A month or so ago I got a call from a person “out west” with significant ties to the Boothbay region, more specifically, Southport. She apologized for contacting me so late in the game, but asked if I would have time to photograph the surprise engagement of a family member aboard the  Eastwind during one of the evening sails. As luck would have it, time was available and we set about making a plan.

It was going to be a bit odd to have me hanging out on the boat with just family and a few others looking like I didn't belong. Me with cameras dangling from both shoulders, an old fart photo vest and my trusty ancient black tattered camera bag. We decided that I should imitate a tourist just going along for an evening cruise. How unlike me--- pretend! Perfect!

The Eastwind captain and mate were great. They welcomed me along with the family as if it were all in a day's work, albeit “Covidized.” Masks and distances observed, they could only board about half a load. But, all cautions were observed, and nobody seemed the least bit off put by my “odd man out” appearance. In fact, odd is right in my wheel house, so off we went.

The about to be engaged California couple were all pre tested and quarantined. They cleaned  up well. And, it was one of those glorious light breeze evenings with filtered sun and not too much rocking and rolling on deck, which can get a little challenging for both photography and engagements. Not good to be bouncing around while kneeling on one knee with a fancy engagement ring in the balance.

I'm a long time fan of Herb and Doris Smith as was my old buddy Charles Kurault. He really enjoyed his time aboard Eastwind with Herb at the helm and Doris in close watch. They are a heck of a team. I have photographed many of their boats and enjoyed time well spent visiting.

Ultimately I was introduced as a local friend who just happened to be along for the engagement sail. Remarkable! The engagement went off without a hitch. We all had a wonderful time and promised to gather again sometime in the future, when the newlyweds returned for a different engagement.

My, be natural and goofy, disguise worked.