By late afternoon on September 21, 2014 the organizers of the People’s Climate March in New York City estimated that 310,000 people participated.  The following day attendance estimates climbed to almost 400,000.  It is possible that nearly 1 out of every 750 people in the United States participated in the March and it is likely that each person in the United States knew at least someone who was there.  I knew about  7.

I have never found myself drawn to large, or even small gatherings, assembled either in protest, or even in support of a particular cause, so it’s somewhat ironic that I attended this one – the largest gathering of it’s kind.

Although many of the photos in the press tried to capture the massive scale of the event, as the broad demographic of those involved became apparent to me, I was far more interested in creating a more intimate account. I focused on the individuals who participated rather than on the event itself – some I took the time to speak with, others I just photographed.

Because of my lens choice I was often very close to my subjects – at times, just how close proved somewhat of a surprise… maybe as much to me as my subjects.

I can’t say I have always felt at ease while taking photographs of people, whether of those I know or don’t know.  But for whatever reason on this particular day, more often than not, I was connecting with my subjects in some tangible way. This seems clear in many of the photographs.  Sometimes, I’d get a frown that quickly turned into a smile and I captured both.  Sometimes I captured  neither.  Sometimes focus was a bit soft but the image represented something unique about that moment in time.

The one thing I regret is not knowing more about each of these people.  If you or anyone you know was in these photographs please contact me.  I’d like to know more about what brought you to the PCM and what you’d like people to know about you.

Thanks for taking the time to look.

Thomas A.