Photographer M. Scott Brauer is covering the Democratic National Convention for Mother Jones’ Instagram account. Brauer, who has a kind of exaggerated paparazzi-like style, also snapped photos at Donald Trump’s bizarre Republican National Convention in Cleveland, which concluded July 21.
The Democratic convention in Philadelphia has presented special challenges, Brauer said. Logistics, crowding, and rainy weather have made the event more difficult than the Republican convention for him and other journalists to cover, he added.
Using a harsh, direct flash—a style Brauer has been using throughout his coverage of the presidential campaign over the past year—he photographed protesters on the streets as well as delegates, media, speakers, and staffers on the convention floor. Here are some of our favorite photos from Brauer’s time at the DNC.
Updated 7/29/2016 with images from the final night of the convention.
Caroline Casey, host of the Pacifica Radio Network’s The Visionary Activist Show, prepares to interview longtime satirical presidential candidate Vermine Supreme near the security fence outside the convention area on the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Arena. Casey’s credentials for the convention were revoked after she tried to bring Vermin Supreme into the convention to the Pacifica Radio Network’s station at media row inside the Wells Fargo Center.
Journalists work in the media tent on the final day of the DNC.
A man eats in an arena hallway at Wells Fargo Center during the DNC.
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and her running mate Tim Kaine wave to the crowd after Clinton’s speech on the final day of the DNC.
Right: A DNC press handler walks through balloons after Hillary Clinton’s speech. Left: People hold hands during the benediction after Hillary Clinton’s speech.
Balloons, signs, and flags cover the ground after Hillary Clinton’s speech on the final day of the DNC.
The images below are from the days leading up to the final night of the DNC.
On Monday, activist Annette Elbaz walks along the perimeter of the Wells Fargo Center, where the convention is taking place, looking for a protest. Elbaz, who traveled from Vermont, said she “slept in the rough” on the way down to Philadelphia and did some day labor jobs to help fund the trip. On the way, Elbaz says, her 24-karat gold necklace was stolen. She had hoped to sell it to help pay for her travel. The jewelery had come from Egypt, where Elbaz lived for a few years and witnessed the revolution firsthand. It reinvigorated her activism. She is a Bernie Sanders supporter and said she’s not sure if Hillary Clinton is right for the country right now.
A group of organizations including Veterans for Peace and the World Can’t Wait handed out information about alleged crimes that they say have been perpetrated around the world by the American government. They were set up outside the United Methodist Church on Arch Street near City Hall. The church was a sort of “activist oasis,” offering air-conditioning, water, food, and other support to protesters.
Items seen in a sex shop window in Central Philadelphia
A small group of salespeople walked around downtown Philadelphia with politically themed condoms. Many featured puns or riffs on this year’s campaign slogans. Bernie Sanders’ “Feel the Bern” tagline was unchanged.
A moment backstage at the Wells Fargo Center, where the DNC is being held
Members of the press sit in the stands in the Wells Fargo Center at the DNC
Supporters, including Jesse Jackson (right) cheer during Michelle Obama’s speech at the DNC.
Bernie Sanders supporters
Bernie Sanders called for the nomination of Hillary Clinton by acclamation during the state-by-state roll call.
After the official nomination of Hillary Clinton, many Bernie supporters in the DNC delegations were angry or sad. Here, three Colorado delegates embrace after the nomination. In the center is Anthony E. Graves, a Hillary Clinton delegate, who told these two Sanders delegates how much he appreciated what Sanders and his supporters brought to the Democratic party. Not long after this moment, many Sanders delegates walked out of the convention and staged a demonstration in the media tent outside the Wells Fargo Center.
Police stand near the media tent outside the Wells Fargo Center arena, where Bernie Sanders supporters protested.
A cameraman films the crowd as Sanders supporters speak to the media.
Maryland Sen. Catherine Pugh (right) speaks to a journalist.
People hold red, white, and blue signs reading “America” in the mezzanine level seats ahead of Bill Clinton’s speech.
Left: Police and Secret Service officers stand guard near a SEPTA train station outside the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Right: Lukas Walsh of Hartford, Connecticut, dressed as Uncle Sam in the protest area in FDR Park outside the secure area surrounding the convention. Walsh took a satirical approach to his protest, saying he was there “to make sure big money stays in politics.” He said he likes getting creative with activism. “Being silly and doing shenanigans is a crucial component [to activism],” he said.
Deb Ennis, 26, and her fiancé Keith Traister, 23, both of Michigan, relax in the protest area in FDR Park. The two rollerbladed and walked from Central Philadelphia to the protest area. The couple have been staying with a Donald Trump supporter whom they found through Craigslist after the pair couldn’t find a camping spot.
A man wears zip-tie handcuffs in his hair while he waits near the free food distribution area in FDR Park.
MSNBC’s Chris Matthews (left) prepares for a broadcast during a speech.
Left: A woman wears a bedazzled patriotic hat and glasses while sitting in the delegate area during a speech. Right: A Louisiana delegate wears a tie featuring former Democratic Party politicians and presidents.
Delegates share food during a speech.
A catering worker stands on a palette in a backstage area at the Wells Fargo Center.
People wait near entrances to the mezzanine level seating area before Vice President Joe Biden speaks. Seats filled up early in the night and many attendees had difficulty entering the arena to see the evening’s festivities.
The crowd cheers while Vice President Joe Biden speaks.
A reporter works in a backstage area.
People watch as President Barack Obama speaks at the DNC.
Photographers stand on a riser above the the stage while President Barack Obama and the Democratic nominee for president Hillary Clinton embrace and wave to the crowd.
A police officer blocks passengers from entering a packed subway train after the end of a day of activities at the DNC.
