Photo Shoot: Finding an unscripted moment at a Cape Cod press conference

There aren’t many things everyone can agree on these days. But there is one issue that unites Cape Codders, the canal bridges , Sagamore and Bourne. The aging structures are a source of agony for any driver who must cross the canal. When word came out from Washington recently that close to a billion dollars was coming from the federal government to complete the funding for the Sagamore Bridge it finally looked like a go.

When that amount of money arrives, a press conference usually follows, and so on one of the summer’s hottest days, Gov. Maura Healey arrived with U.S. Senators Edward Markey and Elizabeth Warren along with Congressman William Keating and a host of local politicians. The media rule for these events is always, first arrivers get the best spot. When I arrived about 40 minutes early for the 11 a.m. event, three TV tripods, “sticks” in media vernacular, were already set up right in front of the podium. A sound system was up and running featuring a soundtrack of Cape Cod tunes, featuring all the classics including Patti Page’s “Old Cape Cod” and even Raffi’s classic kid’s song “Baby Beluga.” The backdrop of a somewhat rusty looking Sagamore Bridge prompted one media wag to suggest “London Bridge is Falling Down” should have been added.

Thankfully a strong southwest breeze and lots of shade trees provided cover as the group awaited the arrival of the politicians. The governor was running late but by 11:20 the microphone went live, flanked by a Mount Rushmore lineup of dignitaries ready to speak about the Cape getting a replacement bridge and the big check coming from the feds.

Finding unscripted photo moments at a press conference is always a challenge. But the best opportunities present themselves after the event. The old photojournalist rule always applies, arrive early, stay late. So when Sen. Markey took up a spot off to the side, from a low angle he appeared taller than the bridge which filled the background. It was just a brief moment before he was joined by other dignitaries for group photos. It doesn’t always pay off, but following the old scout motto, “Be Prepared,” does pay off sometimes and it is a given, there will be more bridge press events in the days to come.

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: Finding an unscripted moment at a Cape Cod press conference