“You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. - Wayne Gretzky”
That ridiculous but perfect quote from The Office sums up exactly how it felt to be the hired photographer for this event.
I first learned about James Talarico’s San Angelo stop a week before it happened. He had just announced his run for U.S. Senate, and the tour was thrown together quickly. When I RSVP’d through the Facebook link, I received a text asking if I wanted to volunteer…and I figured, why not shoot my shot? I replied that I’d love to photograph the event for the team. To my surprise, they said yes. To my even greater surprise, they said they’d pay me!
The merch table for James Talarico, U.S. Senate Candidate.
Leading up to the event, I was mad stressed. I checked my gear three times, charged all four batteries, grabbed extra ProGrade SD cards, and packed my 15–35mm, 28–70mm, 50mm, and 70–200mm lenses. My bag looked like I was prepping for a week-long shoot. Chelsea…rightly…made me downsize to something more manageable, so I ended up with a smaller kit and the R6 Mark II slung over my shoulder.
When I arrived at the venue, I met Jaime from the campaign and a group of energetic volunteers. They handed out reflective vests, assigned jobs, and got everyone ready. At first, the line outside looked sparse…seven or ten people at most…which made us nervous. But once the doors opened, that trickle turned into a flood. Before long, the theater was full and people were standing along the walls and even on stage.
A volunteer gives a Talarico for Texas sign to a rally attendee.
Jon Mark Hogg, a local Democratic leader and publisher of The Concho Observer, opened with a short speech before introducing James Talarico. The crowd roared.
Talarico, a former teacher, current Texas representative, and seminary student, gave an impassioned talk about corruption, compassion, and courage. His refrain, “the divide is not right versus left, but top versus bottom” hit home. He told stories about his childhood, his faith, and his conviction that it’s time to start “flipping tables” in the face of injustice, drawing on Jesus’ confrontation in the temple and how his grandfather taught him that story was a call to action.
Jon Mark Hogg adresses the crowd before introducing Rep. Talarico.
Talarico speaks to the overflowing crowd with people having to also stand on the stage behind him.
That’s what I respect about him. I first heard of Talarico at a youth ministry conference, then caught his interview on The Joe Rogan Experience. Whether or not you agree with his politics, his ability to articulate how faith informs public service is refreshing. He’s thoughtful, grounded, and sincere.
After the speech, the crowd erupted…signs waving, people shouting, some even wiping tears. Talarico took time with everyone, shaking hands and greeting those in the ADA section personally.
And then came my moment.
I remembered something I’d read from photographer Jared Polin (FroKnowsPhoto) about shooting political events: always ask for the portrait, because you might get a chance. So I did. With my 50mm f/1.2 on the R6, I asked for a quick portrait—and to my surprise again, he said yes. I got the shot. Perfect focus, strong emotion, and light that…while a little harsh…told the story.
Portrait of Representative James Talarico, a current U.S. Senate candidate.
So send the text, then the email, and ask for the shot. You never know what doors might open because you took one small chance.
