How to Photograph Obama’s Inauguration – What Would You Do?
Image by ajagendorf25.
Here is a question from Margaret, one of our readers:
“I will be attending Obama’s inauguration and as an amateur photographer would love some suggestions for getting some shots to memorialize this.”
I thought that this question might make a good one for readers to submit answers to.
- What tips would you give Margaret for photographing Obama’s inauguration?
- What gear would you suggest using?
- How would you approach capturing the atmosphere and scene?
- What types of shots would you be on the look out for consider it’ll be hard to get close to the actual action at the front?
Looking forward to hearing your tips and suggestions (as I know Margaret is).
53 Responses to “How to Photograph Obama’s Inauguration – What Would You Do?” - Add Yours
January 12th, 2009 at 12:26 am
Look into what you CAN take first of all. I’ve heard that no bags, strollers, etc can be brought in – so your gear bag is out, and your tripod probably too – even a monopod might be too much for security. Keep it light.
Can’t wait to hear how it all works out!
January 12th, 2009 at 12:37 am
Uniqueness is one crucial part of photography. I would suggest trying to make your angles and shots as unique as possible to get a look different from the other gazillion people shooting the same thing. If you see all the photographers in the front, go to the back and capture the whole thing. This approach was taken in a recent NG Your Shots.
January 12th, 2009 at 12:39 am
And go for the audience. The reactions to Obama might be more powerful than Obama himself.
January 12th, 2009 at 12:59 am
I can’t recommend what gear you should bring but I do strongly recommend you invest time on a site visit. I just got back from the Inauguration Rehearsal this morning and was struck by the poor sight lines and how small a target you will have for the ceremony itself so you’ll need a powerful lens and something to stabilize your camera.
You may want to focus your “capture the historic moment” energy on other aspects of the day – the 21 gun salute in Taft park (between the Capitol and Union Station), the crowds, the Obama signs and stickers, the parade route, people watching it on tv in a local bar, etc.
You won’t be able to get to the Inauguration AND get a good spot on the parade route so pick your spot early and stay put. FYI, the Bushes will be leaving the Capitol after the ceremony from the East Front by helicopter so you might want to capture that dramatic event if you can find a vantage point close enough.
Hope that helps. Good luck!
January 12th, 2009 at 1:04 am
If they are going to be in a secure area pack small.
“and a DSLR is a digital SLR camera which is larger than a point and shoot – especially with extra lenses – and the WP says anything larger than 8″ x 6″ x 4″ won’t be allowed in the secured area.”
If they are not, bring one body with a decent zoom with VR or IS as no tripods or camera bags will be allowed.
http://inaugural.senate.gov/2009/planyourtrip.cfm
Ryan
http://www.ryanhollowayphotography.com
January 12th, 2009 at 1:18 am
For gear, I would take whatever I was most comfortable with. I would want to find out if I could use a tripod (I would guess not) but I’d still bring my zoom to see if I could get any action shots. For me, the camera I’m most comfortable with is my Rebel XTi and my kit lens!
I would probably also bring a small p&s as a back up.
Shots? I would want to look for people’s reactions. Look for signs, SS, etc.
My biggest tip would be to look for things that stick in my head, keep my camera out, and shoot everything I think is interesting.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:24 am
With the millions of people congregating on this scene, be prepared in the timely event you really get to see The President. Be extra careful of injuries you might sustain, it isin’t worth it. Go to an area where you can see far and photograph the crowds, using wide angle of course. If you have two cameras, with different lens extra batteries and memory, this will be to your advantage. Before leaving your hotel, check that your equipment is ready and set for outside. Be sure to grab the shower cap from the hotel if it’s raining to cover your camera. You might look goofy but buy an umbrella hat. It’s good for rain or sun. Stop by Walmart or a sporting good store for hand warmers and feet warmers. If you can find a clear back pack kids use for school, all the better for security purposes. Carry a container of snacks and bottled water. But not too much or you’ll have to miss important moments going to the bathroom. Remember, only eat pasta the night before so you don’t have stomach reactions. Now…for the photographic moment. Capture the people’s reaction to this momentous occasion, particularly the elderly. They are the ones who are realizing “The Dream”. Remember this is the day after Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday. Emotions will be openly expressed. Frankly, there are enough photos of Obama but the people will be the best capture. Look around for monuments as backdrops. After you take a few photos like this, your creative mind will flow. Good luck and hope you have a Flickr site to post your results.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:26 am
Wow! Well, first of all, ENJOY. I’d love to go, but I didn’t want to fight the crowds. :)
Secondly, I have to imagine security will be mega-tight. There’s a website for the inauguration here: http://inauguration.dc.gov/index.asp You may want to check or ask if there are any restrictions on photographic equipment.
That said, if long lenses are OK, bring or borrow the longest telephoto lens you can. Practice with it. If you can swing it, bring a monopod or something to help you steady it.
If there’s no chance of you getting any clear shots of the actual ceremony participants — that is, Obama taking the oath or anything — focus on the details around you: people, banners, things that only YOU can share because of where you actually are.
And the standard advice on taking your camera out in the cold still stands. Good luck!
January 12th, 2009 at 1:34 am
I wouldn’t think you will get very close to Obama. What I would focus on are the faces of the folks in the crowd, possibly, whenever possible, including in the frame Obama in the distance, the dome of the Capitol or other recognizable buildings or American flags etc. Everyone is going to waste most of their time trying to get a close shot of Obama…to me, the day is really about the excited people in the crowd…I bet you’ll get some incredible images….break the rules, don’t even try to get pics of Obama….capture the excitement and the vibe of those who came to be part of history.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:22 am
Over than HAVE FUN for the whole ceremony, I have a single suggestion: a camera like a Nikon 990, with a swivel lens or a rotating monitor (but does exists many other similar features)could be very helpful in taking photographs raising your hands over the head, but still being able to check the framing. Today there are few models like this, but if you can borrow something like it (and of course a telephoto lens or add-on), you will be able to take shots without having to include crowd heads (supposing that you will not have a specific location which will keep your sight clear, or you are tall as a basketball player :-)
January 12th, 2009 at 2:56 am
I’m going to be there, too, and was literally unable to sleep a few nights ago trying to figure out what I want to bring. I’m assuming that I’m not going to get close enough to get anything great up close of the speakers. So, I’m going to concentrate on the people around me. I was at the Election Night Rally and really loved what I got that night using just my 50 1.4. It was light and sharp with great bokeh when I wanted it. I did a bunch of shots with at f/8 that night held over my head. You can check out my flickr if you’re interested in seeing what I got with the 50. I’m kathrynpierce on flickr.
I’m really interested in hearing advice. I’m thinking about keeping with my 50mm, but was also thinking about throwing my fisheye into my bag. I’m so torn. I could rent, but I’m thinking I might want to stay light and less obvious.
Have a great time!
January 12th, 2009 at 4:07 am
Other than a long lens to try to get up-close shots, I would bring a suitable lens for getting good shots of people’s faces and reactions during the festivities. It will no doubt produce moving results, be they one-person or group shots. My other initial thought was to take a really wide-angle lens, or even a fisheye lens, and raising the camera above your head. It would be a bit of a trial-and-error way of getting a shot, but it would be a great way to capture the incredible amount of people there. You could just put the camera on a 2-second timer and lift it up, unless you have a live-view screen that rotates, which would produce far more consistent results.
The best tip I can give you though is to just keep shooting! Take a lot of memory cards, and shoot away! It’s such a great opportunity to document something incredible.
Enjoy!
January 12th, 2009 at 6:03 am
You’ll want to make sure you read the security precautions. http://dc.about.com/od/publicsafety/a/SecurityInaug.htm
Notably, NO camera bags or tripods/monopods meaning you’re going to be carrying your camera and gear directly. So choose carefully what you bring – I’d recommend a single versatile lens that will let you get both subjects at a distance and subjects close up.
The ceremony itself will be covered extensively by professional photographers – you’re not likely to get a unique shot of Obama speaking or swearing the oath. What you will be able to cover though is the pomp of the event itself – the people, the crowds, the police, the preparation. I’d recommend focusing there.
It’s going to be cold, I also recommend some gloves that you can cut the index finger off of (to control your camera).
January 12th, 2009 at 6:04 am
If you can`t get close, focus on the people around you. There is undoubtedly going to be a lot of emotion in the crowd, and those could make better photos than anything of Obama himself.
And like everyone else said, long telephoto! It`s probably better to have a fast one, because if you are shooting something quite far away your flash isn`t going to reach your subject and you`ll have to use available light.
January 12th, 2009 at 6:54 am
You could do something similar with “Live view” on the Nikon D90, D300 or similar. Great for composing shots above your head. I agree with Charity, grabbing the small details and the crowd reaction will be a better option than chancing the actual event with a super long lens.
January 12th, 2009 at 7:27 am
I noticed you said you were an amateur photographer, and I don’t know what kind of gear you have. My best advice would be to rent some high end gear for the day of and maybe a few days before as well. Get to know the equipment, and you will be pleasantly surprised with the quality of the pictures.
January 12th, 2009 at 9:25 am
As others have suggested, I would recommend trying to capture the people there instead of the event itself. I would be interested in the throngs of people trying to get onto the Metro, people walking across the Memorial Bridge from VA to get there, etc. Good luck and enjoy!
January 12th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Take a drink, take a box of patience and don’t forget your memory cards! Have fun, look forward to the shots.
January 12th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
1. Don’t dress up looking like a criminal.
2. Don’t make any sudden moves.
3. There’s going to be xx,xxxx people there so taking a bigger lens is probably a good idea.
4. If you can’t get close, try getting back far and taking some wide-angle shots of the crowd and whole setup.
5. My personal favorite: After your shooting, use some photo editing software to create some HiDef surreal looking shots. I love those.
January 12th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
If it were me, I would wear a vest a put a lens in each pocket. Probably at 10-20mm for wide crowd shots and a 50mm or 85mm prime for close shots of people in the crowd.
January 13th, 2009 at 12:09 am
WOW! Have fun! I ditto all of the above responses! Just double check on security…
Have fun and you’ll have to tell us know where we can see your shots.
January 13th, 2009 at 12:29 am
I agree with the reaction shots and signs…..that’s going to be very interesting. try to juxtapose the signs with the reactions…it’s always interesting what kind of people stand in front of certain signs.
January 13th, 2009 at 1:02 am
Figure out how you are getting INTO the city, and OUT of the city after.
From Virginia, all bridges are closed. Metro is going to be packed, but there are bus lines running.
Warm clothes! It’s cold out. And supposed be even colder over the weekend so it may stick around. Be prepared for some moisture as well.
Perhaps some medicine to reduce your need to go to the bathroom.. there will be long long lines for the portapotties.
Extra batteries, memory cards, and wearing lots of layers.
January 13th, 2009 at 1:21 am
WOW! Thanks for all the advice. I’m Margaret who originally wrote in.
I actually live in DC and will have either standing or seated ticketed spots for the inaug, but not the parade. So–great advice on a site visit (duh, I hadn’t even thought of that) and I can take some pics of the preparations this weekend.
Thanks for Pam’s detailed advice on comfort and others’ links on security–we have secured hand warmers and I was only only planning to bring my camera and best lens (a Tamron 70-200 zoom for my Rebel Xt; like I said, I’m an amateur). I’ll probably do one of those string substitutes for a monopod so I at least have that.
Seems that the best/strongest advice is crowd shots and that makes great sense to me. I agree the pros will be close up and will have the great Obama shots, so I will likely focus on the emotion of the day and perhaps some semi-celebrity shots (members of Congress, etc).
I am crazy excited for this historic event and really appreciate any other thoughts, as well as links to good examples you may have.
January 13th, 2009 at 1:57 am
Since you can’t bring a tripod, you may want to try something like this to stabilize your shot, if you’re going to be using a long or non-IS lens:
http://www.instructables.com/id/1-Image-Stabilizer-For-Any-Camera—Lose-The-Trip/
January 13th, 2009 at 1:59 am
I think the really extraordinary shots will be taken at the end of the day, as people are re-boarding buses, metro trains, etc after a long day of witnessing history. there is hard work ahead for all of us and i think after the euphoria this realization will make for some interesting portraits. good luck. i think being there will feel like watching an astronaut land on the moon, only from a front row in stead of back on earth.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:18 am
I have been trying to figure out what the parade route will be, but it doesn’t appear that any of the inaugural sites have this information. Would anyone know the parade route? I plan to get there early and grab a spot.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:23 am
Just got an answer to my own question: http://dc.about.com/library/maps/blmapinauguration.htm
January 13th, 2009 at 4:24 am
Okay, everyone is telling you the obvious. Bring a long lens, bring a short lens and photograph the crowd, etc. As a former press photographer, these are the things I have learned: 1. Arrive super early. How early? Hours and hours. Bring someone with you to stand in your spot so that you can run to the bathroom. Its all about location (which by the way is limited.). 2. Have your second person bring a bag of water, jug of hot chocolate and snacks. 3.) Go to the local sporting good store or Walmart and buy some of those heater things you open and put in your pocket for warmth. They last about 4 hours.
Without a press pass your chances of getting anywhere near anything will be next to nothing. So, you are subject to crowd shots. Even with a long lens, Obama will be just a speck on the radar on your longest lens.
Simple advice: Don’t count on getting anything. Have a good time. Use it as experience.
Remember, in a crowd situation, people may tend to push a bit. Keep your bag close to you and don’t bring the kitchen sink.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:26 am
Capture the attendees as the best source for emotions, reactions and opportunities. I would look for ironic juxtapositions of adjacent attendees, black next to white, young next to old, etc.
Also take lots of charged batteries, keep them in your pockets for warmth, and of course lots of memory cards
January 13th, 2009 at 6:41 am
As this is one-in-a-lifetime event, I’d rent the absolute best quality lens I could!
January 13th, 2009 at 7:47 am
This has been such great advice for Margaret.
I hope that she acdtually has that telephoto lens that was mentioned. What a difference that will make! Also mentioned was being comfortable, another good idea. The first idea that I had, but also mentioned was the reaction of the crowds. That reaction though needs to show that it is to Obama and not just to any ordinary event. Someone has already suggested that you go early to look over the site; that was a really good idea.
Can we see your photos afterwards?
January 13th, 2009 at 7:56 am
I’m going to. Now that the viewing area chart is public I realize that even with tickets, the odds of being in an area where I can see Obama is slim to none. I bought a photographer’s vest and will be probably loading the pockets full of those hand warmers to stay warm. I was gonna take more gear, but I think I’m gonna take just my 5dmk2 and my 24-105. The crowd is probably where the best photos will be, and the vest is gonna make it easier to get through security.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:07 am
First of all good luck to you !!
I went the Chicago on election night at the last minute at captured these images. In fact I met a poor girl there who had run out of battery power, and asked to borrow one of my nikon batteries. I had so many, that I just gave her one and told her to keep it. I hope she got some good photos whoever she was, I would have just died if I had run out of power and couldn’t shoot.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesrhodesphotography/sets/72157608683198702/
as you can see from those images I just focused on the crowd, as it was all I had access to. But I would suggest renting a 2nd body and a slap a wide angle on that puppy. It will be very difficult to change lenses in that crowd. So I would keep a long lens on one body, and a wide lens on the other, because I promise you that you will want to switch up quite frequently.
I will be traveling with two Nikon Bodies – 12-24 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8, and 80-400 f4
One thing I can suggest doing is borrowing every memory card you can get your hands on. As I ran out very quickly and found myself deleting bad photos in the middle of all the excitement to get a little more space to shoot more images, and ended up missing alot of great photos. Epson also has a portable storage device I will be using at the inauguration to pop cards into and dump. Im sure you can rent these, if not buy one and take it back after you get back ;)
Use you long lens to focus in on individual people, the hard part is that you really will be missing everything, because once Obama starts his speech, there won’t be a dry eye in DC. In some respects you will miss that moment in history, but you will be capturing it through your lens, so there is a pay off. But always remember the moment you feel like putting your camera down and paying attention to whats going on around you are going to be the times you should be shooting those who are paying attention to whatever is going on.
If you have any questions or want to team up with me as I too will be at the inauguration and shooting, please feel free to contact me : james@ontherhodes.com
Cheers,
James Rhodes
January 13th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
I am also going with tickets in hand, so I’ll be closer than people who are just going to the Mall but still pretty far away. I think I’m going to leave my 5D at home, and take a small point and shoot. This decision is keeping me awake at night, but the 1.5-4 million people they’re projecting along with the NO CAMERA BAG rule makes me really nervous. We’ll be walking from my house in Arlington (it’ll be about 5 miles each way), and if we’re lucky might be able to catch the bus back home if there aren’t a billion other people trying to do the same. Am I being ridiculous?
January 13th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Why not contact a local newspaper & see if you can get some credentials, it might get you closer as well as a by line in the local paper!
January 15th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Wide angle prime for more impact.. Up and personal to get to his face as close as you can
January 15th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
I will be taking a canon tx1 video/point and shoot camera, Olympus point and shoot, and perhaps a canon 5d with a 28-105 mm lens, lots of memory and batteries. It will be in the thirties, the little cameras may be in a vest. It will be exciting.
January 16th, 2009 at 12:08 am
As you already know, security for this sort of thing is extremely tight. If the security people are the least bit in doubt about what you’ve brought, they’ll kick you back, ticket or not. So, if 8″x6″x4″ is what is allowable, that’s all I’d take and be exact. They won’t let something in that’s 8.5″x6″x4″, any change from the accepted will be kicked back. So measure whatever it is you’re taking and don’t go over even by a fraction of an inch. They’ll err on the side of caution.
I like Alex’s answer above, he right on the money in terms of how to behave. They will not allow “anything” to go undetected. The parade route will have been swept by the Secret Service many times in advance, all mailboxes will be removed, the sewer covers will be welded shut, the homeless will be physically removed from the area, no stone will be left unturned at least 6 times. I’ve been inside these secured nets many times for world leaders and it is not a place to go to unprepared; because if you’re not prepared, you’ll not be allowed inside, that’s the crux of it.
Take your D-SLR so long as it meets the size requirements, take a 2x extender if possible, no tripod or monopod will be allowed (could be a pipe bomb) so practice holding your breath. Take your longest lens, again so long as it fits in the size requirements. Go very early, be in place in early, start looking for your best angles and best hopes for pix. And GOOD LUCK! Sounds like fun to me!!!
January 16th, 2009 at 2:23 am
Come by the bike valets! There will be one at 16th and K and one south of the Jefferson.
January 16th, 2009 at 3:19 am
I just took an event photography class this fall and I’ve got two tips from that class:
1. Photograph the details of the scene (signs, banners, trash, building details (cornices, etc), flags, whatever catches your eye and sets the mood.)
2. Photograph people’s reactions or people interacting.
The biggest overall principle to remember, tell a story with your camera.
January 16th, 2009 at 5:05 am
I agree with most of the above posts. Go for the crowd shots – more unique opportunities. I went to the rallies for both Presidential Candidates and some of the best images were the looks on the faces of the crowd and some of the outfits people created just for the event. I would consider making a photojournal of something like :”a day as a spectator to world history” and start off capturing images from early on in the day when everyone is bright and waiting with anticipation – capture as many of the moments leading up to it – including the long lines and the walking crowds. At the end of the event, grab some shots of the empty arena and the mess (possibly) left behind and the exhaustion on the faces as people may have been there for many hours to get good seating. I would recommend taking multiple memory cards as well as extra batteries. The last rally I went to my battery died I took so many pictures (sure learned my lesson – went out and purchased extra battery on the way home). Best of all- HAVE FUN! Digital cameras let us shoot many and hope for a few great ones (don;t forget there is always post-processing for those so-so shots). Enjoy!
January 16th, 2009 at 5:43 am
Keep your camera in your bag and stay at home. He’s not worth wasting the time with.
January 16th, 2009 at 6:11 am
Not sure why everyone is saying that tripids and unipods are prohibited because I have found no authoritative source that actually says they are prohibited. People may run into problems if they look like a weapon or if they are put in a place where people can fall and get trampled but you can definitely have this type of stuff on the mall. If you get really close to the parade route or the capitol building you might have an issue because of the limited space. The string trick is a good idea for the sake of keeping you light. The following text is directly from the secret service site:
http://www.secretservice.gov/presidential_inaugural.shtml
Prohibited Items: As a security precaution, the following items will be prohibited from the Inaugural parade route, the White House reviewing stand and the Inaugural balls: firearms, ammunition, explosives, weapons of any kind, aerosols, supports for signs and placards, packages, coolers, thermal or glass containers, backpacks, bags exceeding size restrictions (8″x6″x4″), laser pointers, animals other than helper/guide dogs, structures, bicycles and any other items determined to be a potential safety hazard. With respect to signs and placards, items must be made of cardboard, poster board or cloth and have dimensions no greater than three (3) feet in width, 20 feet in length and one-quarter (1/4) inch in thickness. Surrendered items will not be returned, nor available for pick-up.
January 17th, 2009 at 2:20 am
Actually, it looks as though there will be far fewer restrictions for those of us simply viewing the events from the “open” national mall area.
Prohibited items in the general viewing area of the National Mall west of 4th Street.
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: firearms and ammunition (either real or
simulated), explosives of any kind (including fireworks), Laser pointers, alcoholic
beverages, or other items that may pose a reasonable threat to the security of the event.
From: http://www.nps.gov/inau/parknews/upload/09-005%20NPS%20Suggestions%20on%20how%20best%20to%20experience%20Inaugural%20events%20News%20Release%201%2010%2009.pdf
January 17th, 2009 at 3:28 am
Actually, I found this link (http://inaugural.senate.gov/2009/keytopics.cfm#cameras) to an official inauguration site that stated that tripods and monopods were not permitted. Personally, I would rather err on the side of caution and leave the tripod/monopod at home rather than being turned away or have to decide what to do with it once getting to the security gate and not being allowed in with it.
January 17th, 2009 at 7:31 am
Edgar, your site says: “Cameras are permitted on the U.S. Capitol grounds. Tripods and camera bags, however, are prohibited.”
Note they’re referring to the “U.S. Capitol Grounds,” not the entire National Mall. The DC Examiner also has an article implying restrictions will be less severe in non-ticketed areas.
http://www.examiner.com/x-2104-DC-Historic-Travel-Examiner~y2009m1d7-On-the-National-Mall-on-Inauguration-Day-2009
January 18th, 2009 at 2:02 am
what ever kind of camera you use just 2 things you need to have…….high speed cards with lots of room and AND lots of BATTERYS….just talke lots of pic’s you will have some great ones…..you wont have a lot of time to set up…..you will get some great shots…have a great time…hope to see some of your pics’ its a once in a life time shot…….
January 19th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
A better camera & access. doesn’t guarantee better images.
Plan forward according to the situtation for which DSLR Camera, Lens (IS/VR), Flash & Tripod.
Keep additional a set of batterys.
Reach the place early & find the spot for better angle.
Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions while you are shooting.
January 19th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Congrats Margaret!
I wish I will be there to be able to capture this special historical moment!
Personally, I will definitely go with my SLR digital camera with wide angle lens (12-22mm), set ISO 200 to 400 considering the gray clouds, enough exposure and speed not below 50 per second to capture the crowd, building and all the ‘energy’. Try shoot from the above angle, perhaps from the tree??:)
Additional to that, if possible second camera with the zoom lens-300mm hopefully enough with VR, to get the swearing moment of the new President of the USA. I don’t think you will need tripod/ monopod.
Hope it helps and good luck for the once-in-a lifetime shoot!
Regards,
Nova from Indonesia
January 20th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Dear Mr. Nova,
“Congratulation”
I think you had done a clever job,
Specialy you are handled two cameras.
Regards,
Nandhagopal from India.
January 20th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Thanks Nandhagopal,
My mistake, I forgot the event would be a NIGHT time, since we are celebrating here (Indonesia) in the afternoon :) So, yes, Margaret would need tripod, but hopefully there something that she can lean on it:)
January 20th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Thanks for your reply Mr. Nova Dien.
It can manage by flash – according to the distance at NIGHT. (Reg. Tripod).
In that two camera, one which is (12-22mm) lens. Instead of I think it might be better to use (18-105 VR) lens.
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