During the birth of the Boston Celtics dynasty, there was one photographer who heavily contributed to the capturing of the Celtics’ dynasty moments. Boston-based photographer Dick Raphael captured photographs for 41 Super Bowls, 9 Sports Illustrated covers, and other major events in Boston sports history (Associated Press, 2007). 

Looking at the following photos from this dynasty and moments in time of Boston Sports history, Dick Raphael captures important figures and moments of the dynasty from a local perspective. The 1960s Celtics' dominance has been commemorated through books, documentaries, and statistics, but seeing the events of this dynasty through a local photographer's eyes grants a new perspective into basketball visual history, taking into account fandom. The now-remembered larger-than-life figures were simply of the moment inhabitants of the strong-willed Boston sports community.

Red Auerbach, former coach and team executive is depicted here much differently than he is during this 1960s run as well as his later stint in the 1980s (Goldstein, 2006). Usually depicted with a mystical aura with a cigar in his mouth and an intense passion, this image depicts the passion but shows Auerbach in a raw and real way. He doesn’t hold as much power as he usually has, seemingly equal or inferior to the power of the ref.  

Another image that shows the conditions of the players’ environment. The scuffed flooring juxtaposes our modern perceptions of the iconic and clean Boston Celtics parquet floor (Forsburg, 2020). 

Iconic imagery of the great Bill Russell leaping in the air with the Celtics’ accolades hanging on view in the rafters in front of a large crowd. Three tiers of stands are evident, a first in any of the photos, demonstrating the growth of audience for the sport.