A Glimpse Into the Trenches: Bringing WWI Back to Life

Stepping Into the Past: Capturing History at the Over There! 1918 WWI Reenactment

There’s something surreal about standing on a battlefield frozen in time—where history isn’t just remembered, but relived. That’s exactly what happened at Over There: 1918, a World War I reenactment at Camp Mabry, hosted in collaboration with the Texas Military Forces Museum.

I’ve photographed a lot of historical events, but this one felt different. Maybe it was the detail in the uniforms, the weight of the moment as soldiers moved through the foxholes, or the distant echoes of gunfire bringing history back to life. Maybe it was how WWI, though overshadowed by later conflicts, still lingers in the shadows of time, its stories waiting to be told.

A Battlefield Reborn

The reenactors weren’t just putting on a show—they were embodying the soldiers of 1918, from the gritty American doughboys to the German forces dug into their positions. The air felt heavy with anticipation as soldiers marched forward, rifles at the ready, gas masks slung over their chests. The pop of gunfire and the deep rumble of the tank moving across the field only added to the immersion.

One of my favorite moments to capture was the gas attack simulation. Seeing soldiers scramble to put on their masks, the haze of war settling around them, made for some of the most intense shots I’ve taken. There’s something about the sight of a soldier behind the haunting eyes of a gas mask that stops you in your tracks. It’s an eerie reminder of how warfare changed forever during WWI.

The Human Side of War

Among the chaos of battle, I found some of my favorite shots in the quiet moments—a soldier pausing to light a cigar, another staring off into the distance, lost in thought. These glimpses of stillness, of humanity, are what I love most about photographing reenactments. They remind me that history isn’t just about battles and tactics—it’s about the people who lived it.

One particularly striking image was of a soldier walking away, rifle slung over his shoulder. No action, no grand battle—just a simple step forward into the unknown. It made me think about the real men who once walked this same uncertain path over a hundred years ago.

Why Events Like This Matter

Reenactments like Over There: 1918 keep history alive in a way that textbooks never could. Standing a few feet away from a foxhole as reenactors take cover and return fire, you start to understand—just a little—what it must have felt like. The event was more than a spectacle; it was a tribute to those who served in the “war to end all wars.”

And for me, as a photographer, it was an opportunity to capture not just scenes, but stories. The grit on a soldier’s face, the tension in their stance, the weight of history in their eyes—these are the moments that make photography so powerful.

Looking Ahead

I walked away from this event with a new appreciation for the sacrifices made during WWI and a memory card full of images I can’t wait to share. Some of these shots have already become personal favorites, and I’m looking forward to showcasing them in future projects.

If you ever get a chance to attend Over There: 1918 at Camp Mabry, don’t pass it up. Whether you’re a history buff, a photographer, or just someone who wants to experience the past in a new way, it’s worth it.

Until next time—keep finding the beauty in history.

📸 Check out my full gallery from the event here: Over There: 1918 Gallery

🎥 Watch the video here: Over There: 1918 Video