(Nikon D2X, Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 @ 175mm, 1/80th sec. @ f/2.8, ISO 1600)
"There being so many Photo Edge entries eminating from Annapolis, it has been put before us to create a separate Maryland General Assembly category. All those in favor say 'aye.'" A single, hollow voice can be heard murmuring assent. "All those opposed." Silence. "It is done by unanimous vote."
Everything, so it would seem, moves slowly in the Maryland State House, but the hands and trigger finger have to be quick. Minority Leader Anthony J. O'Donnell's brief hand gestures may come into proper alignment for a second, if he makes any at all, as compared to his comrade across the aisle. Majority leader Kumar P. Barve may not lend a gesture or expression when needed, but if he does, one has to be prepared. Keeping track of it all, and figuring the exposure, depth of field, and composition, happens in a brief moment, the only thing quicker the shutter itself.
It may not be the most exciting of subjects but the challenges are appreciable and many.
(Nikon D2X, Nikon 300mm f/2.8, 1/80th sec. @ f/2.8, ISO 1600)
Another long day in Annapolis, another spent in the dark trenches of the Maryland State House. The House Chamber is a little bit more accessible than the Senate and a larger amount of movement is allowed. The skylight is larger than the Senate's, and more light comes through. The various sources are not dissimilar to the Senate's, and the color temperatures mix and create the look of a bad painter's palette.
The objectives are the same as before with one major difference: A whole lot more faces in the larger room. The number of delegates creates identification problems. There is a House of Delegates seating chart for reference but it is hard to pin down a precise desk location to compare with the chart.
When a person's looks up or leans back the daylight can illuminate the face quite nicely and the color balance in the shadows does not flail about as much. If someone massages eyes or makes a face, most likely a brief act lasting mere seconds, quickness is imperative. Two exposures and it is over; the delegate looking right in the camera for the third.
(Nikon D2X, Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 17mm, 1/50th sec. @ f/2.8, ISO800)
A nice photograph developed moments after arriving outside the House Chamber as the session started Tuesday. A group of delegates, reporters in tow, silently flowed from the side hallway towards me. They made their way to an exhibit room not far from the primary House entrance. Clueless to what was taking place I paused. "Might as well," I thought and turned around to follow.The chairwoman's opening remarks revealed this as the House Ways and Means Committee. They were meeting to take a vote. Using a low angle, pants legs framing some of the delegates, made the flag a complimentary element and added a needed touch of color.
