--10_05_2006_Obama_2006--

--10_05_2006_Obama_2006--

It's been amazing watching this Presidential Election over the past couple of years as it has evolved and changed. I did not cover much of the GOP side of things but I had the luck to cover a couple Barack Obama events over the past 20 months or so. From a small town gathering of no more than 200 or so people, to a crowd of ~10-15 thousand when he gave his speech stating that he was running for the President of the United States of America.

I feel so lucky to have covered the most amazing run for the Presidency in modern history. Either way, here is a short look back at a few images from Danville, Illinois in 2006 when Barack came to town helping a local politician's run for office.

While Obama visited Danville he was barely known. The access was unlimited and he spent a long time talking with the crowd and shaking hands. This was early on in my photojournalism days and I missed one of those shots that everyone in the business looks back on and it always misses not capturing the moment. For me this moment came as Barack was leaving the event. I was at the side of his suv, right at the front door leaning over the hood shooting as he got into the front seat 2 feet away. As he opened the door and started to sit down I put my camera down and was about to back away to let his car drive on. Just as I set down my camera he stands back up leans through the V of open space between the open door and car pointed, smiled, and gave me a look I'll never forget, I didn't even think of grabbing my camera I just shared the moment, smiled, and pointed right back at him. He laughed gave a wave and got into the car and moved on to become the soon to be 44th President of the United States of America.

Thanks for looking,

-Brad

Maybe I did something funny? Or I look funny? haha




Here Barack Obama fakes me out and acts like he is getting into his suv. Right after I took this picture is when I put my camera down to move out of the way.