Sense and Absurdity: Photographs from the Democratic National Convention

2 minute read

As Hillary Clinton was crowned the party’s nominee during the Democratic National Convention’s second night, other crowns—or rather hats, masks, accessories and signs—floated around the floor, captured in Landon Nordeman’s outlandish, vibrant pictures. The photographer, who has been on assignment for TIME at both political conventions, says that he respects how seriously delegates take the event but is visually drawn to “moments where humor or absurdity is present.”

As the Democratic party launched its operation to humanize Hillary last night, Nordeman succeeds at humanizing the party’s delegates and supporters in relatable acts—from sharing a french fry to posing for photos with the numerous props floating around the convention’s floor.

Nordeman says the Democrats’ four-day event in Philadelphia has, so far, been more chaotic than last week’s Republican affair, with a “sense of discord—people seeming much more on-edge.” Despite navigating stricter spaces and the tense atmosphere, he says the biggest challenge covering the back-to-back conventions is not repeating himself. “At an event like this, a lot of it looks the same. To keep your eyes and awareness fresh takes effort. The less sleep you get, the harder it is to do.”

Nordeman, who has been covering the election for TIME since December, succeeds in finding this fresh perspective in his startling compositions, bright colors and enigmatic scenes more expected from a comic-con festival than political gathering. “I try to never let politics get in the way of photography,” he says.

A Witness to the Characters, Chaos and Colors at the Republican Convention

CLEVELAND - JULY 18: Donald Trump appears on stage. Scenes from the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Landon Nordeman)
Donald Trump appears on stage to introduce his wife Melania on the first night of the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
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New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks to reporters at the Republican National Convention, July 19, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
CLEVELAND - JULY 18: Scenes from the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Landon Nordeman)
Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump hugs his wife Melania Trump at the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
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Delegates react to a speech at the Republican National Convention, July 19, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
CLEVELAND - JULY 18: Melania Trump speaks to the crowd. Scenes from the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Landon Nordeman)
Melania Trump speaks at the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
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Florida delegates listen to speeches at the Republican National Convention, July 19, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
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Security with Donald Trump Jr. at the Republican National Convention, July 19, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
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Comedian Eric Andre, dressed as a Trump USA Freedom Kid is questioned by security at the Republican National Convention, July 19, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
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Cleveland native and famed boxing promoter Don King at the Republican National Convention, July 19, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
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An attendee photographed at Instagram's booth inside the Quicken Loans arena at at Republican National Convention, July 20, 2016 in Cleveland. Landon Nordeman for TIME
CLEVELAND - JULY 18: Scenes from the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Landon Nordeman)
Wisconsin delegates enjoying the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
CLEVELAND - JULY 18: Scenes from the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Landon Nordeman)
Media on the floor the floor at the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
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Sheriff Joe Araibo, from Arizona, sports a tie clip in the shape of a Glock. Scenes from the floor at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on Tuesday, July 19, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
CLEVELAND - JULY 18: Sean Hannity of Fox News, top, greets fans. Scenes from the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Landon Nordeman)
Sean Hannity of Fox News, top, greets fans. Scenes at the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
CLEVELAND - JULY 18: Scenes from the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Landon Nordeman)
Fashion on the floor at the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
CLEVELAND - JULY 18: Scott Baio after his speech. Scenes from the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Landon Nordeman)
Actor Scott Baio after his speech, on the floor at the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
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California delegates on the floor at the Republican National Convention, July 19, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
CLEVELAND - JULY 18: Scenes from the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Landon Nordeman)
An alternate delegate with nachos at the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
CLEVELAND - JULY 18: Scenes from the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Landon Nordeman)
Scenes from the floor at the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
CLEVELAND - JULY 18: Scenes from the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Landon Nordeman)
A member of the honor guard on the first day of the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
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The delegation from Washington state on the floor at the Republican National Convention, July 19, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
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Scenes from the floor at the Republican National Convention, July 19, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
CLEVELAND - JULY 18: Scenes from the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Landon Nordeman)
Veterans for Trump supporter on the floor at the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Boy Scouts of America at the opening of the third day of the Republican National Convention, July 20, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.Landon Nordeman for TIME
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Scenes from the floor at the Republican National Convention, July 19, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
CLEVELAND - JULY 18: Scenes from the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Landon Nordeman)
Florida delegates on the floor at the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
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Northern Mariana Island delegates on the floor at the Republican National Convention, July 19, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
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KUTV's Heidi Hatch from Salt Lake City preps for a day on the floor covering the delegates from Utah. On the floor at the Republican National Convention, July 19, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
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Scenes from the floor at the Republican National Convention, July 19, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
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Scenes from the floor at the Republican National Convention, July 19, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
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Scenes from the floor at the Republican National Convention, July 19, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
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Cowboys for Trump on the floor at the Republican National Convention, July 19, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
CLEVELAND - JULY 18: Scenes from the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Landon Nordeman)
Scenes from the floor at the Republican National Convention, July 19, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
CLEVELAND - JULY 18: Scenes from the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Landon Nordeman)
Montana delegates on the floor at the Republican National Convention, July 19, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
CLEVELAND - JULY 18: Scenes from the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Landon Nordeman)
Scenes from the floor at the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
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California delegates on the floor at the Republican National Convention, July 19, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
CLEVELAND - JULY 18: Scenes from the floor of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Landon Nordeman)
Scenes from the floor at the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2016 in Cleveland.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump and his family celebrate the closing of the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland on Thursday, July 21, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on Thursday, July 21, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
The balloon drop on the floor at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on Thursday, July 21, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Delegates revel in the closing celebration on the floor at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on Thursday, July 21, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
The mens room at the end of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on Thursday, July 21, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME

Follow TIME‘s photographers in real time during the RNC and DNC on Instagram (@timelightbox) and Snapchat (time_mag)

Landon Nordeman‘s photographs have been exhibited at The Howard Greenberg Gallery and The Ullens Center for Contemporary Art in Beijing among other venues, and are in the collections of The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and The Columbus Museum of Art. Follow him on Instagram. And see more of Landon’s work covering the Trump campaign here.

Members of College Democrats of America pose for pictures in the Instagram/ Facebook lounge at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Members of College Democrats of America pose for pictures in the Instagram/ Facebook lounge at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, on July 25, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Flowers on the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Flowers on the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
A hat landscape on the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
A hat landscape on the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
A protestor in the Media Center of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
A protestor in the Media Center of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes on the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Scenes on the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
French Fry delivery at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in PhiladelphiFrench Fry delivery at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
French Fry delivery at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Pizza at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Pizza at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Cookies under wraps at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Cookies under wraps at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Students from the Eagle Academy on the stage at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.stage. Scenes at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Students from the Eagle Academy on the stage at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Natalie Vowell, Delegate from St. Louis at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Natalie Vowell, Delegate from St. Louis at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Reaction to Bernie endorsing Hillary at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Reaction to Bernie endorsing Hillary at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
North Carolina Roll Call at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
North Carolina Roll Call at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
A scene literally from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
A scene literally from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Interfaith Prayer Room at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Interfaith Prayer Room at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Nan Ellen Nelson, left, and her mother Grace Nelson, the wife of Florida Senator, Bill Nelson at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Nan Ellen Nelson, left, and her mother Grace Nelson, the wife of Florida Senator, Bill Nelson at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Getting ready to step outside into the rain at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Getting ready to step outside into the rain at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Banners on the shelf for future nights of the DNC at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Banners on the shelf for future nights of the DNC at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Flags rolled up in a supply room at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Flags rolled up in a supply room at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Tape and cord as fashion accessories at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Tape and cord as fashion accessories at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Scenes from the floor at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME

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