I spent a couple of days in San Francisco with some close friends, partly to photograph an engagement and partly to celebrate my birthday. This interaction ended up being the highlight of the trip.

For three days, while wandering the city, we kept spotting groups of young people in uniform. Naturally, as a street photographer, they became an intriguing subject—always with that lingering question of who they were and what their story might be.

On our last night, after a few celebratory drinks, the boys and I were flying through the streets on Lime scooters when we pulled up to our block. That’s when I noticed another group of them standing on the corner outside a pub. The whole trip, I’d been striking up conversations with strangers and taking portraits, and I knew if I left without talking to them, I’d just be another street photographer sneaking photos from afar. I would’ve regretted not asking for a proper portrait.

So we crossed the street and started chatting. They were super open, answering our questions with a mix of pride and humor. Turns out we’d unknowingly been in town for Fleet Week, and these sailors were stationed on one of the ships docked for the event. They were wrapping up a rowdy night out and getting ready to head back to their ship.

One of them asked for a group photo with us, and I jumped at the opportunity to ask for a couple of quick portraits in return. They agreed, but time was tight—curfew was looming, and two of their superiors were already herding them into an Uber. I worked fast, snapping a few frames before we said our goodbyes.

Thanks to the boys for humoring some tourists and letting me capture this moment. I hope they had a blast during Fleet Week and wish them smooth sailing wherever they’re headed next.