Reverend Al

Rev. Al Sharpton before a rally to get out the vote at Clarke Central High School on Tuesday, October 14, 2008.

I've always enjoyed photographing and hearing political speakers. I enjoy the art form of someone communicating their message. So when i was told that i was going to get to hear Rev. Al Sharpton speak here locally, i was a little excited.



Rev. Al Sharpton stands in the Clarke Central football stadium before a rally to get out the vote at Clarke Central High School on Tuesday, October 14, 2008.

The event itself was billed as a non-partisan get out the vote rally which occurred exactly when a football championship was happening. After a bunch of snafus were sorted out, he spoke to the crowd inside the gym.



P.T. Chester, of Greensboro, uses a camera phone to photograph Rev. Al Sharpton before a rally to get out the vote at Clarke Central High School on Tuesday, October 14, 2008.

One self-described McCain supporter came up to Sharpton and engaged him in some 'heated discourse.' Cooler heads did prevail. (She asked that her name be withheld from the paper and i will continue with her wishes here.) Sharpton is a polarizing figure; everyone I know has an opinion on him, positive or negative.



A woman who asked not to be identified argues with Rev. Al Sharpton following a rally to get out the vote at Clarke Central High School on Tuesday, October 14, 2008. The woman, who said she supported Sen. John McCain, accused Sharpton of being biased in his speech at the nonpartisan forum. Sharpton did not endorse either candidate in his speech.

Photographically, it was a challenge. We were everywhere, from outside on a football field to inside a press box to inside a gym. Fading light, golden light and crappy light. Inside the gym presented a challenge not only with the light but to make a decent background. The best was either the red padding on the side of the wall but even with a 300, it just didn't work. I went for more of the 3/4-to-head-on tight to have blurred bleachers in the background rather than volleyball nets.




Rev. Al Sharpton speaks at a rally to get out the vote at Clarke Central High School on Tuesday, October 14, 2008.

I just tried to make good photos of him and everything that surrounds him and the history that is surrounding the current election.