Stephen Wilkes' Day to Night Series
Stephen Wilkes' Day to Night project blends technology and artistry, capturing a single location over 24 hours and combining dawn and dusk into one image. Using fixed cameras, Wilkes gathers thousands of moments and weaves them into a seamless portrayal of time.
The technical challenges are significant:
- Fixed cameras require precise planning and positioning
- Steady hands are crucial while accounting for changing light and weather
- Two cameras are set: one for daylight, another for night scenes
- Each camera needs careful attention to exposure and focus over up to 30 hours
Wilkes isn't just taking pictures; he's telling a story, tracing time within a single frame. His work from Ellis Island or Venice Beach is vibrant and alive, with segments drawing viewers into different parts of the day. Each shot invites viewers to pause, examine the layers, and witness the transitions from busy day to quiet night.
Wilkes' impact on landscape photography is significant. Before Day to Night, landscape photos froze a single moment, but Wilkes offers a full spectrum of experiences, redefining the artistic potential of this genre. His technique has become a blueprint, blending classic principles with modern tech, making each photograph more than an image but a journey from dawn to dusk.
Wilkes' pieces are displayed in the George Eastman Museum and the 9/11 Memorial Museum, underlining their significance in artistic and historical contexts. Through his careful eye, we get a blend of serene mornings, bustling noons, and calm evenings, creating an almost poetic effect. His work isn't merely a photograph but an invitation – to stand still, observe, and appreciate the dance of light across time.
Devin Doyle's Inauguration Photography
Devin Doyle's perspective of Joe Biden's inauguration contrasts with the typical bustling crowds associated with such historic events. Following the January 6th Capitol insurrection, Washington transformed into an unrecognizable fortress.
Doyle's photographs capture an eerily quiet Washington, D.C., showcasing:
- Deserted streets
- Austere security barriers
- Constant vigilance of armed guards
He worked in a city locked down with layers of fortified security fences and checkpoints, often viewing events through barriers. Finding compelling human interactions and visual stories required patience and persistence.
His depiction of two MAGA hat wearers briefly appearing and being surrounded by photographers highlights the media's search for dramatic moments amid a serene backdrop. Doyle's candid conversations with individuals like Edwina, carrying the American flag, Constitution, and Bible, add a human element to the otherwise procedural nature of the inauguration.
"These photos showcase not just the absence of crowds, but the presence of anticipation, unease, and a society on the brink of significant transition."
Doyle's shots appear cinematic, often resembling stills from a post-apocalyptic movie rather than real-life documentation of a presidential inauguration.
His capture of the helicopter liftoff, with its deep thump-thump echoing through empty streets, is symbolic. This isn't just a transfer of power but a prelude to renewal, leaving behind discord for hope of unity. His image of Lafayette Park, barren and waiting, against the backdrop of a departing helicopter bound to carry away remnants of the previous administration, illustrates the stark contrast between anticipation and departure.
Doyle's ability to bring an emotional layer to these stills demonstrates his artistic skill. He transforms the ordinary details of a heavily guarded city into stories that speak volumes. His work vividly portrays a pivotal moment in history, imbuing it with both solemnity and silent optimism.
Historical Inauguration Photography: Lincoln's 1861 Inauguration
Abraham Lincoln's first inauguration in 1861 occurred on the brink of the Civil War, marked by secession and the fracturing of the Union. John Wood, a notable photographer, undertook the difficult task of documenting this pivotal event despite the technological limitations of the 19th century.
Wood's preparation began well before inauguration day. On November 6, 1860—Lincoln's election day—Wood documented the placement of a symbolic marble column named the "Lincoln Column" at the east front of the U.S. Capitol. This act was carried out discreetly to avoid antagonizing Southern Congress members still present in Washington.
On inauguration morning, Wood positioned himself on a wooden platform, securing an advantageous view of the Capitol grounds. His stereoscopic images captured not just history, but the movement, anticipation, and human element of the day. These images were dynamic sequences of time, realized through early 19th-century technology.
The era's constraints were significant:
- Slow, methodical glass plate negatives and collodion processes
- Precise mixing and application of chemicals on-site
- Critical timing to catch defining moments
- Managing logistics and positions for optimal shots while handling cumbersome equipment
His large-format photograph taken during Lincoln's oath captured the Capitol extension's unfinished wings and a substantial crowd. This image, produced on a 15 x 18 inch plate, required exceptional technical expertise. During this period, the innovative photographic pantograph likely came into use, utilizing inter-positives and precise distance balancing to achieve crisp, detailed enlargements.
Wood's work stands out not only for its technical prowess but also for its storytelling ability. He chronicled Lincoln's procession, capturing moments of solemnity and grandeur amidst the crowd. The men climbing trees for better views, the groups of people either watching intently or distracted by Wood's photographic efforts, all lent an authentic feel to his images.
These photographs serve as a testament to the fragile state of American democracy and a hopeful nod to its potential resilience. John Wood's photography of Lincoln's first inauguration offers more than a visual record; it enriches our understanding of the event's emotional and contextual depth, demonstrating photography's power to immortalize pivotal moments in time.
The Role of Photojournalism in Modern Inaugurations
Photojournalism has been a silent witness to history, capturing presidential inaugurations through evolving techniques and artistry. From Abraham Lincoln's tumultuous inauguration to Joe Biden's subdued, security-heavy event, photojournalism has shaped and reflected public perception, offering a story that words alone could never fully convey.
Today, the digital revolution has transformed the medium. Modern photojournalists operate with unprecedented speed and versatility, using lightweight, high-resolution cameras that allow for rapid succession shots, capturing events from various angles and in different lighting conditions. This evolution enables photojournalists to seize fleeting, candid moments that offer a more nuanced portrayal of events.
Photojournalism thrives on capturing candid moments, those unscripted instances that offer authentic glimpses into the otherwise choreographed spectacle of an inauguration. A fleeting smile, a gesture, a moment of unguarded reflection—these resonate with the public, offering a window into the human side of political theater.
These images significantly impact historical records. Inauguration photographs become integral parts of national archives, serving as primary visual documentation for future generations. They provide context, deepen historical understanding, and often convey more than the most detailed written account.
In public perception, photojournalism wields considerable influence. A powerful image can shape narratives, sway opinions, and evoke emotions. This is especially true for presidential inaugurations, where the visual portrayal can either bolster or undermine public confidence in the new administration.
"While technology and techniques have advanced, photojournalism's core mission remains unchanged: to bear witness, document, and convey truth."
Each presidential inauguration offers a fresh canvas for photojournalists to capture history in the making. As technology evolves, so will the methods, but photojournalism's power to immortalize a moment and tell its story remains constant.
Modern inaugurations, blending tradition and modernity, provide fertile ground for photojournalists to showcase their skills. Whether through the intimate lens of candid photography or the ambitious scope of a project like Day to Night, they continue to play a crucial role in shaping and preserving these defining events' legacy. Through their eyes, we receive not just images, but layered stories that enrich our understanding of history.
Iconic Inauguration Photographs Through the Decades
Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1933 inauguration, captured by Samuel Gottscho, stands out among iconic photographs. During the Great Depression, Roosevelt's confident wave from an open limousine symbolized hope for a struggling nation. Gottscho encapsulated renewal and resolve in this frame, giving Americans a visual symbol to rally behind.
Jacques Lowe's documentation of John F. Kennedy's 1961 inauguration offers a story rich with historical significance and youthful energy. Lowe's close access to the Kennedy family allowed him to capture candid moments beyond the ceremony's formalities. His photos of JFK delivering his stirring inaugural address have become ingrained in American political imagery, exuding progressive idealism characteristic of the era.
Alfred Eisenstaedt's portrayal of President Harry S. Truman's 1949 inauguration marks another photographic milestone. Eisenstaedt showcased Truman with his hand raised, vow cast amid a sea of top hats. This photograph signified not just the president's inauguration but also reflected the post-World War II transition and the beginning of a new geopolitical era.
Ron Edmonds' striking image from Ronald Reagan's first inauguration in 1981 is also noteworthy. Taken moments before Reagan took the oath, the photograph reflected the conservative resurgence of the 1980s. Edmonds captured an image that resonated with themes of strength and American exceptionalism, marking a clear shift from the preceding decade.
Pete Souza's work as Chief Official White House Photographer for both Reagan and Barack Obama is significant. Souza's portrayal of Obama's first inauguration in 2009 captures a historic moment and a tangible sense of collective hope. His image of Obama taking the oath highlights a significant cultural and political shift, solidifying Obama's place in history as the first African American president.
David Burnett's work during George W. Bush's 2001 inauguration is also notable. Burnett distilled the essence of the ceremony through carefully composed shots that balance the event's grandeur with personal, human elements. His photographs provide depth and context to what might otherwise be seen as a political ritual.
Impact of Iconic Inauguration Photographs
- Reflect evolution of photographic techniques
- Document changing landscape of American history and politics
- Provide context beyond visual records
- Offer future generations a window into pivotal American transformations
"These iconic inauguration photographs… provide a lens through which we can examine the social, political, and cultural currents of their respective eras."
Stephen Wilkes' Day to Night project, Devin Doyle's inauguration photography, and John Wood's documentation of Lincoln's 1861 inauguration further demonstrate photography's ability to capture crucial moments in time. These works enrich our understanding of history with emotional and contextual depth.
Wilkes' innovative technique combines multiple exposures taken over 24 hours into a single image, offering a unique perspective on inaugural events1. Doyle's contemporary approach brings a fresh eye to traditional inauguration coverage, while Wood's historic photographs of Lincoln's inauguration provide a rare glimpse into mid-19th century American politics2.
