Midterm Coverage for The Washington Post
Michigan Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor Shane Hernandez speaks during a rally in a private aircraft hanger at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022. (Photo by Evan Cobb for The Washington Post)
Covering politics is an interesting endeavor as a photojournalist. The stories are often of deep importance and have an impact on the local communities but also radiate outward to the state and national levels.
However, these stories are often quiet, visually speaking, and rather straightforward. This means that every assignment is an opportunity to showcase my ability to take rather simple situations and find visually interesting angles and layers.
Attendees of Tudor Dixon and Shane Hernandez’s election night watch party wait in the hallway outside of the ballroom during the event at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. (Photo by Evan Cobb for The Washington Post)
Throughout the lead-up to the midterms, I was able to familiarize myself with the area and the candidates. I believe there is a lot of value in revisiting a candidate or a similar event as a working photojournalist. I often find in my second or third time around I find more unique visuals than I did on my first go around. In addition, I was able to sink into coverage as I spent a handful of days up in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area to cover Election Day.
The handful of days spent in the area allowed me to explore the region in planning and making pictures. I was also able to attend a wider variety of events that were highlighting candidates and contentious districts. What I found through this experience was a deep enjoyment when connecting with the individuals participating in our American democracy.
Through the voter portraits, I found a deep appreciation for the process and the reverence that many had for participating in voting. And, as I mentioned, many of the scenes were quieter moments. In these scenes, I found opportunities to think through how to make the most accurate and informative image that can help tell the story of these important days and events.
Here are some of the stories that the images ran in:
New boundaries, new dynamics have Democrats hopeful in Michigan swing district
In a county rife with conspiracy theories, a GOP clerk fights to win voters’ trust
Key election deniers concede defeat after disputing Trump’s 2020 loss
How Trump, infighting and flawed candidates limited Republican gains
The faces of the voters who helped decide this year's election
Michigan Republican gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon, right, and her running mate, Shane Hernandez stand for applause at the conclusion of the rally in a private aircraft hanger at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022. (Photo by Evan Cobb for The Washington Post)
