Assignment: Debate between Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and his Democratic challenger Jean Welch Hill. So we’re looking at two people sitting in chairs. Sound visually interesting? Of course not. And don’t forget the photo needs to be fair to both candidates since this is an election we’re covering. So yeah, it’s going to be a challenge to make a compelling photograph.

I figured I’d go for that one shot that could sum up the debate. I showed up early for a front row seat, found my composition and just waited. After a bit some sparks flew over ethics accusations and the two faced off for a split second. Okay, maybe it wasn’t that exciting, but it was the only moment and I got it.

After that I started to watch the faces they made when their opponent was on the attack, knowing that these captured reactions would never make the paper. First Mark:

Then Jean:

More information on the candidates can be found at these links:
Mark Shurtleff
Jean Welch Hill

Good luck to both of you.