hard to beat the atmosphere and excitement of being in New York last year for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I was assigned to cover the Lincoln-Way HS band, whose brilliantly conceived costume change charmed viewers.

With this prestigious event, the nationally televised part happens at the end (unlike Pasadena). So in order for the marching bands to hit that mark on time, several folks are tasked with managing the pace of the parade. And it moves fast.

Planning out my shots in advance was key, because this train doesn’t slow down for anyone.

On the plane to NYC with my client, I described my vision for the wide-angle shot from behind the horn section (scroll down to 7th image). It was very satisfying to deliver that, along with several other images.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from an assignment that I’ll certainly never forget.