Pulitzer Photographer

Photographer: Damon Winter (2009 winner for Feature Photography)

New York documentary and editorial photographer Damon Winter was most recognized for his dedication to capturing the first term of President Obama (elected in 2008) in photos. His snapshots are powerful, simple, with a dark atmosphere which appeals solemnly and passionately to pathos. He tends to focus on Obama's connection with Americans of all ages, which was one of his most successful campaign techniques. He illustrates how the president stands up for, stands with the people of the U.S., sympathizing alongside them rain or shine. He knows precisely how to get on their good side. In his first term (a.k.a. before he drove this country into the ground), Obama's words caused audiences at his rallies to raise their voices in concurrence, to hoot and holler because they were finally being heard and acknowledged.

A lot of Winter's photographs show the president in the center of the frame to draw attention to him. I think this is to put emphasis on his importance at the time. Other photographs show humongous crowds of people in a wide-cropped frame to illustrate the momentous amount of support Obama earned after being elected. The Sontag factor is strong with these photographs. In 2009, the entire world knew who Obama was; he was the first black president in American history, and also one of the most liberal right out of the gate. Today, I think that anyone from any country can look at these shots and know who the man in the suit or windbreaker is. They can empathize with the crowds. They can feel the energy that surrounded this man's first term.