Yes We Can

Felt strange this weekend... probably an aftereffect of my recent slight illness. It could also be this recent bout of rainstorms. Melancholy, but really directed at anything. Honestly, I probably just need sleep.

Well, it's nice to be on a newspaper staff during an election year, and this story is just one instance of that. I got to shoot the opening of Obama's campaign headquarters in Austin. Like the Scientology assignment, it's interesting to go into something with pre-formed biases. I can't lie and say I'm totally impartial. I have distinct opinions and ideologies, there's no denying that. I don't feel like it affects my picture-taking, however. When I shoot, I zone out, I stop being myself and instead act like a disembodied presence, just looking for potential images. Nice arrangements of people and architecture, good light, emotion, action. I believe I'm able to simply document, without letting personal feelings interfere.

So, objectively, there was a lot of energy in the air at this center. Lots of eager, hopeful people, from all walks of life. There was simply no sadness visible to the eye, only weariness.

Personally, I found the whole place very encouraging. If the vigor and positivity shown by his supporters is any indicator of Barack's chances, I'd say they're very good. Of course, Austin doesn't generalize well when put side by side with the rest of Texas, but regardless, I'm hopeful.