The People of Inauguration 2013

And now for something completely different...

     One of the things that Bill Smith loves to talk about in his book, "Designing a Photograph," is the opportunities that festivals, parades, and other public gatherings have for photo opportunities. I felt like 50% of the photos in the book came from a few parades in the Carribean.

     So, why not try that out? If there are good shots to be had, why not, right? I definitely learned a lot just in observing people, and not necessarily firing off shots. It's not easy to be unobtrusive, quick, AND to get a good shot. Below are some of what I took downtown today, during the 2013 Presidential Inauguration.

Equipment Used 

 
Nikon D3100 Camera, 55-200m VR lens


It's hard to get a good image when you have a crowd of people posing for pictures. That and I did not get a good shutter speed for this one. WAY too fast. Luckily, I actually paid better attention to that afterwards!



The importance of being fast. She was dancing while wearing a skunk tail. One second earlier - perfect shot.This shot? Not as interesting.


Terrible framing in the 2nd photo, but a better image of the souvenir salesman. Easily corrected on the computer, but should've had it good to go from square one.


The first shot of the motorcycle cop is too bland. I like the close-up more, seeing him checking his phone while bundled up and armed. Kind of whimsical, almost.


This one I wanted to just get a photo of the reenactor talking on the phone naturally. He saw me, and started to pose at attention, which might have come out pretty good. I liked the juxtaposition, but neither photo had the natural element of when I first raised the camera.



I think that I got a little too crazy with the angle on the shot of the couple with the flags. I think that the lines make for an interesting shot, but they're almost too extreme.

This was actually harder than I expected. I wanted the zoom lens for versatility (and I've enjoyed how portraits or closer pictures of people come out with the lens at 85mm or so), but finding the interesting and fun shots in a sea of winter coats isn't always simple. I didn't camp out for the parade, and didn't have a press pass, so I had to content myself with wandering on the periphery.

Overall, this was a great learning experience. I think that the next public event to hit D.C. will show that this paid off!