Film Photos I Took Just Before The Election And How I'm Feeling Now

Prior to the election, the weekend before it took place, I attended a rally/march in a town north of us. A town that is pretty conservative, so I was surprised that the event organizers decided to have us march all through downtown. I showed up with my Olympus AF-10 Super (with Ilford HP5) and FujiFilm XT-30.  Here are a few shots from the Olympus. 

Olympus AF-10 Super with Ilford HP5.

When shooting a moving event (march) it takes a lot of energy for me. There's so much to keep track of: the police yelling at us to get out of the road and back on the sidewalk, traffic and people honking or yelling out of their windows, marchers moving past me. And the whole time I'm trying to frame up shots while juggling two cameras (three if you count my phone). By the time I get home, I'm exhausted and cold (or wet depending on the weather) and am ready to lay in a dark room and just close my eyes while wearing my sweatpants.

Olympus AF-10 Super with Ilford HP5.

Also, throughout the rally and march I'm constantly hoping, Please let everyone be safe. 

Olympus AF-10 Super with Ilford HP5.

Olympus AF-10 Super with Ilford HP5.

I do my best to frame up the photos as the event is constantly moving. Capturing the moment is what's most important to me. Documenting. 

Looking at the photos now, post-election and with the inauguration happening this Monday, I have mixed feelings as I try to stay hopeful. There's this feeling of dread and I've found myself avoiding the news because anxiety was starting to seep in and affect my ability to do everyday things. I won't be able to do that much longer though because work will need to be done.

******************

Special thank you to A.M. for encouraging me to shoot a roll of black and white through the Olympus again and for developing the roll all the way over in England(!) Truly. Thank you! It ended up being the only roll of film I shot in 2024.