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Subscribe to RSSAssociated Press photojournalist Evan Vucci has been on the road with the Newt Gingrich campaign for a month, where the pace can go from completely hectic to total boredom in the space of minutes. While waiting for the doors to open at an event, or in the hours spent on buses and planes traveling to 11 states, he's documenting the edges of the campaign -- the times where the "Wizard of Oz" curtain slides back a bit and reveals the levers and mechanisms of a campaign at work.
Evan Vucci / AP
Left: Newtmobile in action, Rome, Ga., Feb. 28. Right: They're handing out Newt socks, Nashville, Tenn, Feb. 27.
Even though -- or maybe because -- he's carrying four professional camera bodies, seven lenses and a laptop, Vucci reaches for a fifth much smaller camera to capture the "edges" -- his iPhone. He's not cracking open a laptop to process and transmit the images like he does for the wire. Instead, he's filtering, commenting and uploading them via Instagram, instantly.
Evan Vucci / AP
Left: Newt press bus, Dayton, Ohio, Feb. 7. Right: A few hours of downtime on the road. I'm surrounded by girls that went to get their nails done, in Suwannee, Ga., Feb. 26.
Admittedly, he's a little late to the iPhone bandwagon having only gotten the fourth-generation device this year. Check out our coverage of how other photographers use smart phones and apps like Hipstamatic to photograph stories, including war.
On the campaign trail this year, app-based photography particularly using Instagram is going mainstream, with feeds from news organizations to the incumbent himself.
Vucci sheds light on why he was attracted to the tool. "When the campaign comes around, everyone tries to up their game a little bit. You'll see Leicas, medium format, 4x5 cameras, Polaroids...anything to make all the stuff that looks the same be a little different. Instead of looking back at older formats, I wanted to experiment with some of the new tools people are using and basically have some fun."
Evan Vucci / AP
Left: Newt bus, Gainesville, Ga., Feb. 29. Right: Campaign stop in a box, Covington, Ga., Feb. 29.
The point-and-shoot quality of the camera and the instant upload to a network of friends is inspiring a different kind of creativity. "It's like being back in photojournalism school where I'm not really worried about the result. There's no boundary."
It also helps him connect with other photographers and journalists on the campaign trail, seeing instantly how they're documenting other candidates in different places.
Evan Vucci / AP
Left: Praying during Newt visit, Miner, Ga., Feb. 26. Right: Newt supporters- HELP, Feb. 28.
But mostly, it's personal. This is the kind of assignment he dreamed about when he decided to be a photojournalist -- traveling the country and taking pictures. "It's like my scrapbook for the campaign. I think these pictures will jog my memories about the campaign more than the stuff I'm uploading to the wire."
Evan Vucci / AP
Left: Reserved for Washington Post photographer, First Redemer Church, Cumming, Ga., Feb. 26. Right: Newt security holding the door for the candidate, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Feb. 24.
The creators of Instagram were inspired by old Polaroid cameras – both their look and how they could be shared immediately. Users can follow, comment and like images. They offer 17 different filters to achieve different looks from hyper-saturated and edgy to painterly and antique. Vucci points out that this heavier filtering is not appropriate for the photojournalism he sends to the wire from his digital SLRs to feed websites, newspapers and magazines around the world. But for this personal work, the filters are fun. For the non-professional, they can gloss up an image that is technically questionable or a little mundane.
Evan Vucci / AP
Left: I know how you feel kid, Dalton, Ga., Feb. 28. Right: Gingrich visits Rock Springs Baptist Church in Miner, Ga., Feb. 26.
Earlier this week, there was a another example of a pro dipping into Instagram for a different look, when Nick Laham of Getty Images photographed New York Yankees players with an iPhone. See the "glamorous" location next to some urinals where he captured the images, and the result after he Instagrammed them on his blog.
Some Instagram feeds from the campaign trail to check out:
@evanvucci, Associated Press.
@philiprucker, Washington Post.
@JamieNBCNews and @AlexNBCNews, #Decision2012, NBC News.
Leave a Comment:
Something Newt can't say: FIRST!
There's so much that he cannot say: elected, compassionate, native Georgian, university professor, fiscally conservative, sane, faithful....
Something Newt can't say: Second
Something Newt can't say: Third!
The "HELP!" sign says it all!
Does the church know they are about to get there tax exemption pulled by allowing candidate to speak. Which it is time to end the free ride for all churches. It's time for them to pay there fair share in taxes. No i don't care which party it is. Once any church pastor talk about politics in church. It is time to make them pay ALL taxes on ALL income in that church.
Exactly. Gotta pay to play, right? That's my attitude. I'm OK with a church's tax exempt status if they're non-profit and non-political. They generally do good things, and still pay real estate and employment taxes. But if they want their voice, they can pay like all the other political sugar-daddies.
How are all these preachers and churches getting around mixing politics IN the church buildings?! I want to see their fair share of taxes paid since they have become political meeting places! It's like haing a bunch of mini-Irans all over the place, mixing church and state.
(Get ready to hear a bunch of self-righteous BS!)
A little one sided don't you think Roger? The President has spoken in church's campaigning, yet if a republican speaks in one you want their tax exempt status revoked? How clueless can you be?
mhrjhn: I think you should go back and reread Rogers post. It said and I quote "No I don't care which party it is". How is this a little one sided. The Evilgelicals on the extreme right brought us GWB. They were lead like sheep to slaughter and the rest of the nation suffers because of it. Please keep your morals out of politics. You can't legislate morality. With our actions we teach it. Obviously the Evilgelicals have failed.
Come on, a church can allow anyone to use their buildings. Even the schools can allow a church to use their building when it is not being used for instruction.
aaaammmen, aaaaaeeemmmmm, aamen, ammeennn aaaaaeeeemen!!!!
The primary is over. Newt and Paul are just a set of dumb rear enders. Why they're still holding on is a testament to their greed and stupidity.
Love the image of people praying that their money isn't spent on people who need help.
@Treblee That "dumb rear ender" Paul just came in second in Washington.
A distant second. How many 2nd place finishes does the homophobic, racist, conspiracy theorist have? I know how many first place finishes - zero.
So what is this story about, anyway? Some twerp fresh out of college playing with his new instagram camera (and plugging it), or is it a commentary on how as the youngest take their place in the professional world of work, you can practically hear the IQ levels being sucked out of the room....
Always a sign of the ages of the writers AND photographers when the toy is more important than the story.
When what you are reporting on has nothing new and no substance, you have to notice other things in your surroundings.
Also, it shows the "flavor" of the campaign and it is not very tasteful - like the rest of the RepubliCon Party.
An article about someone's camera with some random pictures shows the "flavor" of the campaign? Talk about making something from nothing,
You're totally clueless! Evan Vucci is a renowned photo journalist, not some "twerp fresh out of college".
You really must be joking.
Then let it be said that I believe that it's a sure sign of the advancing age of the writer or photographer when something is done to make as much money as possible rather than be given away for free. As this youngster obviously did. I also enjoyed it. I'm 52.
Give the Kid a break. He's got the right direction down. It's always riviting and revealing to point that device back at the supporters themselves.
RUSH LIMBAUGH IS A RECOVERING DRUG ADDICT ; we call him the ox-cotin king. his radio show came on one day, and he was sooooooo doped up , until you literally could not make his words out. it sounded like slurring of a man who had been drinking all night. when approached with this episode the next following day , he blamed it on bad radio connection. months latter his maid exposed him , for the drug addict he really is. YOU CAN FIND THAT SLURRISH LIMBAUGH RADIO SHOW ON YOU TUBE. JUDGE THAT RADIO PROGRAM , AND GIVE RUSH THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT. THEN YOU WILL SEE WHY WE CALL HIM THE OXY-COTIN KING
Our President joked about getting high in years past and wrote about his drug use in college; but you give him a pass. Does Obama's manhood taste like chicken?
mhrjhn, the Republicans can NOT run against the real President Obama. The ONLY thing they can do is to constantly TELL LIES about President Obama, and run against the fake Obama that ONLY exists in their warped minds. THEY CAN NOT RUN AGAINST THE REAL PRESIDEN OBAMA. ALL the REAL facts are AGAINST THEM. That is why THE REPUBLICANS ARE THE CHICKENS. They are too chicken to run on the truth!
Every single day, MSNBC finds a way to snipe at the GOP or one of the candidates.
Move along people, no bias here.
But...they make it so easy.
the republicans get Fox News, the democrats get MSNBC. What's the problem?
What does this article have to do with MSNBC?
So Freedom of Speech is just for Fox?
Asking Newt for help what a joke he only helps interns who will go on to be his next wife.
Since he is traveling with Newt, I am not sure why he had to look to the "edges" of the campaign to find funny images. This whole republican primary season has been a joke as far as I'm concerned. I mean if it is not a joke, then it is way too scary!
If Don Imus can get fired for a racial slur about black women basketball players, then Rush should lose his show for directly calling a young woman a "slut" on national radio.
Time to end this idiocy. Everyone should email his employers and protest:
LLowryMays@clearchannel.com
RandallTMays@clearchannel.com
lisacdollinger@clearchannel.com
This guy's job is to follow Newt and report and photograph the campaign now would you not look for some lite hearted moments in pictures and word. How would like to follow Newt around for a couple months and listen to his crap-olla. This guy should get a Medal or Sainthood or something. Working your way up in any business is the road of hard knocks!!!
Romney was having a rally in a nearby town. So a friend and I drove over to listen to what he had to say. We were both turned away, because we hadn't been invited. I then found out that those who were invited had to pay to attend. Also only a select few were allowed to ask questions, and they had to be screened prior to asking them. What kind of crap is that?
I'm would bet that most campaigns are run the same way.
Sort of what Obama does and charges $3500 a plate for!
Listen Tony, rallies are free and fundraisers cost money per plate. GET IT?
I say we bring back the Guillotine - that will help get money out of politics quick.
I'm tired of wealthy plutocrats BUYING my Democracy and subverting the will of "We the People"
to advance their own fascist agenda.
C'mon, everyone! They are just pictures - very good pictures, with poignancy, depth, insight, beautiful composition, humor, and no partisan slant at all. Takke a chill pill and get a life.
Agree rxmjr. Thought it was a good light article to lighten the load. I could not follow newt every day and not do something like this.
@Tony-718521 - there is a difference between a rally and a fundraiser. All political campaigns charge a per plate fee for fundraisers. However, a rally is just that, to rally support for the candidate, no fees are charged.
The GOP clown car has turned what should have been a difficult race for the President into a cake walk for another 4 years. The funny part is those who hate Obama the most are the same ones who are ensuring his re-election!
I wonder if many of you, from reading the above comments .... "have a life" outside of expressing your bias and liberal governmental 'two bit' life about nothing' opinions? Give the photographer some credit; at least he is doing something to maybe better his life - while you sit and 'knock' his work and collect your government 'hand-outs.
You're criticizing others for being here when you're here. Hmmm
'WAKE UP' ... and get a life instead of just sitting on your glutus maximus and 'taking your 'freebies' that the rest of the 'lucky to have a job' people are GIVING you.
The new GOP Blogger go to words, "Handouts" and "freebies". You cry and still want Billionaires to get tax breaks(freebies,handouts). PATHETIC
Haven't we learned by now to spread newspapers on the floor before Rush Limbaugh opens his mouth?
Well,,,,,,,,I guess HELL is frozen over, The Baptist Church put NEWT behind the pulpit!!!!!
Newt - First it's books, and now it's socks. What's next - autographed depends?
After thousands of years. Religion, isn't hacking our world for peace. In fact, most of the wars involve religious beliefs. Maybe it's time to re-write the holy books. Instead of just men writting it, lets get some women on board. Just don't let the IRS write any of it. IRS forms are confusing.
I never like seeing innocent people lose their lives from mother nature, wars or violents. I'll never forget what Japan went through or New Orleans or Mississippi. In regards of tornadoes, mother nature can be mean. I live close to Greenberg,Ks., a town totally destroyed. They have regrouped and built there town in outstanding fashion.
OOPS as Perry said-----I'm on the wrong blog. Either my computer or myself is the blame. Carry-on.