President Obama speaks in the rain during a campaign rally in Glen Allen, Va. July 14, 2012.
"In July, I was following President Obama in rural Virginia when the skies opened up with a summer downpour just before he came on stage. I looked for a dark background and backlighting to highlight the rain and did my best to keep my lens dry. President Obama seemed energized by the rain on a hot day."—Brooks Kraft, 12 years covering politicsBrooks Kraft for TIME
For years, TIME has created some of the most memorable campaign photography, from veteran political photographer Diana Walker’s coverage of five administrations to Christopher Morris’s eight years with President G.W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. In 2008, the tradition continued with Callie Shell’s intimate documentation of Barack Obama’s campaign and eventual presidency.
This season, we looked for ways to continue the legacy of TIME’s political coverage during the 2012 elections — to jump start the traditional approaches to covering campaigns that are moving further and faster from the familiar political cycles of the past decade. We looked to commission photographers with fresh perspectives who could re-envision the spectrum of American politics.
The candidates kicked off their campaigns in Iowa, so we sent Swedish photographer Lars Tunbjork, known for his work photographing the ironic and often-absurd landscapes of suburbia, to document the caucuses. His first time covering American politics, Tunbjork photographed the strangeness of these early events in the frozen Iowa landscape.
We continued by commissioning work by Ricardo Cases, Lauren Fleishman, Justin Maxon, Brendan Hoffman, Lauren Lancaster and Peter van Agtmael — selecting each of them for their different visions as photographers. And each returned with photographs that reflected a diverse visual vocabulary looking beyond the political staging.
We also encouraged veteran political photographers like Christopher Morris, Brooks Kraft, Callie Shell, Andrew Cutraro and Danny Wilcox Frazier to experiment with their coverage. While on assignment, all noted how different the political landscape felt visually since the last election. After Obama’s first 100 days in office, the White House dramatically cut down on photographers’ access to the President, instead releasing images by Pete Souza on their own Flickr page.
The Romney campaign also carefully controlled photographers’ access this election, allowing very little intimacy with the candidate until the final weeks of the campaign, and then only rotating the traveling pool behind the scenes.
In the same way an undecided voter tries to see behind the political facade to judge the true character of the candidate they’ll vote for, our photographers too worked relentlessly to break down the constructed photo-ops and reveal to our readers a sliver of their personality.
The media dissected the Republican candidates one by one before a frontrunner finally emerged. As Mitt Romney became the GOP frontrunner, we turned to photographers who could capture the candidate’s personal side. Lauren Fleishman documented him (along with running-mate Paul Ryan) for weeks on end, through ten different states. Fleishman’s photographs reflect the nuances of the conservative values shared by he and his wife, Ann.
As Obama started to step up his campaigning, we assigned Callie Shell to follow the President. Documenting his travels the week before the DNC, Shell showed readers a side to the President that had felt absent for a long time. A warm photo of Obama leaning against a high-school gymnasium’s wall before a rally made the cover of our magazine at the DNC the following week.
We’ve attempted to present readers with photographs that document a very specific time in our country’s history—a time where we face numerous worries and frustrations about America’s political future. Although this election may reveal how radically divided we are as a nation, the future will be the ultimate judge of how important this time of recovery continues to be. We hope to provide the lasting record.
Paul Moakley is the Deputy Photo Editor at TIME.
U.S. President Barack Obama attends a campaign event in Hilliard, Ohio. Nov. 2, 2012.Brooks Kraft—Corbis for TIMEMitt Romney addresses the crowd in Tampa. Oct. 31, 2012. Christopher Morris—VII for TIMESecurity at the rally in Tampa. Oct. 31, 2012. Christopher Morris—VII for TIMEWoman at a Romney campaign stop in Tampa, which featured former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Senator Rubio and Connie Mack. Oct. 31, 2012. Christopher Morris—VII for TIMEA red-clad Romney supporter clutches two American flags during a rally in Land O’ Lakes, Fla. Oct. 27, 2012. Christopher Morris—VII for TIMEVice President Joe Biden during a campaign rally in Dayton, Ohio. Oct. 23, 2012.Brooks Kraft—Corbis for TIMEPaul Ryan and his wife exit their plane in Columbus, Ohio. Sept. 29, 2012.
Peter Bohler for TIMEOn the campaign trail with Paul Ryan. September 2012.
"On the last day of the shoot, I was pulled onto the campaign bus. Once on the bus, everything was different—I was surrounded by Paul Ryan and his family, all of whom were very open and friendly, and I had more or less free reign."—Peter Bohler, first political assignment
Peter Bohler for TIMELibertarian Party nominee, Gary Johnson crowd-surfs at a recent town hall meeting in Salt Lake City. Oct. 2, 2012.
"I sprinted up onto the stage so I could get above him as he fell back into the arms of the crowd and got a couple frames before the scene descended into total chaos. It was a supremely weird political moment but it was refreshing to see a level of spontaneity that doesn't usually exist in national politics."—Michael Friberg, two years covering politicsMichael Friberg for TIMEVolunteers from a variety of trades and businesses demolish American Legion Post 472 in Youngstown, Ohio to prepare the site for a new building that will be handicap accessible, among other enhancements. This is the third such project fully funded by donations from the community. Oct. 2, 2012.Dominic Nahr—Magnum for TIMEAn Obama campaign volunteer dismantles a tent after spending the night outside of the Board of Elections with Obama supporters and staff to cast their early vote in Youngstown, Ohio. Oct. 2, 2012.Dominic Nahr—Magnum for TIMEA farmer shuffles spilled corn into his combine on a farm near Redding. He plans to vote for Romney, because he is 'tired of the lies.' Oct. 1, 2012.Dominic Nahr—Magnum for TIMEA delegate from each state, Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. Sept. 4, 2012.
"I shot the delegates in the way that I shoot a lot of other portraits just in a smaller portable format. I was there in a completely subjective way. I didn’t try to make anyone look worse or better."—Grant Cornett, first political assignmentGrant Cornett for TIMEInside the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. Sept. 4, 2012.
"I've never been too successful or too interested in iconic images, so I try to look at what is revealed in the margins. During these immense spectacles, it's easy to forget how disconnected they are from people's day-to-day lives. Politics is a world of fantasy. At midnight, the carriage turns into a pumpkin again."
—Peter van Agtamael, two years covering politicsPeter van Agtmael—Magnum for TIMEAn attendee at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. Sept. 4, 2012. Peter van Agtmael—Magnum for TIMEInside the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. Sept. 4, 2012. Peter van Agtmael—Magnum for TIMEPete Laybourn, a Mormon delegate from Cheyenne, Wyo., attends an LDS Caucus meeting during the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. Sept. 4, 2012.
"Having some time before the main event lets me scout around and get a feel for how an event is going to flow, so I can get what I need of the candidate and then spend as much time working the edges of the event as possible. That said, staged photo ops can be revealing. I try to be conscious of what the set-up shot is and take a critical eye to it, because I'm interested in how a candidate chooses to portray him or herself."
—Brendan Hoffman, six years covering politicsBrendan Hoffman—Prime for TIMEFirst Lady Michelle Obama is shown on a television screen as she speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. Sept. 4, 2012.Brendan Hoffman—Prime for TIMEProtestors outside the Republican National Convention in Tampa. Aug. 27, 2012.Grant Cornett for TIMEDetails of Republican National Convention attendees in Tampa. August 2012.Grant Cornett for TIMEDetails of Republican National Convention attendees in Tampa. August 2012.Grant Cornett for TIMEA delegate from each state, Republican National Convention in Tampa. August 2012.Grant Cornett for TIME(Left) Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice speaking at the Republican National Convention in Tampa. Aug. 29, 2012.
(Right) Ann Romney addresses delegates during the second session of the Republican National Convention in Tampa. Aug. 28, 2012Christopher Morris—VII for TIMEMitt Romney with his wife Ann on stage at the Republican National Convention in Tampa. Aug. 28, 2012.Christopher Morris—VII for TIMEAttendees at the Republican National Convention in Tampa. Aug. 28, 2012.Christopher Morris—VII for TIMERepublican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is seen on the final night of the Republican National Convention in Tampa. Aug. 30, 2012. Christopher Morris—VII for TIMEThe final night of the Republican National Convention in Tampa. Aug. 30, 2012. Christopher Morris—VII for TIMEPresident Obama exits Air Force One upon arriving at the airport in Manchester, N.H. Aug. 18, 2012.
"I hope to show a more personal side of a candidate. I ask to spend some time with the candidate backstage, behind the scenes, where they can be more themselves."
—Callie Shell, 25 years covering politicsCallie Shell for TIMEAfter a day of campaigning, President Obama walks from Marine One to Air Force One to head home. Aug. 18, 2012.
Callie Shell for TIMEPresident Obama's motorcade heads to a rally in Rochester, N.H. Aug. 18, 2012.
Callie Shell for TIMEA pilot holds a sign to direct staff to their helicopter. President Obama, staff and press returned via helicopters to Manchester Airport from Rochester, N.H. after a campaign rally. Aug. 18, 2012.Callie Shell for TIMEAfter a long day, President Obama waits in a tent before a rally at the Rochester Commons in Rochester N.H. Aug. 18, 2012.Callie Shell for TIMEPresident Obama waits in the hallway while being introduced at a rally at Windham High School in Windham, N.H. Aug. 18, 2012.Callie Shell for TIMEMitt Romney allows Magan Munson, finance director on the Romney for President campaign (center) and a coworker pass onto the plane after a fundraiser in Martha's Vineyard, Mass. Aug. 18 2012.
"I feel like this is one of the few photographs where he doesn't look stiff. It's these types of moments that make the most revealing pictures. I found that the controlled environment only meant that I had to work harder to really look at what was around me in order to tell the story." —Lauren Fleishman, one year covering politicsLauren Fleishman for TIMEYoung men listen to the Republican presidential candidate during a town hall style meeting at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H. Aug. 20, 2012.
Lauren Fleishman for TIMEMitt Romney, in a quiet moment, works on the plane heading towards events in New Orleans. Aug. 20, 2012.
Lauren Fleishman for TIMEPresident Obama speaks at a campaign event at Loudoun County High School in Leesburg, Va. Aug. 2, 2012.
Brooks Kraft for TIMEPresident Obama speaks in the rain during a campaign rally in Glen Allen, Va. July 14, 2012.
"In July, I was following President Obama in rural Virginia when the skies opened up with a summer downpour just before he came on stage. I looked for a dark background and backlighting to highlight the rain and did my best to keep my lens dry. President Obama seemed energized by the rain on a hot day."—Brooks Kraft, 12 years covering politicsBrooks Kraft for TIMEA high school choir gets soaked in a downpour before a campaign rally for President Obama in Glen Allen, Va. July 14, 2012.Brooks Kraft for TIMEDonald Trump speaks at The North Carolina GOP Convention at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, N.C., during Joe Klein's annual road trip. June 1, 2012.
"With this photo I was working my way around the room looking for other things and I was shooting people watching Trump. What I was trying to do was to show him as this small person in the big room." —Andrew Hinderaker, three years covering politics
Andrew Hinderaker for TIMEMitt Romney campaigns in Cornwall, Pa. alongside senator Pat Toomey and Pennsylvania governor Tom Corbett. June 16, 2012.Lauren Fleishman for TIMEThe crowd listens to Mitt Romney in Davenport, Iowa on day four of 'The Every Town Counts' bus tour. The tour would last five days and go through six states including New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Iowa and Wisconsin. June 18, 2012.Lauren Fleishman for TIMEAnn Romney is helped off the stage by husband Mitt Romney and "body man" Garrett Jackson after giving a speech in Holland, Mich. on day five of 'The Every Town Counts' bus tour. June 19, 2012.Lauren Fleishman for TIMESigns on a wall at Obama Headquarters in Phoenix. Arizona has historically voted Republican in recent presidential elections, though a string of conservative-backed anti-immigration legislation threatens to unify the state's oft-divided Latino vote against the Republicans in the upcoming election. Feb. 12, 2012.
"When it comes to covering politics, one of the places where a working photographer can come closest to making an honest picture is by refocusing on the audience and the issue at hand."—Matt Slaby, six years covering politicsMatt Slaby—Luceo for TIMEHigh schoolers Jackson Parker, Aditya Vijay, Ben Wifler and Isabel Carter-Kahn man a phone bank at Phoenix's Obama Election Headquarters. Feb. 12, 2012. Matt Slaby—Luceo for TIMEMitt Romney and his wife Ann talk to reporters on his campaign plane in Columbus, Ohio, before taking off for Boston. March 6, 2012. Lauren Fleishman for TIMEA Newt Gingrich campaign event at Whiteford's restaurant in Laurens, S.C.
Jan. 21, 2012. Peter van Agtmael—Magnum for TIME
Rick Santorum leaves a restaurant in Kentwood, Mich., on the first day of having Secret Service agents assigned to his campaign. Feb. 28, 2012.
"You try to work around the edges—introduce a fresh point of view. In my case, I took a large strobe light on assignment. It is interesting sometimes to put light where it is not intended."—Andrew Cutraro, 10 years covering politicsAndrew Cutraro for TIMEStreet scenes from Flint, Mich. February 2012. Andrew Cutraro for TIMEFlags decorate a strip mall near Rochester, N.H. just days before the primary election. Jan. 8, 2012.Christopher Morris—VII for TIMEPerformance artist and activist Vermin Supreme from Baltimore attends a Mitt Romney rally at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, N.H. He is known for being a satirical candidate in various local, state and national elections in the U.S. Jan. 7, 2012.
Christopher Morris—VII for TIMEA young woman listens to Mitt Romney during a rally with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie at Exeter High School in Exeter, N.H. Jan. 8, 2012.Christopher Morris—VII for TIMERon Paul makes a visit to the studio of WMUR in Manchester, N.H for a radio spot on the eve of the primary elections. Jan. 10, 2012.
Christopher Morris—VII for TIMERick Santorum speaks at a town hall meeting in Keene, N.H. Jan. 6, 2012.Christopher Morris—VII for TIMEA flag outside of a home in Keene, N.H days before the primary elections. Jan. 6, 2012.Christopher Morris—VII for TIMEA sign on the highway between Columbus, Ohio and Cincinnati. March 4, 2012.
Justin Maxon for TIMEChildren at a Rick Santorum rally at the American Legion hall in Westerville, Ohio. March 5, 2012.
"The last political coverage I did was covering Rick Santorum’s bid for the Republican Nomination. I tried to share the camouflage I witnessed, by creating imagery that were nebulous and left a slight impression of skepticism."—Justin Maxon, three years covering politicsJustin Maxon for TIMEA Rick Santorum supporter cheers at the Lake County Republican Party rally in Willoughby, Ohio. March 2, 2012. Justin Maxon for TIMEA roadside sign outside Lebanon, Ohio. March 4, 2012. Justin Maxon for TIMEVolunteers Paul J. Besse (L) and Bruce Donelly make evening phone calls to Louisiana residents at Rick Santorum's Louisiana campaign headquarters in Jefferson Parish, Metairie, La. March 19, 2012.
"I've been lucky that in most of the assignments I've had this year the editors haven't been looking for the straightforward political picture. That opens up a lot of possibilities to focus on the wider scene including supporters and the political infrastructure that makes everything happen."—Lauren Lancaster, one year covering politicsLauren Lancaster for TIMEPresident Obama walks outside the White House along the Portico, from the West Wing to the Oval Office. Jan. 17, 2012. Christopher Morris—VII for TIMEPresident Obama unexpectedly runs into Michelle on her birthday, in the basement of the White House. Jan. 17, 2012. Christopher Morris—VII for TIMEAttendees of a Newt Gingrich rally at The Villages, Fla. Jan. 29, 2012.
"I faced this job as I do with all my work, without the pressure of recording the main action of the political events. I let myself be guided by the stimulus of the context and environment of the state of Florida."—Ricardo Cases, first political assignment
Ricardo Cases for TIMENewt and Callista Gingrich pose for photos during a rally at The Villages, Fla. Jan. 29, 2012.Ricardo Cases for TIMEThe Republican presidential primary in Florida. January 2012.Ricardo Cases for TIMEAttendee of a Newt Gingrich rally at The Villages, Fla. Jan. 29, 2012.
Ricardo Cases for TIMEMitt Romney speaking during an event for the Florida Primary. January 2012.Ricardo Cases for TIMEA winter landscape outside of Boone, Iowa. Dec. 31, 2011.
"It was quite exotic for me to go around Iowa and cover American politics. The media attention in all these small places was wild. There were not as many set-up photo ops as I was expecting, but I was looking, really looking, for the craziness behind it all."—Lars Tunbjork, first political assignment
Lars Tunbjork for TIMERomney meets with voters to discuss jobs and the economy at the Family Table Restaurant in Atlantic, Iowa. Jan.1, 2012.Lars Tunbjork for TIMEPeople begin to gather for a Town Hall Meeting with Newt Gingrich at a campaign stop in Walford, Iowa. Jan. 2, 2012.Lars Tunbjork for TIMEYoung Romney supporters swarm to meet him for autographs at a campaign stop in Clive, Iowa. Jan. 2, 2012.Lars Tunbjork for TIMEA flag flies over the landscape of Walford, Iowa. Jan. 2, 2012.
Lars Tunbjork for TIMEMitt Romney and his wife Ann hold hands while campaigning in Concord, N.H. Dec. 23, 2011.Brooks Kraft for TIMERepublican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich appears on a cable news program shortly after speaking at a campaign stop in Carroll, Iowa. Nov. 14, 2011.
Danny Wilcox Frazier—Redux for TIMEShadows of reporters line the walls where Ron Paul spoke to veterans at a campaign stop at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Dec. 28, 2011.
Danny Wilcox Frazier—Redux for TIMERepublican presidential candidate Rick Santorum hunts with Representative Steve King, the prominent social conservative in Iowa. Dec. 26, 2011. Danny Wilcox Frazier—Redux for TIMEMembers of the press before a Mitt Romney campaign stop at Iowa American Water in Davenport. Nov. 7, 2011. Danny Wilcox Frazier—Redux for TIMERepresentative Michele Bachmann has a radio interview after formally announcing her bid for the Republican presidential nomination in Waterloo, Iowa, her childhood home. June 26, 2011.
"The campaign was shooting a political ad after an event and I was told I would have to wait to get behind the scenes access with the congresswoman. After 90 minutes I was introduced to Bachmann, and then was allowed to photograph for a couple hours. The congresswoman was handed a phone for an interview and sat down in a pink chair, in a room with pink walls and pink carpet. She closed her eyes to concentrate on the interview and I quietly made photographs with my Leica."—Danny Wilcox Fraizer, five years covering politicsDanny Wilcox Frazier—Redux for TIMEA scene from a Romney campaign event in Mason City, Iowa, just days before the Tuesday caucuses. Dec. 29, 2011.
Danny Wilcox Frazier—Redux for TIMEMitt Romney announces that he is formally entering the race for the 2012 Republican U.S. presidential nomination in Stratham, N.H. June 2, 2011.Brooks Kraft for TIMEMitt Romney announces that he is formally entering the race for the 2012 Republican U.S. presidential nomination in Stratham, N.H. June 2, 2011.Brooks Kraft for TIME