From Mercer Island to center stage: Meade’s Seafair behind the lens

August 8, 2025 11:30 am
The Atlas Van Lines hydroplane cuts across Lake Washington, throwing spray during Seafair’s championship hydroplane races. Photo courtesy of Andrew Meade
The Atlas Van Lines hydroplane cuts across Lake Washington, throwing spray during Seafair’s championship hydroplane races. Photo courtesy of Andrew Meade

Special to the Reporter

If you caught the roar of jets or the splash of hydroplanes over Lake Washington during Seafair weekend, chances are Andrew Meade was nearby with a camera in hand. The Mercer Island native and owner of Andrew Jacob Media was hired by both Seafair and KOMO News to capture the sights, sounds and energy of one of Seattle’s most iconic summer traditions.

Over five packed days, Meade was everywhere. He photographed the legendary Blue Angels soaring over the city, the thunderous hydroplane races slicing across the lake, and spent time with some of the pilots themselves. He even sat down with NASCAR champion Jimmy Johnson, who is now turning heads as a hydroplane racer.

On media day at Boeing Field, Meade documented the Blue Angels taking off up close and personal, capturing moments many fans never get to see. He was also on the ground for the Blues and Brunch fundraiser, mingling with the pilots and the community that supports them. One of the standout moments in his coverage? Stunning visuals of the jets screaming through the sky directly above Mercer Island.

Meade isn’t new to big moments. Through his company Andrew Jacob Media, he’s made a name for himself shooting everything from sports to destination weddings to adventure travel. But for him, covering Seafair as a local—telling the story of the festival that has been part of his summers growing up—felt especially meaningful.

Keep an eye out for his upcoming photo series and video reels, where he’ll be sharing never-before-seen moments from the weekend. From the runway to the log boom, Meade had the best seat in the house, and now he’s bringing it to all of us.

The Blue Angels pass in tight formation over I-90 and Mercer Island, with downtown Bellevue rising in the distance. Photo courtesy of Andrew Meade

The Blue Angels pass in tight formation over I-90 and Mercer Island, with downtown Bellevue rising in the distance. Photo courtesy of Andrew Meade

Blue Angels pilots return to the tarmac at Boeing Field after their flight, carrying flight gear bags holding helmets, oxygen masks, and other essentials. Photo courtesy of Andrew Meade

Blue Angels pilots return to the tarmac at Boeing Field after their flight, carrying flight gear bags holding helmets, oxygen masks, and other essentials. Photo courtesy of Andrew Meade

Andrew Meade (center) with Maj. Sam Petko, lead pilot of the Blue Angels’ C-130J “Fat Albert,” and a crew member at Boeing Field following the team’s media day performance. Photo courtesy of Andrew Meade

Andrew Meade (center) with Maj. Sam Petko, lead pilot of the Blue Angels’ C-130J “Fat Albert,” and a crew member at Boeing Field following the team’s media day performance. Photo courtesy of Andrew Meade