Last night I attended a local political debate in the wonderful city of Milton Georgia. I had promised some people that I would get some photographs of the event and the interaction of folks attending. So off with my camera I went. After I took the promised shots, I started looking around and thinking about David duChemin and his book “Within the Frame”. David talks about vision and what is really going on in the photograph; not just what is in front of you, but what the scene is trying to convey. He forces you to think what people need to see to understand the subject of the image, not just see the subject matter.
As I thought about this, I realized that this event had multiple themes depending on your viewpoint. It could be about the candidates and their positions; it could be about the city of Milton and the politics around it; or, as I ultimately felt, this forum was about the people of Milton and their ability to elect people that represented their views. As I thought about this, I wondered what I could do to create that image that I saw in my mind. I took this shot and that shot, but I really didn’t think I was getting it. Until I looked outwards and saw it; I was in the wrong position the entire time. The shot was not of the faces of the candidates, but it was of their backs (out of focus) and the crowd looking at them. Take a look below and let me know if you agree (or disagree).
PS: As the event was starting to come to a close, I was speaking to a local reporter, Jason Wright, for the Milton Herald . He asked what I was shooting and I showed him a few shots that I had taken. I pointed out the one that I felt really convened the evening. Surprisingly, he asked if they could use it for their next edition. This morning I sent the image over to them and I just heard that they are going to run with it. Kind of a nice feeling to start the day.
Great capture! Love it!
Wow I also love this viewpoint! And very cool that it will be in the newspaper! You really did a great job of capturing the evening!
Yes, I can totally see what you’re saying and I love this point of view. Great job!
Congratulations to you Christopher, this is well deserved!
An excellent photograph, I’m really impressed with this shot!
Looks like some serious business of the town is going on.
This is a GREAT image, Christopher!! Congratulations on getting it published! Save a copy of that!!
I totally agree, Christopher! You nailed it. Congratulations! You deserve the honor.
A very interesting commentary to underscore the fine image of the backs of the candidates. Congrats are the publication of the shot. I like it very good. Excellent viewpoint with supports you thought process and how you decided to shoot it.
Very cool. It always feels good to be published.
I think you nailed it, Christopher. Congrats on getting it published. Now how cool is that! I’ve really gotta finish reading my book! =)
Very nice to be published. I don’t kown anybody but the man with the yellow cream cloth in the center seems to be the main subject with the woman beside him. Nice overview with various expressions of people.
what a nice treat to get your picture published! Nice work!
BRILLIANT group portrait !!!
congratulations are in order then..
i really think this shot nailed the theme of that event you shot.. very nice work.. 
Love the lighting, great capture!
I do like the documentary shot displayed here showing different signs of emotion from all the people, well done!
Such a great image. Proud to let it grace our pages over here.