I went to this tonight and it was AMAZING.
I had my hand (sometimes both of them) up the entire time, but did not get to ask my question D:
It’s okay though, because my friend got to shake his hand and I got to yell at him and get pictures.
I LOVE OBAMA.
Thanks for the wonderful pictures Matt, you’re fabulous.

I have always enjoyed this site. the photography of downtown Raleigh has always been stupendous. But now you are bringing politics into it. I will have to delete this site. Obama has been a consistant liar throughout this campaign. You will have four more years compared to the past eight, if not worse. He was spun out by the corrupt Chicago Political Machine and the only way he won the primary in the South was by painting the clintons racist. Its just he opposite side of the coin, thats all.

To be fair, if John McCain were to come to town, I’m sure that Matt would give the same level of care to composing and presenting the visit as he just did with Senator Obama. This isn’t so much politics, but a recording of the zeitgeist of Raleigh. None of the captions had any political overtones according to my reading. They appeared to simply be a recording of the event and describing the shot. We’re lucky that he takes the time out to make these images from whatever dayjob he does to actually support the hobby. And, we’re all fortunate that his wife indulges the photo taking. Keep it up, Matt (and be sure to get some good McCain shots if he were ever to grace our fair city!!)

Peace

raleighite you are VERY confused man! everything u said pretains to mcain! mcain will cause us pain in the next four years mane…(that rhymes lol!) the clintons painted there own self racist really. no one told them to pull the race card. u go matt!! dont change your style at all, if you wanna take more pics of barrack than do so my man. hes a great guy! Barrack for president all day everyday.

It amazes me how it’s always Republicans who get all bent out of shape when anyone has an opinion that isn’t theirs. Musicians, actors, apparently people who have a website… no one is allowed to have a political opinion. And what’s even sillier is that Matt didn’t even express an opinion; he simply took pictures of an event in Raleigh.

Thanks for the pictures!

Matt, I’d first like to say that your site is fantastic. I always wait anxiously to see your next set of pictures. I certainly hope you don’t feel bad because “Raleighite” has to delete your site because you posted great pictures of Obama. I am not going to get too political here, but I will say that is the typical “conservative” response. When they see or hear something they don’t like they act like babies and have to protest or make an issue of it, and then turn around and blame Democrats and liberals for everything that is wrong.

Since Raleighite bashed Obama, let me just bash McCain. If he wins (what an awful thought) he’ll be the FIRST divorced President. Yes, he cheated on his first wife and divorced her…then married that filthy rich woman he’s married to now who paid his way into politics.

Raleighite..give MATT a break..lighten up..take a CHILL PILL!! LOL

My view of Obama - not positive, at all - has been stated before, but Matt’s photography is what we come here to praise, not the subject. Matt can present what he chooses, when he choose, so let’s give him a little break. Matt is a great guy in real life and his political views do not matter to me. Whether he chooses to attend a McCain gathering, or not, it is up to him. No matter who wins the elections, Matt will continue to provide us with the best photography we see in this area, IMHO. It will be nice to leave politics completely out of this site, and this goes to both sides.

Matt, did you use the 100-400mm lens for most of these photos? If I see right, you might have boosted the ISO a little, which would make sense, but without sacrificing the clarity. Did you shoot most of the photos from the press stand area? I wonder what shutter speed and aperture ranges did you use for the most part. Any info would be welcome. I have been salivating over the Nikon 70-200mm lens, but for the moment I have to take it easy and “be strong”, not give in to my desires :LOL: My hope is to be able to take photos like yours, in terms of clarity, and I know good equipment is essential to achieving this goal. Of course, without good composition it doesn’t really matter.

He had to be using a pretty stout lens to get those shots if he took them all from the press stand area. They look nice.

As far as politics, from what I can see in the comments here, there is plenty of animosity on both sides, neither of which beleives the other can have a different opinion. Why not just enjoy the fact that for once a political candidate (and hopefully two of them will be soon) is actually paying some attention to this area in a meaningful way.

Part of becoming a world class city and region (which I think this site certainly celebrates) is attention like this and it can only bring better things to come.

Ernest- Yes, I used the 100-400 mostly, which isn’t the best lens for an event like this because the maximum aperture at 400mm is f/5.6. The stabilization on the lens helps some- but you are right, a 70-200 f/2.8 lens would have been ideal. If you remember my friend Bill from my wedding has Nikon’s version of the 70-200mm 2.8. I’d consider getting the Canon 70-200mm f2.8 IS, but typically I don’t require that minimum aperture for cityscapes.

And Guys, this post is not forcing any political opinions on anyone. The pictures represent a presidential candidate in our city of Raleigh. I only wish I could get stuff like this with the skyline behind it! But there are plenty of other places to get opinions and debate along with similar photographs. If you have Obama overload or anything like that, just simply ignore the photographs I posted.

I’ve been lurking at this site and other Raleigh-related development sites for years, so I guess I’ll finally chime in. First off, the photography on this site is incredible and that’s why I check back constantly for updates. I agree with what someone said in another topic in that I would love to be able to purchase large poster’s etc. of some of Matt’s pics.

I’m also generally conservative, will not be voting for Obama, and have no problem whatsoever with Matt putting those pics up here. I enjoying discussing issues with my friends who have opposing views and seeing and hearing what different people think. I do take issue with comments about what “typical conservatives” do or what Republicans “always” say. I personally have good friends and family members of all political stripes and I don’t know that I could use the term “typical” to group any of them together. I might be able to do that if I insulated myself in a cultural bubble and learned about the other side from talk shows and blogs.

In any event, I would like to thank Matt for his photography and Ernest for his diplomatic efforts on all of these fronts. I have kept up with enough sites long enough to know that he does a fantastic job of contributing useful information and insight as well as often keeping the peace between the radicals and reactionaries.

Here’s to Raleigh’s continued urban renewal!!!

Taking pictures of a presidential candidate that comes to your town is not “bringing politics into it.” Making an issue about pictures of a candidate is…

I was lucky enough to take pictures of Kerry/Edwards event on NC State campus years back for student media. When you love taking pictures, it’s a great opportunity to take pictures of an event like that. I would cover any candidate that would come to our campus, that just plain good journalism.

I don’t feel strongly towards either candidate in this election. But if you are that offended by seeing pictures of someone you don’t agree with, don’t click on the picture on the front page. The preview picture hinted that there were going to be pictures of Obama in this post.

Matt, I was there last nite and I thought “I bet Matt is here taking pics.” GREAT PICS!

HEY THAT OTHER RALEIGHITE ISNT ME!! GET AN ORIGINAL NAME> I AM NOW RALEIGHITE1!

In response to JNG’s posting it is not my intent to group all Republicans or conservatives into one group, I use the term “typical” loosely. The fact of the matter is that most of us are moderate, either leaning to the left or right. But what I meant by typical was that I have come to expect that someone starts something by complaining about something they see or hear and don’t like and it’s almost always against Democrats or things deemed as “liberal”. Let me put it this way, a Chick Fil A in Durham near my work has a sign hanging above their counter that states their purpose is to “Glorify God through business”. Its been there for a looooong time. I have yet to see anyone on the “left” boycott Chick Fil A or start a blog about it. Its just not our (and I say our because I identify with the left) nature to make a big deal about it. If I see it as a problem I just want patron Chick Fil A. There are bigger things in this world to get all bent of shape for. Matt posting pictures of Obama bent “Raleighite” out of shape and he just had to make a comment about it. It’s like that A&F picture at Triangle Town Center. A group protested it and even went out all around the mall trying to get people to sign petitions to move it. The picture, of a male torso, showed nothing more than what we have been seeing swimmers in during the Olympics, in fact, I would argue some of those swimmers are showing much more. I just do not understand why people who generally lean right have to make a fuss about things they dont agree with. If I wanted, I could make a fuss about the Chick Fil A sign and probably get some signatures to bring it down, but I don’t.

My parents are strictly conservative and I have close friends who are conservative, and I do not gather my ideas about politics and life from blogs or talk shows, in fact, I don’t even watch talk shows. My views are built on the experiences of my upbringing in the church; my time in the military; my college education; and relationships with people throughout my life.

I really enjoy Matt’s site and how he uses his art to celebrate Raleigh. I did not start the political chatter and this time I just couldn’t sit back and not say anything. I am growing tired of conservatives and Republicans raining down on my parade! I have NO problem with anyone dancing to the beat of their own drum, but please, let me dance to mine.

Keep up the great work Matt!!!

Carl, understood. I know what you mean. One thing’s for sure, it’s great to see NC drawing national political attention for once!

Ugh! The problem with trying to work and type in blogs at the same time are typo’s and grammatical errors. My apologies, better here than at work I suppose

Oh, come on raleighite/1. You said something no one wants to hear about Sen. Obama and you got your chops busted in a bad way for it. Another thing, I myself am an Obama supporter, as he seems like the candidate to reverse what eight years of you-know-what has done to the entire world. Plus John McCain creeps me out, and it appears that he could die of old age at any time. Also, I don’t think I’ll ever vote Republican, as most Republicans are at odds with colored people, and that is a major problem. But really, most Republicans seem to have this moral, or whatever you call it, I can’t remember: “Let the poor stay poor, and let the rich get richer.” And by the way, McCain voters from the entire state, HE DOESN’T CARE ABOUT YOU. He doesn’t think that this will be a “battleground” state in the election. If he cared, he would have come here by now. Obama for president WOO!! That is all.

Once again, leave the politics for another website and just congratulate Matt on another set of wall shot photos. I’m sure camps of all affiliations will be checking out the site because of their high quality nonetheless.

Great job!

Very true JNG, I think we can all agree that it’s nice to be finally chipping away at the “Mayberry” image. I watched just a small portion of Obama’s speech last night on CNN, but I did catch when he said that this country should look to the Triangle as a model for education and technology. It’s nice to live in an area so highly regarded.

Thanks for the info, Matt. Yes, I remember Bill and I really enjoyed chatting with him on photography. I’ve only seen 1-2 of the photos he took of you and Beth, but after looking at some of the photos in his website I can say that I like the quality of his work. Please say hi to Bill next time you guys talk.

JNG, thanks for the kind words. Since I know Matt R. personally, I could never look at his work and view him as a biased individual. We may, or may not agree when it comes to politics, but his photography is ALL about quality and it is a shame to shift our conversation to politics. Either we have things in common, or we don’t, but I assume this site is a common ground, not a place to demonstrate our differences. Of course, we all have the right to have different views, but there is no need to label others. Except for Mongo Slade… We can label him :LOL:

Raleighite,

Hey man, look, anyone who can think for themselves realizes that Obama is just an empty suit (which is an insult to coathangers everywhere) but that doesn’t mean Matt can’t snap some pics. This is a big event for this city. Like someone else said, if McCain, Paul, Barr, or Nader showed up, I’m sure he’d grab pics of that too.

Keep up the good work Matt.

I want photos of Linus Torvalds (the brain behind Linux), NOW!!! Linus for vice president - since he was not born in the US and can’t be president. At least create a photo thread dedicated to Beau… She deserves some publicity, too

Someone of Mr Obama’s status visiting your town is BIG news especially in the middle of what half the country considers a historic campaign. You should enjoy the as usual excellent photography and consider it a refreshing twist from pictures of the BB&T building. Excellent work!

I like Obama. To think he was here in Raleigh is pretty sweet. And on my birthday!!

But Matt R., shots like this with the skyline would have been amazing, looking forward to the next album a lot!

Good pictures at a good event for Raleigh. Obama would be a disaster as President…it still amazes me that so many are as naive as to buy into what he says. I guess the “hope” factor is too much for some. McCain isn’t my top choice, but he will get my vote.

Personally, I dont think politics were brought into anything, they’re just pictures. But I do also despise Barack Obama and his poetic speaking style that has so many people seemingly hypnotized. It amazes me that someone with so little under his belt has come so far on so little. Its sad to see how stupid many Americans can be to fall for all his lies and bs. Every other person running for the Democratic nomination was far more qualified to run the country, especially Hillary Clinton as much as most people hate her. Im sorry for the little rant, but hey, thats just my opinion.
HITLER GAVE GREAT SPEECHES TOO!!!

Okay everyone, it’s been 18 hours. Let’s do what Carl said: stop attacking each other and just share your opinion. It’s getting old. And yeah, I did some McCain (so hard to type) bashing, but I couldn’t take all those negative comments about Obama lying down.

And again Raleighite, GET A NEW NAME!!!!!! Matter of fact, I will get a new name because you have ruined this one.!!!

Ari, I like you lol

Ok. And here is a suggestion for a new name: use your real first name, nickname, last name, anything, just don’t put your whole name together.

Hitler was a [edit]

OMG jrd, you did NOT just call Barack Obama Hitler! I just said no more junk trashing either side. Shut up. Seriously. When you make a reference to Hitler whilst talking about Obama, you just messed with every colored person in the country. Figure it out.

I’m sorry, all this left vs. right junk has made me forget the whole point of this website. Great pictures Matt!

Don’t mention Hitler on this website, there are Jews who use this site who would be offended. Lets just discuss the pictures, okay guys? No more bashing.

And while I was watching this on TV, I saw a person from my school in the audience, hahah.

JRD, the fact that you mentioned Hitler in the same sentence as Obama shows your true idiocracy.

Well it has become clear now that Matt has an Agenda. I wish this site would not mix Barack Hussein Obama and good skyline photography.

Lord, when you guys pay he webmaster dues, then complain. Until then, grow up!

Shut up with the “Barack Hussein Obama”. Did anyone forget that he is 50% caucasian? And he’s not from Iraq either, his dad was from Kenya. He was born in Hawaii. He is in no way related to Saddam Hussein. Get it?

I thought he was from Illinois? Food for thought…

He isnt originally from Illinois, Matt. And great point, Ari. I’m still trying to decide on a new name haha. THink I will take your advice.

Also, congratulations Matt on over 10,000 comments on your website!!

ITS OVER NINE THOUSANNDDDDD!!!

OH wait, he was a senator for Illinois, but wasn’t originally from there. I got my facts straight now.

I was merely stating my opinion earlier. The Hitler reference from earlier was merely used to demonstrate that speeches dont mean much when it comes to politics. Sorry if I offended any Jewish people, I dont think I did though.

Actually, I am Jewish, and the reason I called you out is because you offended me! So again, your presumptions are wrong. OFFENDED!

Between Names, that is the reason I called him out, too, in the first place, I, too, am Jewish. I was offended as well.

Which synagogue do you attend? I go to Temple Beth Or off of Creedmoor Road.

Chapel Hill Kehillah Reconstructionists….

This whole discussion thread is ruining an otherwise brilliant website.

I agree, keep politics out of this website. We all have opinions, but THIS website is about the city and Matt’s awesome photography, not national politics or political affiliations.

I am offended, too… No skyline shots with Obama - I care about the skyline only. Besides, Obama is nowhere near as good photographer as Matt R., so why should we even care? Now, if Matt R. had updated his famous future skyline shot to include The Edison, none of this would have happened :LOL:

Matt R., I am going to invite g-man here… You know what that means, right

All McCain supporters - may I ask you why you seem to despise Barack Obama?? I would like to know.

How about no one answers that and we just leave this alone. Freakin’ A people, it’s just politics…

That’s right… Where is my updated future skyline image? I want to know :LOL:

nice skyline! not…

Good Pics though!

Matt R., I must say I agree with most people here, in the sense that while this album is good photography, it simply does not belong on RaleighSkyline. I come here to see brilliant skyline photography, not raging political battles.

Can’t wait for the next album! I still love the site!

Wow, people are actually telling him what he can and can’t post on his own website? It doesn’t belong? wow…great pictures as usual.

Please, don’t tell Matt R. how to run his own website. We are lucky that he is doing this FREE OF CHARGE. We are lucky he is doing this AT ALL.

I’m not telling him how to run his site, Ari, i’m simply stating an opinion. I simply don’t think that this thread belongs on a skyline photography website. Matt R. can post whatever his heart desires, but these boards are open for people to express opinions.

There is still a ways to go until election day and many chances for each candidate and other notables to visit Raleigh. I hope Matt’s chronicling of Raleigh as a center stage isn’t used as an excuse for partisans to go knives out. Obviously our gracious sitemaster has a lot of civic pride and enjoys our city in the spotlight. He also has the skills and equipment to capture these events. Furthermore, there are many threads on this site that don’t pertain to the skyline itself, but I don’t see nearly the vitriol over photos of flowers, trees and puddles. Fine, you hate Obama, you hate McCain, you hate Bush. We get it.

Back on topic, my favorite photo in this series is the fisheye shot over the cameramen..

I have always been a big fan of this site and I have never posted til now. Being a Political Science Major at ASU, I am very pleased see this thread posted on here. North Carolina has never been seen so much attention in previous elections untill now. When North Carolina chose Obama in the Democratic Caucus it closed the race between Clinton chosing Obama as our Democratic nominee. We should be proud that Obama chose to come to Raleigh and give attention to us. I feel that this site is more than just pictures of the skyline but the life and happenings that go on there.

Keep it up Matt Robinson!

im bursting at the seams to bash these ignorant, hypocritical McCain supporters but there is a time and a place for everything…..but love the pics and would like to see an updated skyline with the Edison

MATT R.
YOU ARE ENTITLED TO TAKE WHATEVER PHOTO YOU WISH TO TAKE. THIS SITE IS YOUR SITE! YOU CREATED THIS SITE FREE OF CHARGE TO ALLOW PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD TO VIEW OUR WOUNDERFUL CITY. I WAS BORN AND RAISED HERE IN THIS GREAT CITY, AND LOVE EVERY SQUARE MILE OF IT. I HAVE SEEN THIS CITY GROW, AND MUST SAY I AM VERY PROUD OF RALEIGH’S REVITALIZATION. IF YOU SUPPORT OBAMA SO BE IT. IF YOU SUPPORT MCCAIN SO BE IT.
DO NOT! I MEAN DO NOT, TELL THIS MAN WHAT PHOTOS HE CAN TAKE. IF I STAND TO BE CORRECTED NEITHER ONE OF YOU ARE OUT WITH MATT TAKING PHOTOS, SO HOW IN THE HELL CAN YOU TELL HIM WHAT PHOTOS TO SHOW. I AGREE THIS SITE IS CALLED RALEIGH SKYLINE, BUT I THINK IT’S GOOD TO SHOW POLITICAL FIGURES FOR THE TOP JOB OF THE UNITED STATES HERE IN OUR GREAT CITY. IT BRINGS ABOUT MORE NATIONAL EXPOSURE FOR THE CITY OF RALEIGH. IN SAYING ALL THIS, LET MATT DO HIS WORK. IF YOU CARE NOT TO VIEW CERTAIN PHOTOS, BY ALL MEANS DO NOT VIEW THEM. THERE ARE THOUSANDS, IF NOT MILLIONS WHO APPRECIATE THE WORK OF ART PRODUCED BY THIS WONDERFUL PHOTOGRAPHER. AS ALWAYS MATT, YOU HAVE DONE AND CONTINUE TO DO A GREAT JOB ALLOWING US TO VIEW THE RALEIGH SKYLINE AND OTHER MAJOR TOPICS FROM OUR HOMES AND/OR PLACE OF WORK.
IF OBAMA RETURNS / MCCAIN COMES TO RALIEGH AND YOU ARE ABLE TO OBTAIN A PRESS PASS, BY ALL MEANS BRING THE PHOTOS HOME TO YOUR VIEWERS. PHOTOGRAPH WHATEVER YOU FEEL IS APPROPRIATE FORYOUR SITE MATT! ONCE AGAIN, THANKS AND GREAT PHOTOS.

Matt spends more time than you know shooting, editing and posting his work. There have been countless times that dinners, movies and other outings have been canceled or delayed because an opportunity for him to get a perfect picture has arose. He has spent thousands upon thousands of his own money on website hosting, gas, camera and computer equipment. To say that he has an agenda, that you are going to delete his site, that he needs to stick to skyline pictures, basically saying he needs to follow your guidelines just shows that you do not realize this is his site. His site that he designed and spends hours updating. If Matt chooses to post pictures of a United States presidential candidate on HIS site then so be it. Just for future reference, if Matt chooses a post that is going to “offend” you then ignore it. Also, please try and keep your negativity off of this site.

Beth, you are WONDERFUL!!! This is EXACTLY what we all need to keep in mind, and believe me when I say this: you are a driving force behind Matt’s quality work. Being married, myself, I know how tough it is for my wife when she is dragged around for photos. Not much since the baby was born, but you get the picture. I always mention YOU to her, and how supportive you are of Matt. Taking time off your family for photography and spending much needed funds for equipment is a very tough place to be in. Thanks for stepping into this conversation and contributing very important thoughts. It is not only Matt who invests on this site, it is you, as well.

I have a suggestion for Matt R. related to non-urban photography. Regardless of what people’s views are here, it would be nice to have a section in your website with photos not related to skylines, etc. You have posted a lot of good material that could be classified as either abstract, landscape, or nature photography. It think it would help promote your work better and give people the opportunity to see more specific work. Macro photography is a great example. That 3rd photo, with Obama looking towards you could make a fantastic portrait, especially if you replaced the background with a more solid color. Just my 2 cents, along with one more big THANKS for your hard work.

You photos are all amazing on your website. But it is odd to have been in a few of your pics. I was at the Obama event. I work for UNCTV and, to me, it is strange to be the subject matter for a change. I am so used to recording the events, actions, boring legislative meetings, and life of/and involving other people. So it is a new feeling to be on the other side of the lens. I was in the grey stripped shirt in “Television network coverage of Barack Obama in Raleigh,NC.” Great work.

I am neither a democrat nor a republican and I think its crazy for anyone to label themselves as either. I am independent and base my decision on the views at hand. I do not like Obama nor do I trust him. With that being said, this site is dedicated to things that happen in Raleigh and see nothing wrong with Matt taking photos of a presidential candidate. I saw nothing on this page that persuaded one side or the other. Thanks Matt and continue the great work you do. I really do enjoy it.

Matt,Beth and all,
I have read a couple of post on here so if I repeat something that has already been said please forgive me. I have known Matt and Beth for sometime and I can tell you Beth hit it right on the head. My wife deals with my countless hours on shooting,editing,and posting photos and I can say I am meticulous about my work but I think that Matt has me beat on that subject. Beth you have been beside Matt the whole way and I am just as lucky to have a wife that supports me as you do with Matt’s photography. Matt has strayed into an area that he usually is not found in which is photojournalism and has done a great job of it. I also will say Matt is one of the most neutral people I have come across. Matt great photos even in the low light that we were talking about.. Hmm maybe time for that 80-200mm f2.8.. Take care

I don’t think it’s a political statement on Matt R’s part so much as it is the significance of Mr. Obama’s frequent visits to Raleigh. I don’t doubt that if John McCain were to make a town hall visit to Raleigh, it would create as equal a stir (especially being that NC has traditionally been a red state for the past several elections, anyway).

The only concern with a McCain photo shoot is that Matt Robinson uses a 21 megapixel camera, if I recall correctly. That might work TOO well - and then we’ll be invaded by dermatologists lending their commentary to the photos here as well.

Obama is way to liberal (socialist) for me, but for god sakes, it’s a photo shoot of a presidential candidate visiting Raleigh. Note to right wing kooks: Obama is American, not an enemy. He means well, but he is a little misguided and naive. Although, he’s probably better than Bush.

To keep it with a skyline theme, Obama is like the Archdale Building. Medium height and thin. McCain is like the new convention center, short and thick.

Too socialist….I don’t get it.

i have never understood this country’s view on politics. WHY IS IT WRONG TO TALK POLITICS. im a junior at state and today in my advanced spanish grammar class our teach put up some sentences in spanish that had to do with politics and elections. they we’re just simply vocabulary building sentences but she was hesitant to ask people to respond to the questions because, as she put it: “i know we’re not supposed to talk about politics, but..etc, etc” This seems to be the general opinion of people in this country. What kind of democracy do we have if it is shunned upon to bring up the topic of politics unless it is on the news or in a political science classroom? shying away from a good political discussion due to fear of objecting to someone else’s views seems like the kind of mentality that should be present in a dictatorship or a soviet USSR type state, not a democracy! GO BETH!

Hey all, I’m not sure why everyone is getting up in arms here - Matt did an excellent job photographic a HUGE event here in Raleigh. If you head over to raleighskyline’s sister site, pittsburghskyline.com, you’ll notice that he has plenty of pictures documenting people and events there.

Just because the subject is a political figure does not mean that there is some underlying political commentary going on. I’ve known Matt for 10 years now, and I can honestly say that he’s one of the most objective people I’ve ever met. Long nights of debate with him during the 2000 Election proved that to me beyond a doubt. If John McCain came to town, Matt would be at the front of the line, jostling to get pictures of him. The point of this set of photos was to document the event, and not to push any sort of political agenda. That is shown in the fact that along with pictures of Obama, there are pictures of the crowd itself. Not once on this site has Matt made any effort to sway your opinion one way or the other, or voiced his own political beliefs.

It’s actually pretty offensive for me to come here and see people railing on my friend for doing what any good photographer would do - take pictures of something that they may not ever get pictures of again.

It also says a lot about this country and how far we all as citizens need to progress. Partisan bickering always rears its ugly head around election times, and I think we’d all do a bit better in life, and our country would be much better served, if we took a moment to stop and think about things before rushing to argue some imaginary point, or some perceived slight against our political sensitivities.

I’ve been coming to this site for about 2 years, but never have posted. I’m a gun carrying conservative and I look at these images as any other photographs that Matt takes. I would have jumped at the chance to take my D300 to an event like this, even if Obama was the guest. Outstanding work Matt!

I wait until everything will be changed,that’s the more important in this Country( USA)

President Barack Obama!!!

After being screwed for eight years…its about time for the big O.

lol Lin I agree

North Carolina can now proudly join the blue states as a civilized part of our country. Well done!

hahahahaha, well said.