Picture by Andy Spyra

Salaam Aleikum!  After six months I’m finally back in Kashmir and pretty busy visiting friends and organizing some stuff for the upcoming weeks. It  definitely feels  good to be here again, although the ride up to here by train and sumo was one of the worst trips I’ve ever made. I got some bad food in Delhi and spent almost the whole night vomiting in the toilet of the train. Anyone who has ever traveled in an Indian train knows that there are far more comfortable places to spend your nights. But, then again, there’s  no reason to complain, I’m finally back and it feels right to be here again.

Although, this time it’s different than it was a half a year ago during the uprising. The atmosphere in the city has somehow changed, you can almost see it in the faces of the people which seem to be just more friendly and relaxed than some months ago. The mood is changing with every day I’m here. I’ve attached some private images to give you a little idea of how a typical Kashmiri home in Srinagar looks like. It’s a bit like in south Germany, although the people are sitting on the ground and eat with their fingers…

Picture by Andy Spyra

Picture by Andy Spyra

It’s the beginning of the elections and the separatist leaders called for an election-boycott and a 50 hour strike, beginning this evening.  So again, the strange atmosphere, this kind of invisible tension in the air, is coming back.  It’s pretty difficult to catch it visually, there is nothing particular going on, it’s just this feeling in the air that something might (and probably will) happen in the upcoming days.  However,  no one knows what is going to happen and to what extent.

Picture by Andy Spyra

Picture by Andy Spyra

Kashmir is a weird place with a sometimes challenging duality of life. On my first Friday in town, I was roaming around in one of the hot spot areas where usually after the Friday prayers some protest is going on. It’s possible to walk in one street and watch the normal life going on as people go shopping and the kids are playing cricket and just a few streets down the road there will be stone-pelting and the well-known smell of tear gas in the air.

Picture by Andy Spyra

Picture by Andy Spyra

That day I refused to shoot the protest again,  instead I’m trying to work on a different approach.  I had an interesting conversation with Balazs Gardi about the possibility of showing the conflict without the usual ingredients which I used in my story last year, like barbed wire and lots of crying and shouting people.  I don’t want to sound cynical, but there’s nothing easier to shoot than protest.  It’s difficult to get yourself into the situation (and respectively out of it again), but the images literally just jump into your camera. This time, I’ll at least try to get some different pictures out of the situation.

Picture by Andy Spyra

Picture by Andy Spyra

Picture by Andy Spyra

Despite my uncertainty about my own abilities to achieve my goals everything else is fine over here. I just visited some friends of mine, one of them has just become a mother of a little kashmiri, a handful of a human being, just 18 (and by the time you read this already 19) days old.

I am about to go out and shoot a bit of rainy Kashmir with my now sealed d700, with which I’m slowly becoming some kind of familiar. While I’m shooting, please enjoy life and I’ll try to update the blog with some images from the strike / elections / protest as soon as I can.

Digg This!   Tweet This!   Share on Facebook   Stumble It!

Justin Sullivan (l) and Mark Wilson (r) along with Special Events Technology Manager, Bob Covington pose and posture in front of the US Capitol West Front, site of the 44th Inaugural, following successful tests of the fiber-based photo network.

Digg This!   Tweet This!   Share on Facebook   Stumble It!

Mario Tama/Getty Images

Mario Tama details the stories behind his powerful images of 9/11, the US presidential election and pre- and post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans. Click here to watch and listen.

Digg This!   Tweet This!   Share on Facebook   Stumble It!

OCT 3, 2008- US Democratic Representative of Illinois Rahm Emanuel (R) whispers in the ear of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi during a press conference at the Capitol in Washington on October 3, 2008 after the House of Representatives approved the revised 700-billion-dollar Wall Street bailout bill, bowing to intense pressure to help avert a global economic meltdown. (NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)

OCT 7, 2008- Democrat Barack Obama (L) and Republican John McCain embrace at the conclusion of their second presidential debate at Belmont University’s Curb Event Center on October 7, 2008 in Nashville, Tennessee. (JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)

SEPT 3, 2008- John McCain, the presumptive US Republican presidential nominee, stands on stage with vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin after her acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention 2008 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, on September 03, 2008. (PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images)

AUG 27, 2008 – US Democratic presidental nominee Senator Barack Obama (R) whispers into the ear of his running mate Senator Joe Biden at the Democratic National Convention at the Pepsi Center in Denver on August 27, 2008. (ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)

SEPT 18, 2008 – New York, UNITED STATES: US First Lady Laura Bush whispers in the ear of her husband President George W. Bush as he arrives on stage for remarks to the first-ever White House Conference on Global Literacy held at the New York Public Library 18 September 2006. The first lady, who hosted the conference, made remarks earlier in the day. (TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

Digg This!   Tweet This!   Share on Facebook   Stumble It!

*WINK*

“Is it hot in here or is it just Sarah?”

“Nope…Just hot in here”

Biden makes a good point!

“Say it ain’t soooooooooooooo Joe!! Doggoneit”

“GOD BLESS AMUUUUURICA!”

(Photo Credit Top to Bottom) Robyn Beck/ Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images, David McNew/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images, Robyn Beck/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images, Robyn Beck/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images, Scott Olsen/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images, Scott Olsen/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images, David McNew/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Digg This!   Tweet This!   Share on Facebook   Stumble It!

DENVER – AUGUST 26: Ohio delegate Peggy Tanksley displays her Democratic Party pride during day two of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the Pepsi Center August 26, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) will be officially be nominated as the Democratic candidate for U.S. president on the last day of the four-day convention. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Greetings from the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.  It’s been a busy 48 hours, and here are a few things I have learned over the past two days..

When You’re Waiting – Find a Subject

DENVER – AUGUST 25: Dennis Lockhart vacuums the stage at the Pepsi Center August 25, 2008 in Denver, Colorado prior to the start of the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC). The DNC, where U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) will be officially nominated as the Democratic candidate for U.S. president, starts today and finishes August 28th. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Day two of the convention started early for me. I was on the early shift with my co-workers Mark Wilson and Cliff Hawkins. We cover the hall until noon when the rest of the crew arrives. The big event for the morning is Michelle Obama doing a sound and light check. When we first arrived, it was just me and AP photographer Charlie Dharapak on the floor. Within an hour, there were dozens of photographers jammed up against the stage. We stood like this for a couple of hours. Boredom sets in fast when you’re just standing there like cattle. We amused ourselves by taking tons of pictures of the guy vacuuming the carpet on stage.

Don’t Ever Assume People Aren’t There

DENVER – AUGUST 26: (L-R) U.S. Sen. Joe Biden, former president Jimmy Carter, and Jill Biden watch the proceedings on day two of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the Pepsi Center August 26, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) will be officially be nominated as the Democratic candidate for U.S. president on the last day of the four-day convention. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

I botched up the Jimmy Carter appearance. From what I understood, he would only be appearing via a taped message. I took this as an opportunity to take a bathroom break. Of course, moments after I dropped down from my position and am nowhere near my camera, he walks out. Thanks buddy.

Michelle Obama Was Made for the Stage

DENVER – AUGUST 25: Michelle Obama, wife of presumptive Democratic nominee U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL), speaks during day one of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the Pepsi Center August 25, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. The DNC, where U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) will be officially nominated as the Democratic candidate for U.S. president, starts today and finishes August 28th. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

I think Barack made a mistake by picking Joe Biden as his VP. He should have picked his wife, Michelle. Her speech that topped the first night of the DNC was impressive. She was an amazing blend of real person and seasoned politician. The woman can speak. Men and women in the packed Pepsi Center were brought to tears as she spoke of family, dreams and her love of country. Michelle also appears to have had some serious stage training. Most political wives often seem uncomfortable and shut down (Teresa Heinz Kerry comes to mind) but Michelle comes off as intelligent and confident. She knows how to play up the crowd, comes out waving and makes sure she acknowledges the entire audience. From a photographer’s perspective this is great since most come out and barely lift their arms as they look at their feet.

Expect the Unexpected

DENVER – AUGUST 25: U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) speaks during day one of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the Pepsi Center August 25, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. The DNC, where U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) will be officially nominated as the Democratic candidate for U.S. president, starts today and finishes August 28th. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

I was kind of shocked that Ted Kennedy spoke. I was thinking that he might come out and wave after Caroline gave her tribute to him. But, in typical Ted fashion, he came out waving to the energized crowd. They had set a stool next to the podium for him to rest on as he spoke and he just pushed it out of the way and stood for his entire speech. I am glad he didn’t collapse on stage or something. That would have been ugly. This could very well be the last time that we see this man. What a way to go if that is the case.

That’s it for today – stay tuned for more…

Digg This!   Tweet This!   Share on Facebook   Stumble It!

US Senator and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks at a campaign rally at the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio on March 3, 2008. Barack Obama Monday intensified his bid to end Hillary Clinton’s White House quest, as finger pointing rocked her campaign leadership on the eve of vital nominating clashes in Texas and Ohio. Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images)

Does this lighting get your vote? And other hard news questions about the politics of lighting and “electability.”

The pundits are salivating…who’s more electable? Who’s more likable? Who’s more strategical? Who’s more inspirational? Hillary or Barack? Now that McCain has clinched the nomination he will receive less attention – but alas my friends, we’re not here today to discuss the election. I’m curious about how lighting, which can make a candidate look great or not, influence how we feel about them. Does it make them more likable and therefore more electable?

One of the things I love about my job is when I have questions like this sitting around in my head I can go to Getty Images and set off on a discovery process. Interestingly enough, we’ve got a considerable amount of coverage of the three candidates.

After looking at loads of fantastic and amazing photos – yes, of course I’m biased – I discovered the candidates have the same situations in common and therefore the same lighting. I like to call them:

Show Time: spotlight on the face, passionate candidate delivery

US Democratic presidential candidate Illinois Senator Barack Obama addresses supporters during a primary night results rally in San Antonio, Texas, March 04, 2008. White House hopeful Obama was defeated by rival New York Senator Hillary Clinton in the crucial Ohio and Texas nominating contests. (Photo by Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) speaks during a primary election night party at The Columbus Athenaeum March 4, 2008 in Columbus, Ohio. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) and Clinton are facing off in the crucial Texas primary. Clinton is the projected winner of the important Ohio primary and also in the Rhode Island primary. (Photo by Eric Thayer/Getty Images)

The Show Time light between Barack and Hillary was pretty consistent – spotlight, warm tones, focused on the passion of the delivery. McCain, however, made a different choice at a Texas town hall meeting at the Dell Headquarters. He went all technology blue, with a purple cast. It was a curious choice to me. He doesn’t look good, it’s not soothing or inviting. Is it republican blue or futuristic on some level? Who made that choice and why? Did it effect the emotion in the room?

Presidential hopeful U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) speaks during a town hall meeting at Dell headquarters February 29, 2008 in Round Rock , Texas. McCain is campaigning ahead of the March 4 primary. (Photo by Ben Sklar/Getty Images)

Show Time American: add the American flag

US Democratic presidential candidate Illinois Senator Barack Obama speaks during a town hall meeting with veterans at the American GI Forum in San Antonio, Texas, on March 3, 2008. Barack Obama Monday intensified his bid to end Hillary Clinton’s White House quest, as finger pointing rocked her campaign leadership on the eve of vital nominating clashes in Texas and Ohio. (Photo by Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images)

Republican presidential candidate US Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and his wife Cindy wave to supporters after securing the GOP nomination on March 4, 2008 in Dallas, Texas. McCain seized the Republicans’ White House mantle with a promise to defeat Islamic extremism and keep the US economy open to world trade if elected president in November. (Photo by Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) speaks during a campaign rally at the Beaumont Texas Airport March 3, 2008 in Beaumont, Texas. With one day remaining before the Texas and Ohio primaries, Hillary Clinton is campaigning through Texas. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Show Time American Light is all Bruce Springsteen, Born in the U.S.A. – stand up for the American people and look good. Apparently, once you are nominated, you can add your spouse. And if you are Hillary, you’re not going to be outdone. She has not one but two American flags behind her. Now, this is more about the prop than the light, but look at the difference in the photos.

Both McCain and Obama have the American flag lit brightly and nearly equally to the message being delivered. Now look at Hillary – tight spot on her face, the flag is secondary to her and her message. Clearly someone made a conscious decision here. Did the people respond accordingly? Well, she did just win Texas and Ohio…

Show Time and Show Time American are situations where it looks like the candidates have some control, but I wonder. How do you respond to it when you see it? I’ve made a little collection of images for you to take a look at – the rest of this post will make more sense if you check them out.

Stump Campaigning: the unfortunate baby and the plane

US Senator and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton talks to members of the press on her plane before take off from Hopkins International Airport in Cleveland Ohio on March 2, 2008. Behind her at right is supporter and actor Ted Danson. AFP PHOTO / ROBYN BECK (Photo by Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images)

US Democratic presidential candidate Illinois Senator Barack Obama disembarks from a plane upon arrival in San Antonio, Texas, on March 3, 2008. Barack Obama Monday intensified his bid to end Hillary Clinton’s White House quest, as finger pointing rocked her campaign leadership on the eve of vital nominating clashes in Texas and Ohio. (Photo by Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images)

In Stumping the lighting is not in control and it can go horribly wrong. I am naughty, I admit it. I can’t help but highlight a screaming McCain, a jaundiced Hillary and a confused Obama as they each struggle under the fluorescents to cuddle with the future of the U.S.A.

Republican presidential hopeful John McCain hands a small girl back to her mother after the child started screaming as he arrived for a rally at Furman University 16 February, 2000 in Greenville, South Carolina. McCain is campaigning heavily in the southern state against Texas Governor George W. Bush for the February 19, 2000 Republican primary. (Photo by Tim Sloan/AFP/Getty Images)

Democratic U.S. presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) holds a baby during a town hall meeting at Grace E. Metz Middle School February 10, 2008 in Manassas, Virginia. Clinton continued to campaign for the upcoming Potomac Primary. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

US Democratic presidential candidate Illinois Senator Barack Obama holds a supporter’s baby during a town hall meeting at Westerville Central High School in Westerville, Ohio, on March 02, 2008. Obama is on the campaign trail to try to clinch the Democratic Party ticket in the race to the White House. (Photo by Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images)

Does a campaign manager cringe when the fluorescents are in multiple, the airplane lighting yellow and sun too bright on a weathered face? And I guess, more importantly, do the American people subconsciously like someone more or less when they look good? I think I know the answer, what do YOU think?

Digg This!   Tweet This!   Share on Facebook   Stumble It!