Comments on: Barack Obama visits Raleigh

By: phil

phil — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 06:30:19 +0000

hahahahaha, well said.

By: Official Barack Hussein Obama II, President-Elect of the United States of America

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:29:44 +0000

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

By: team_mongo

team_mongo — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:27:11 +0000

lol Lin I agree

By: Lin

Lin — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:57:46 +0000

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

By: Beth

Beth — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:48:23 +0000

President Barack Obama!!!

By: Jean D ngoyi

Jean D ngoyi — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 02:43:34 +0000

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

By: Jerry

Jerry — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:19:16 +0000

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!

By: Nick Mason

Nick Mason — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:49:25 +0000

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.

By: brandon

brandon — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:50:49 +0000

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!

By: Ari

Ari — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:13:44 +0000

Too socialist….I don’t get it.

By: Dave

Dave — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 20:57:40 +0000

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.

By: Matt K.

Matt K. — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 22:09:33 +0000

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.

By: William Coyle

William Coyle — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:56:58 +0000

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

By: Todd

Todd — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 21:56:10 +0000

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.

By: Mark Stroupe

Mark Stroupe — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:17:51 +0000

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.

By: Ernest

Ernest — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:23:04 +0000

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.

By: Beth

Beth — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:56:09 +0000

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.

By: cbest

cbest — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:15:14 +0000

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.

By: Jagblue

Jagblue — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 02:10:19 +0000

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

By: Josh

Josh — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 02:02:54 +0000

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!

By: Jumble

Jumble — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:22:23 +0000

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..

By: Matt H.

Matt H. — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:41:15 +0000

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.

By: Ari

Ari — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:31:29 +0000

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.

By: GD

GD — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:05:39 +0000

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.

By: Matt H.

Matt H. — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:55:20 +0000

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!

By: Eric

Eric — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:25:41 +0000

nice skyline! not…

Good Pics though!

By: Ernest

Ernest — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:52:20 +0000

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

By: Adam

Adam — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:40:05 +0000

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

By: Ari

Ari — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:48:21 +0000

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

By: Ernest

Ernest — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:38:15 +0000

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

By: Nick

Nick — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:10:50 +0000

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.

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:29:00 +0000

This whole discussion thread is ruining an otherwise brilliant website.

By: between names

between names — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:57:55 +0000

Chapel Hill Kehillah Reconstructionists….

By: Matt H.

Matt H. — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:53:56 +0000

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.

By: between names

between names — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:45:55 +0000

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

By: jrd

jrd — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:59:18 +0000

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.

By: Matt H.

Matt H. — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:56:46 +0000

ITS OVER NINE THOUSANNDDDDD!!!

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

By: Ari

Ari — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:38:08 +0000

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

By: between names

between names — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:31:10 +0000

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.

By: Matt H.

Matt H. — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:17:55 +0000

I thought he was from Illinois? Food for thought…

By: Ari

Ari — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:14:24 +0000

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?

By: between names

between names — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:48:15 +0000

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

By: Jeff Lever

Jeff Lever — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:40:01 +0000

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.

By: between names

between names — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:27:44 +0000

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

By: Matt H.

Matt H. — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:12:55 +0000

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.

By: Ari

Ari — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:11:30 +0000

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

By: Ari

Ari — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:10:03 +0000

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.

By: Matt H.

Matt H. — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:07:56 +0000

Hitler was a [edit]

By: Ari

Ari — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:57:56 +0000

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.

By: raleighite1

raleighite1 — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:53:17 +0000

Ari, I like you lol