A beginning, again.

Mitt Romney announced his candidacy in New Hampshire last week and I was sent up to photograph it.  I am still new to covering presidential politics and that may be why I still enjoy it so much.  After talking with colleagues who have been doing this season after season I can understand why you would get sick of it.  It must get old fast.

Everything is staged, the candidates and their flaks are very careful about their image and try to control it as much as possible.  A well placed flag here or an old couple in the background holding a folksy looking hand made sign (that was made by someone in the campaign) sitting right behind the candidate.  Oh wait, that old couple behind the candidate looks too old, lets move them to the edge and add some hip looking 20-somethings to the background.  Yes, that happens.  What isn't controlled though are the people that go to these campaign stops.  To watch people get so excited and fired up over politics is somehow reaffirming.  It gives me hope for this country.  It can also make for some fantastic images.  I'm looking forward to the months leading up to 2012.

A well placed flag next to a bucket of cold water.  Former Massachusetts Governor and Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney formally announces his candidacy at Scamman Farm in Stratham, New Hampshire on June 2, 2011.    Photo  by Matthew Healey

Mitt Romney supporters dish up bowls of Ann Romney's famous chili before Mitt formally announced his candidacy at Scamman Farm in Stratham, New Hampshire on June 2, 2011.    Photo by Matthew Healey

Former Massachusetts Governor and Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney (C) serves up chili with his wife Ann Romney (R) just before  formally announcing his candidacy at Scamman Farm in Stratham, New Hampshire on June 2, 2011.    Photo by Matthew Healey

Supporters listen in as former Massachusetts Governor and Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney formally announces his candidacy at Scamman Farm in Stratham, New Hampshire on June 2, 2011.    Photo by Matthew Healey

Supporters listen in as former Massachusetts Governor and Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney formally announces his candidacy at Scamman Farm in Stratham, New Hampshire on June 2, 2011.    Photo by Matthew Healey

Supporters stand in front of a barn after former Massachusetts Governor and Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney formally announced his candidacy at Scamman Farm in Stratham, New Hampshire on June 2, 2011.    Photo by Matthew Healey

Obama and Hillary

Some scenes from Unity, New Hampshire last week.

On the bus to Unity, NH

The line of people waiting for the bus to take them from the Twin State Speedway to Unity, NH

The scene.

The hug/wave.

The speaking.

The listening.

The looking.