All eyes will be on America for the presidential inauguration day on January 20, 2021, and one of the best ways to experience this moment in history is through the eyes of the top political and documentary photojournalists. These on-the-ground reporters immerse followers in the country’s political happenings, and on January 20, that means behind-the-scenes inauguration photography and videos shared on Instagram.
So who are the best creators to follow on Instagram for coverage of the presidential inauguration day? We’ve compiled a list of 10 impressive political photojournalists to elevate your inauguration-viewing experience.
Alex Brandon: @alex_brandon
If you want an immersion into political photojournalism, follow AP News staff photographer Alex Brandon. Brandon’s photography is impressively captivating, as are the perspectives he provides followers on his Instagram stories. Follow this DC-based photographer for expert images this inauguration day—and beyond.
Maddie McGarvey: @maddiemcgarvey
Freelance photojournalist Maddie McGarvey is a renowned name in the photography world. Her work has appeared everywhere from CNN and National Geographic to the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Come inauguration day, McGarvey will be sharing this moment in history with her nearly 57,000 followers—while undoubtedly recording images that will be remembered for decades.
Christopher Morris: @christopher_vii
Celebrated photographer Christopher Morris, who’s worked with publications like TIME, is taking his nearly 53,000 followers on a behind-the-scenes journey through photojournalism this inauguration day. From setting the scene to sharing his perspective through on-camera videos—and, of course, exquisite images on his Instagram grid—Morris offers an unparalleled perspective that will help aspiring photojournalists see exactly what goes into covering an event of this magnitude.
Tony Mobley: @tonemobley
Tony Mobley, a born and raised DC photographer, is known across the industry for his moving work covering the 2020 protests. Mobley has worked with publications ranging from Vogue to Buzzfeed and BET. He’s pairing his documentary photography skills with his dedication to activism and social-justice reform to capture a truly unique perspective on this historic inauguration day.
Erin Schaff: @erinschaff
New York Times staff photographer Erin Schaff was in the middle of the action during the storming of the capital on January 6, 2021, and she recounts her experience in this Times write-up, published January 7. Schaff’s images blend art with history, and politics with culture. Her work will definitely be remembered as integral to this moment in history.
Oliver Contreras: @olivercontreras
Washington Post contributing photo editor Oliver Contreras shares powerful imagery that ensures viewers don’t simply see, but truly feel, with his photos. Contreras’ images are packed with action, showing the history as its unfolding before his eyes. Follow Contreras for the inauguration coverage, and stick around to study his unique skill of freezing historical moments in time.
Stefani Reynolds: @stefani_reynolds
Few political photojournalists can combine art and politics as seamlessly and creatively as DC-based Stefani Reynolds. Just look at this incredible capture for the New York Times! Reynolds shows the behind-the-scenes of history in a poetic way, and is a top photographer to follow not just through the inauguration, but for the long haul, as history continuously unfolds.
Andy Harnik: @andyharnik
What is it actually like to cover the White House as a photojournalist? Look no further than Andy Harnik, an AP photographer showing the nitty-gritty behind the scenes on Instagram stories. Harnik showcases everything from top images from fellow photographers to behind-the-scenes of setting up pool remotes. It’s like you’re there in the moment—even without a press pass.
Dee Dwyer: @deedwyerjonts
Photojournalist Dee Dwyer, based in the DC area, showcases “all aspects of human life” with a main focus on humanity. Her images have been featured in prestigious publications and exhibits, and some of her most historic work covers the protests and activism of 2020. Her skills continue to wow followers this year, particularly showcasing life in DC leading up to and during the historic inauguration.
Adam Schultz: @schultzinit
Last but not least is President Joe Biden’s new Chief White House Photographer, Adam Schultz. Schultz, a long-time Clinton photographer, and followed Biden on the campaign trail, capturing incredible images like this portrait of the candidate speaking in the rain, to this frame of President Biden with the First Lady.
To get an even deeper look into political photography, head over to the Adorama podcast to check out our interview with Pete Souza, the Chief White House Photographer during both Barack Obama and Ronald Reagan’s presidencies.
Feature image via Canva
