I have been incredibly blessed in my lifetime to be able to photograph some of the most accomplished people in the world. I have shot musicians, actors, comedians, athletes, scholars, politicians, religious figures, as well as some pretty stellar “normal” people who I am sure are going to someday be considered a celebrity for their talents. I don’t always agree with these people.. Sometimes I don’t even like them.. But I can at least respect the impact that they have made on the world.

Today I had the distinct honor of being able to photograph a man that I not only respect, but also admire in so many ways. I know that politics can be divisive, and I just ask you to put aside your own personal political beliefs for just a moment. Barack Obama is a man who has brought hope and optimism back into the political scene. In a day and age where people are so apathetic and feel completely disconnected from their elected representatives, he has made even the most disenfranchised people believe that they can have an impact again. Even if you don’t agree with his stance on the issues (I certainly disagree with him on plenty of things), you at least have to admit that his eloquence, optimism, and ability to reach out to people of every race, gender, religion, and income, are deeply inspiring.

Barack is making the rounds in Texas right now, and today was his rally in Dallas. At the last minute I was invited to come capture some images of the rally, and I am so glad that I did, because it was an experience I will never forget.

The first attendees began lining up at 4 AM in the morning, and when I arrived at about 9 AM, there were people wrapped around Reunion Arena (former home of the Mavericks) three times, and continuing on into the parking lot - all for an event that wouldn’t even begin until noon! This photo does not begin to do the crowds justice, but you can see the three rings of the line.

Thousands upon thousands of people trickled into Reunion Arena, carrying homemade signs and completely fired up about hearing Obama speak.

Before Obama came out, there were a few “celebrities” who spoke, although to be honest with you, I only recognized one of them.. Emmitt Smith!! Yeah!! Although he said that the Cowboys were the only team he ever played for.. I guess he is repressing the ‘03-’04 seasons

Finally, the man himself appeared, and the crowd went bonkers.

There were Secret Service people EVERYWHERE.. One of them totally ripped into me when I accidentally stepped past a barricade. Those guys are seriously scary. See this one in the lower right? All business.

A little Texas love…

Check out the crowd..Keep in mind this was at noon on a Wednesday, and to get in you pretty much had to be there at 8 AM or earlier, and it lasted past 2 PM. How all these people got away from work I’ll never know.

A few shots of Obama speaking..

On this shot I overlayed an image of the crowd cheering him on.. I kinda like the effect. What do you guys think?

Finally I am going to leave you with my favorite image of the day. This is my new desktop background!

Regardless of who you support, I urge all of you to get out there and campaign for them, and most importantly, get out and vote!! Remember, if you don’t vote, you can’t complain about whoever wins