"Shop owner Anthony Orlandino kills some time between customers as the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, plays on a television set in the background at Anthony's Barbershop in Algonquin, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009." Photo by Justin Edmonds, Northwest Herald
Today was a day which I will always remember where I was and what I was doing when the 44th President of the United States was inducted into office. Many people will remember this day but as a photographer I feel as though it will be even more vivid in my mind. Having somewhat of a photographic memory means that any picture I take is engrained in my mind with a bit of "metadata" if you will. I can usually recall specifics about a certain day just by looking at a photograph that I took.
That statement is ever more true today because it was a day that will be marked in history forever. Despite any disagreement that you may have with President Obama's policy you can not take away the historic significance of his election.
Our nation has come a long way since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s speech in August of 1963. Today that was even more evident.
I wanted to make a historically significant photo today but also draw in the local McHenry County audience. With the help of a few members from the paper I decided to go make a picture at a common man's place and there is no better place than the local barbershop. Mr. Orlandino welcomed me in and provided me with unlimited access during the hour or so that I was there. He did have a few customers during the beginning of the ceremony but the TV was so far from his char that it was difficult to make a photo that stood out among others that I took. I didn't realize the significance of my photo until just now. A white man watching a black man become the next President of our great country is something that I'm sure my parents never thought would ever happen in their lifetime.
Today was a historic day and I'm glad that I was able to be a part of it.
-JCE
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