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?

On the National Mall during president Obama's swearing in ceremony. Washington, DC

On the National Mall during president Obama's swearing in ceremony. Washington, DC

On the National Mall during president Obama's swearing in ceremony. Washington, DC

A women watches with emotion as Barack Obama is sworn in as President. Washington, DC.

On the National Mall during president Obama's swearing in ceremony. Washington, DC

On the National Mall during president Obama's swearing in ceremony. Washington, DC

On the National Mall during president Obama's swearing in ceremony. Washington, DC

A woman watches the end of the swearing-in ceremony of Barack Obama as the crowd starts to disperse. Washington, DC.

On the National Mall during president Obama's swearing in ceremony. Washington, DC

Police guide the crowds from atop buses after president Obama"s swearing in ceremony. Washington, DC

For the past four days I have been waking up at 6am, trekking down the mountain from where I am staying in Evergreen and heading into Denver to cover the DNC. Mornings were a fuzzy blur of credential lines, endless walking and quick food. As bad as that sounds the access and visuals of the DNC were very exciting.

I have thousands of frames to sort through but there were a few favorites so far…

At Invesco Field on the last night of the Democratic National Convention.

My first view inside the Pepsi Center Monday morning.

Michelle Obama and her daughter Malia at a stage rehearsal in the Pepsi Center in preparation for her speech later tonight. Denver, CO 08/25/08.

Dennis Kucinich on the jumbotron at the DNC.

Colorado Senator Ken Salazar on the floor of the convention.

Hope.

I took Wednesday night off fromt he convention to attend a press conference and rally for Ralph Nader..

DNC Chairman Howard Dean made a unanounced appearence at a small conference I was covering.

At Invesco Field on the last night of the DNC. Denver, CO.

At Invesco Field.

At Invesco Field.

At Invesco Field on the last night of the Democratic National Convention.

Invesco Feild is the home to the Denver Broncos, named after one of the largest investment companies in the world and, come next Thursday, will be host to some 70,000 Obama fans supporters as he accepts his parties’ nomination for President of the United States.

This morning I attended a media event at the stadium that, with welcome speeches from Colorado Sentor Ken Salazar, Colorado Governor John  Ritter and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper opened Invesco Field to the media to shoot B-roll and have a look around before the Secret Service closes it down till Thursday.

The event was announced by email at 8:00 this morning and was decidely small and low key.

Invesco Field in Denver was opened to the media today in anticipation of Barack Obama accepting the Democratic Party's nomination for President of the United States here this Thursday.

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper speaks at Invesco Field where Barack Obama will acceppt the Democratic Party's nomination for President this Thursday.