The 245th Anniversary Battle of Ridgefield Commemoration was a testament to the joy and strength of community. Not only did the community define the weekend, embracing it with vigor and delight, but the community also made the weekend happen. Single individuals and organizations stepped forward — joining the Town of Ridgefield and the Ridgefield Historical Society — and offered extraordinary talents and time to bring the gift of history to neighbors, friends, and visitors, and throw a perfectly amazing party — all weekend long.
One of this year’s special volunteers was Ridgefield resident Bing Liem, who photographed the Battle of Ridgefield Reenactment and the Ceremonial Funeral Procession and Salute for the Town of Ridgefield and the Ridgefield Historical Society, capturing the richness, pride, and curiosity of this spectacular occasion.
Meet Bing Liem.
Q: How long have you been a photographer?
A: Since I was 17.
Q: Have you ever considered being a professional photographer?
A: I went to Rochester Institute of Technology for photography with the intention of becoming a pro photographer. After one year I decided to keep photography as a hobby and switched majors to the business side of photography.
Q: What is your occupation? I’m the Divisional President for the Imaging Division at FUJIFILM North America, and responsible for the US and Latin America. I have been in the photo industry my entire career.
Q: What are your favorite things to shoot?
I like to shoot just about everything, but have a real love of music/concert photography as I can combine my love of live music while shooting.
Q: Is there any event, theme, topic that you would like to photograph, but haven’t yet?
A: As concert photography is a true passion, there are a number of music festivals/bands that I would love to shoot. Unfortunately, you need access which I don’t always have. I have done quite a bit of work for the Ridgefield Playhouse, which I’m very grateful for. They are great to work with.
Q: Your images are remarkable. They capture a very specific moment, and the essence of that moment. Does this just happen, or is it years of experience and insight that help you find just the right shot?
A: It is all about timing and trying to anticipate what is about to happen. I also think about how I will frame the shot in advance and how I can use elements in the foreground (another person that is out of focus) to create depth. You can see how they use that technique in TV and film.
Q: How many miles did you walk on Battle of Ridgefield weekend?
A: Haha, too many to count.
Q: What did you learn about Ridgefield through shooting the 245th Anniversary weekend?
A: I didn’t really know the story/history of the Battle of Ridgefield and found that interesting. I also had never visited the cemetery which was beautiful.
Q: Have you been to a Battle of Ridgefield Anniversary before?
A: No, this was the first.
Q: How long have you lived in Ridgefield?
A: 15 years.
Q: What brought you to Ridgefield?
A: My job relocated from New Jersey to Valhalla, NY. I used to have a customer who had a store in Ridgefield, Ridgefield Photo. I always loved the town, so when we started looking in the area, we decided to add Ridgefield into the consideration.
Q: A little more about you? I’m married (30 years in October) and have two daughters (ages 24 and 18). I have no shortage of hobbies. I’m an avid vegetable gardener. I’m also obsessed with fly fishing and fly tying. Then there is the live music scene which I try to enjoy as often as possible, with my camera in tow when I have access.
Q: Patriot or Loyalist?
A: They’re both equally photogenic. ????
