As any self-respecting digital media guy would do, I immediately shared it. Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter all received a copy of the explosion within twenty minutes. I got a couple of likes but nothing special. You would think something like that would trend, at least locally. Alas, the algorithms won the day again, and no attention was paid until the next day until my friends at the news stations decided to make it into a story.
Of course they want to make it into a story, it's a great picture. It also has an added benefit of making the casual observer believe it was some sort of freak accident with children screaming while brave souls rush to the aid of the possibly injured parties. Five News, KFSM, teased the picture and the presumably dire circumstances surrounding the fireworks show at the local Country Club. What about that is not news?
Well, the whole thing, actually.
You see, that massive explosion was planned. I found out from my father's neighbor that they do it every year.
It is still a great photo, even if it was planned. I had no idea it was going to happen, so just getting it is a win. On top of that, I think it's pretty awesome. So enjoy this photo of an explosion that is worthy of Hollywood. And even though it's not "breaking news," I am still pretty proud of it. Just think of how many takes I would have gone through before I could get that photo.