Tuesday morning I went to Washington, DC for the Inauguration of Barack Obama as president of the United States. On my own with no credentials…no assignment…on a shoestring. I knew beforehand that I hadn’t a chance of getting close to the ceremony so I decided to focus on the people behind me for my frames. I was able to roam, or rather; slowly creep, through the crowd for about an hour to take photos while the events were keeping peoples’ attention.

The inauguration stood in stark contrast to when I first photographed Obama.  Almost two years ago he announced his candidacy and I went  to his first visit to New Hampshire as a candidate. Even then the crowds were large and the air electric but I managed to photograph him very closely , in crowds and as an actual person. Now that actual person is an icon of hope for a generation and the darling of the world media. Many other photographers have covered this past election with more skill and experience and more deeply than I;  for sure, but I feel lucky to have been along for the ride and to see it to its end…and grab a frame or two.

I am looking forward to the next election cycle…which ‘ought to start in about a month, right?