I wish I could say I got quality photos on Inauguration Day. It was the worst possible weather for a photographer - a perfectly gray sky for most of the morning. Despite that, I got a few good shots. Hope you enjoy them!
On the way to the Mall, we encountered a few Obama clones getting a ride via bicycle taxi.
Crowds were arriving via metro but they weren't as bad as 2009.
The morning started off sunny but a threatening set of clouds were moving in fast.
Great guys with false advertising (I know, I bought 2 copies)
This couple decided to make camp near the Washington Monument.
It got a little more crowded when we tried to enter the actual mall... just after this photo, security realized they had created a bottleneck and moved some fences back.
First stop, CNN! We thought we couldn't go further. Luckily we were wrong.
Creeping alongside the portapotties, we found a way to break out and then were able to move in a little closer.
Some people had all the luck and found a good perch!
I think we were about halfway with as many people behind us as in front.
The blue sky was fighting to stay but this is the last we saw of it while at the Inauguration.
It was almost time for the ceremonies to begin...
So they started handing out the flags!
More lucky folks... I must remember to bring a tall person to sit on next time!
And President Obama arrives!
This was the most tech savvy Inauguration ever... more people were taking photos with their iPads while garnering catcalls from those of us behind them. Here, they were being polite.
I saw so many young children this time... the slightly warmer weather and fewer people meant parents could safely bring their kids.
President Obama taking the Oath of Office.
Congrats to the President! (BTW, the women in the crowd highly approved of the new hairstyle)
And the crowd roars after the Oath!
More roaring crowd!
Then we settle in for speeches while trying to stay warm.
The crowd was intent on listening but not as engaged as I would have hoped.
The President had a few lines that were real crowd pleasers.
But people mostly listened intently to what he had to say.
Even the children were paying attention.
A lot of children.
After the speech, the crowd roared again! And this photographer started on her way home, listening to the Inaugural Poem as she left the mall. Her feet were frozen, her hands stiff with cold, but overall it was worth the trip!