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A Photographer’s View of the Iowa Caucuses

3 minute read

“Shooting politics is tough,” says Natalie Keyssar in an email as she waited, on Feb. 1, for Hillary Clinton to appear on a stage in Iowa after results started coming in.

For the past week, Keyssar has been crisscrossing the state of Iowa on assignment for TIME. She’s photographed campaign events of most of the primaries’ leading candidates from Ted Cruz and Donald Trump to Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Martin O’Malley.

At each event, Keyssar has had to adapt to different situations. “The scenes are limited,” she says. “The media presence is huge. Everyone is looking for a story in situations that are largely very controlled and scripted.”

The young photographer, who is shooting her first presidential campaign, is looking for images that will communicate what she’s been feeling at these events, she says. “It could be the television lights in my eyes, or a moment when the candidate seems to relax their guard for a second.”

Other times it’s just a face in the crowd. “Some look hopeful,” she tells TIME. “Some look angry. But the story here is the Iowan voters.”

And they’re a passionate bunch, Keyssar says. “I’ve been struck by the sincerity that the Iowans approach the whole caucus procedure. When I talk to people they seem to take the responsibility of being Iowan and having a potentially strong impact on this election very seriously.”

For Keyssar, photographing the primaries has been more than just a professional gig–it’s also offered her a chance to see her country’s political process in a new light. “It’s been amazing to get to see what the candidates mean to people here on the ground,” she says. “Why some are gravitating towards Sanders or Hillary or Trump or Cruz; what it means to them personally. Politics are usually pretty abstract and impersonal, so having a chance to see them this way is pretty special.”

Natalie Keyssar is a photographer based in New York. On her last assignment for TIME, she shadowed police officers from West Philadelphia’s District 19.

Paul Moakley and Chelsea Matiash, who edited this photo essay, are respectively TIME’s deputy director of photography and visual enterprise and deputy multimedia editor.

Olivier Laurent is the editor of TIME LightBox. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @olivierclaurent

Bernie Sanders addressed students at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines Iowa on Thursday morning, January 28th 2016. (Natalie Keyssar for TIME)
Students listen to Bernie Sanders during a stop at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa, on Jan. 28, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Bernie Sanders speaks during a campaign rally and concert in Iowa City, Iowa on Jan. 30, 2016.
Bernie Sanders speaks during a campaign rally and concert in Iowa City, Iowa on Jan. 30, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME
TIMEPOL Ted Cruz
Ted Cruz embraces his wife before boarding the campaign bus at a stop at Greene County Community Center in Jefferson, Iowa, on Feb. 1, 2016.Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Rubio walks off his bus towards the pub. Marco Rubio spoke to supporters at a campaign rally at the Wellman's Pub and Rooftop in Des Moines Iowa on Wednesday evening, January 27th 2016. (Natalie Keyssar for TIME)
Florida Senator and presidential candidate Marco Rubio walks from his campaign bus towards a rally in Des Moines, Iowa on Jan. 27.Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Marco Rubio spoke to supporters at a campaign rally at the Wellman's Pub and Rooftop in Des Moines Iowa on Wednesday evening, January 27th 2016. (Natalie Keyssar for TIME)
Marco Rubio spoke to supporters at a campaign rally at the Wellman's Pub and Rooftop in Des Moines, Iowa, on Wednesday evening, January 27, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Hillary Clinton spoke to supporters at a campaign rally at the Adel Family Fun Center in Adel Iowa on Wednesday morning, January 27th 2016.(Natalie Keyssar for TIME)
Hillary Clinton spoke to supporters at a campaign rally at the Adel Family Fun Center in Adel, Iowa, on Wednesday morning, January 27, 2016.Natalie Keyssar for TIME
January 26, 2016. Des Moines Iowa. A Hillary Clinton Rally at a middle school in Marshalltown. As Iowa's Caucuses approach, candidates converge on the state for campaign events. On Monday evening democratic candidates Clinton, O'Malley and Sanders held a Town Hall sponsored by CCN at Drake University in Des Moines. (Natalie Keyssar)
A supporter at a Hillary Clinton rally at a middle school in Marshalltown, Iowa, on Jan. 26, 2016.Natalie Keyssar for TIME
January 26, 2016. Des Moines Iowa. A Donald Trump Rally at Marshalltown Community School District - Roundhouse Gymnasium. As Iowa's Caucuses approach, candidates converge on the state for campaign events. On Monday evening democratic candidates Clinton, O'Malley and Sanders held a Town Hall sponsored by CCN at Drake University in Des Moines. (Natalie Keyssar)
Donald Trump's bodyguard Keith Schiller during a rally at Marshalltown Community School District - Roundhouse Gymnasium on Jan. 26, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME
January 26, 2016. Des Moines Iowa. A Donald Trump Rally at Marshalltown Community School District - Roundhouse Gymnasium. As Iowa's Caucuses approach, candidates converge on the state for campaign events. On Monday evening democratic candidates Clinton, O'Malley and Sanders held a Town Hall sponsored by CCN at Drake University in Des Moines. (Natalie Keyssar)
The crowd at a Donald Trump Rally at Marshalltown Community School District - Roundhouse Gymnasium on Jan. 26, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME
January 26, 2016. Des Moines Iowa. A Donald Trump Rally at Marshalltown Community School District - Roundhouse Gymnasium. As Iowa's Caucuses approach, candidates converge on the state for campaign events. On Monday evening democratic candidates Clinton, O'Malley and Sanders held a Town Hall sponsored by CCN at Drake University in Des Moines. (Natalie Keyssar)
Donald Trump waves to supporters as he leaves from a rally at Marshalltown Community School District - Roundhouse Gymnasium on Jan. 26, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Hillary Clinton speaks during a campaign rally with husband Bill Clinton in Davenport, Iowa on Jan. 29, 2016.
Hillary Clinton speaks during a campaign rally in Davenport, Iowa, on Jan. 29, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Bernie Sanders addressed students at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines Iowa on Thursday morning, January 28th 2016. (Natalie Keyssar for TIME)
Bernie Sanders addressed students at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines Iowa on Thursday morning, Jan. 28, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Republican presidential candidate, Marco Rubio, appeared at a caucus event with his family on Feb. 1, 2016, at the 7 Flags Event Center in Clive, Iowa.
Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio appeared at a caucus event with his family on Feb. 1, 2016, at the 7 Flags Event Center in Clive, Iowa.Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Supporters attend a rally for Ted Cruz in Des Moines, Iowa on Jan. 31, 2016.
Supporters attend a rally for Ted Cruz in Des Moines, Iowa, on Jan. 31, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Ted Cruz held a rally at the Elwell Family Food Centera in Des Moines, Iowa on Sunday Sunday night, January 31rst. The night before Caucuses he encouraged his supporters to Caucus for him and bring friends in a speech that focused heavily on his religious message. (Natalie Keyssar for TIME)
Ted Cruz held a rally at the Elwell Family Food Centera in Des Moines, Iowa, on Sunday night, Jan. 31st. The night before the caucuses he encouraged his supporters to caucus for him and bring friends in a speech that focused heavily on his religious message. Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and his wife Janet campaign at the Crossroads shooting range in Johnston, Iowa on Jan. 30, 2016.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and his wife, Janet, campaign at the Crossroads shooting range in Johnston, Iowa on Jan. 30, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and his wife Janet campaign at the Crossroads shooting range in Johnston, Iowa on Jan. 30, 2016.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's wife, Janet, campaigns at the Crossroads shooting range in Johnston, Iowa on Jan. 30, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Supporters attend a rally for Ted Cruz in Des Moines, Iowa on Jan. 31, 2016. From left, Joseph, Jennifer, Jeff, Kim, Jessica and Josiah Stilwell pose for a family portrait after the rally. Jeff, the father of the family, said "Ted Cruz is solid in God. He doesn't just say it, or sigh bills, he fights for what he believes. He brings the fight to the battlefield, and that's what we need. He knows he's going to heaven. He's a true Christian. Without God we're nothing. There are absolutely moral wrongs and rights and he's fighting for what's right."
Supporters attend a rally for Ted Cruz in Des Moines, Iowa, on Jan. 31, 2016. The Stilwell family pose for a portrait after the rally. Jeff, the father of the family, said "Ted Cruz is solid in God. He doesn't just say it, or sign bills, he fights for what he believes. He brings the fight to the battlefield, and that's what we need. He knows he's going to heaven. He's a true Christian. Without God we're nothing. There are absolutely moral wrongs and rights and he's fighting for what's right."Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Donald Trump held a benefit rally/campaign rally for the Wounded Warriors, a charity organization for Veterans, at Drake University in Des Moines Iowa on Thursday morning, January 28th 2016. The event was timed to coincide with the Republican debates on Fox which he declined to attend. His event was attended by supporters, veterans and donors, as well as fellow candidates Rick Santorum and Mike Huckabee. (Natalie Keyssar for TIME)
Donald Trump appears with supporters Diamond and Silk at benefit and rally for Wounded Warriors, a charity organization for Veterans, at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016. The event was timed to coincide with the Republican debates on Fox which he declined to attend. Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Donald Trump held a benefit rally/campaign rally for the Wounded Warriors, a charity organization for Veterans, at Drake University in Des Moines Iowa on Thursday morning, January 28th 2016. The event was timed to coincide with the Republican debates on Fox which he declined to attend. His event was attended by supporters, veterans and donors, as well as fellow candidates Rick Santorum and Mike Huckabee. (Natalie Keyssar for TIME)
Supporters attend a campaign rally at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday Jan. 28, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks to supporters at a campaign town hall in Pella, Iowa, on Jan. 29.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks to supporters at a campaign town hall in Pella, Iowa, on Jan. 29.Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Ben Carson speaks to supporters in Iowa City, Iowa on Jan. 29.
Ben Carson speaks to supporters in Iowa City, Iowa, on Jan. 29.Natalie Keyssar for TIME
TIMEPOL Ted Cruz
Republican presidential candidate, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz speaks to supporters during a campaign stop on Feb. 1, 2016, at the Greene County Community Center in Jefferson, Iowa.Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Hillary Clinton campaigns with Bill Clinton in Davenport, Iowa on Jan. 29, 2016.
Hillary Clinton campaigns with Bill Clinton in Davenport, Iowa, on Jan. 29, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Rubio's bus is seen before he comes out. Marco Rubio spoke to supporters at a campaign rally at the Wellman's Pub and Rooftop in Des Moines Iowa on Wednesday evening, January 27th 2016. (Natalie Keyssar for TIME)
Rubio's bus outside a campaign rally at the Wellman's Pub and Rooftop in Des Moines, Iowa, on Wednesday evening, Jan. 27, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME
January 26, 2016. Des Moines Iowa. A Donald Trump Rally at Marshalltown Community School District - Roundhouse Gymnasium. As Iowa's Caucuses approach, candidates converge on the state for campaign events. On Monday evening democratic candidates Clinton, O'Malley and Sanders held a Town Hall sponsored by CCN at Drake University in Des Moines. (Natalie Keyssar)
The crowd at a Donald Trump Rally at Marshalltown Community School District - Roundhouse Gymnasium on Jan. 26, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Donald Trump held a benefit rally/campaign rally for the Wounded Warriors, a charity organization for Veterans, at Drake University in Des Moines Iowa on Thursday morning, January 28th 2016. The event was timed to coincide with the Republican debates on Fox which he declined to attend. His event was attended by supporters, veterans and donors, as well as fellow candidates Rick Santorum and Mike Huckabee. (Natalie Keyssar for TIME)
Donald Trump held a benefit rally/campaign rally for the Wounded Warriors, a charity organization for Veterans, at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday morning, Jan. 28, 2016.Natalie Keyssar for TIME
January 26, 2016. Des Moines Iowa. A Donald Trump Rally at Marshalltown Community School District - Roundhouse Gymnasium. As Iowa's Caucuses approach, candidates converge on the state for campaign events. On Monday evening democratic candidates Clinton, O'Malley and Sanders held a Town Hall sponsored by CCN at Drake University in Des Moines. (Natalie Keyssar)
A supporter listens at a Donald Trump Rally at Marshalltown Community School District - Roundhouse Gymnasium on Jan. 26, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Donald Trump greets supporters at a rally in Des Moines, Iowa on Jan. 26.
Donald Trump greets supporters at a rally in Des Moines, Iowa, on Jan. 26, 2016.Natalie Keyssar for TIME
January 25, 2016. Des Moines Iowa. A picture of Donald Trumps face on a fence in West Des Moines. As Iowa's Caucuses approach, candidates converge on the state for campaign events. On Monday evening democratic candidates Clinton, O'Malley and Sanders held a Town Hall sponsored by CCN at Drake University in Des Moines. (Natalie Keyssar)
Des Moines Iowa. A picture of Donald Trump on a home in West Des Moines on Jan. 25, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME

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