19 Comments
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Rena Effendi's avatar

Some of these images reminded me of Weegee’s “Their First Murder” one of my favorite photographs

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Dina Litovsky's avatar

One of my favorites as well.

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Voss Sandbox's avatar

Stop glorifying the assholes. I’m unsubscribing now.

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Rocket Master Man's avatar

She did a paid job, nothing more, nothing less. If you are suggesting that Dina should pass on paying jobs so you can be morally indignant, then I am certain you are going to pay her for all of the jobs she doesn't take.

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Jean-Marc's avatar

Agree. There is also a reader community value. If events were reported only by sympathizers, the reader community would have a more splintered worldview.

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Beth T (BethOfAus)'s avatar

I have grown to really love your photography and your approach to your work. I’m trying to cull some of my Substacks because I want to limit my time on social media but I’m definitely hanging around for your blog. I’m Australian and you educate me about American issues in a comparatively unbiased way. I really appreciate that. All the best.

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Beth T (BethOfAus)'s avatar

Just updating this because it’s been bugging me that I didn’t get this comment ‘quite right’. The rest of the world is watching, offering quiet support. I’ve started researching what happened back in the 1930s and the parallels are terrifying. Take care dear Dina.

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Al's avatar

Hard images to look at. Tha cult of bling and personality seeps into them, no matter how hard you tried not to make it the focus. Does everything have the American flag on it?

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Paul Morin's avatar

Great photos. If I were a photographer, having to "signal" to my audience about where I stand on every issue would get old fast. Also, what's up with that dog?

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Carrie's avatar

I hate that I'm paying money to see these people in my inbox.

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Rocket Master Man's avatar

It's gruesome that these folks are absolutely gleeful to be part of the evil cabal dismantling the USA bit by bit. But the images are spectacular and you did a great job.

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Julie Aring's avatar

Good work.

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Euge D.'s avatar

Great shots!! The photographer’s view in your photos is just amazing.

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Jean-Marc's avatar

My favorite: the flag-decorated high heels. Another favorite is the reflection on Trump's portrait. Technically, I am impressed with how you balance lighting between close and far subjects, especially in a chaotic environment. The photo of the muzzled dog makes one ask why someone would need to bring him to a ball. 🍷

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Sandeep Dhillon's avatar

Wow these are amazing! So many interesting photos and love the very candid nature of them like you are catching them all off guard.

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Luis Arcadio de Jesús's avatar

You said, "The balance of translating the absurdity of such social theater without veering too much into the grotesque and making the people look like ghouls for the sake of an ideological narrative is a tricky one." They may look ghoulish, but I don’t see that as a failure. I can’t help but wonder if my perception is influenced by my low opinion of the people I recognized in the fantastic set of frames you shared. That said, I’m surprised you didn’t know who Kirk was. Then again, I suppose it’s wise to stay somewhat detached from the reality these people navigate and the BS they constantly perpetuate.

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Portraits in Fitness's avatar

It is difficult to develop an individual style for "event" photography. You have certainly achieved a distinctive approach. To me the characters look a bit grotesque. Surely they are, to many people, or it could be my distaste for the ghouls of the political theater colouring my impressions.

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Simon Brooks's avatar

Wow. Good for you getting those shots. This is great photography. And what Papadas says! And it fascinates me to see what look like normal people being swayed by the bafflement and bling... You can sence the excitement they have of being there, and yet you give it that Weegee feel too.

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Papadas's avatar

excellent job…

more than a bit scary in there…

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