In photography, they say a picture is worth a thousand words. Which is why we thought it important, on this Election Day, to showcase some images from two photographers who have been covering the 2020 presidential campaign, as well as the political scene and past presidents, for some time now (see gallery above). After all, it’s the photographers who allow us to take an all-important glimpse into a political campaign, whether it’s a potluck dinner for the candidate in the local VFW or a fundraiser where supporters are paying $5,000 to have a seat at the table. These images help to shape our political views about the candidates.

[Read: #PhotographersVote Instagram Campaign Urges Voter Participation]

[Read: 10 Questions: Kesha Lambert on Mindful Photography]

Rick Friedman, known for his creative portraiture and unique style of practical creative lighting, has been involved with politics and photographed every presidential candidate from President Jimmy Carter to Donald Trump and is currently covering the 2020 presidential campaign. A photojournalist for the past three decades, his work has appeared in TIME, National Geographic, Newsweek, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, Photo District News, Nature, USA Today, The Guardian and many other publications.

Eric Thayer is a visual journalist who, as a regular contributor to The New York Times, Getty, Reuters, and Bloomberg (among others), has years of experience covering national news, politics and natural disasters. He has extensively covered four presidential campaigns and is working on a project focused on the U.S.-Mexico border.

“I never wanted to be a political photographer,” Thayer tells Arlene Evans, Content Director for PHOTOPLUS+, Rangefinder and WPPI, in his seminar on the PHOTOPLUS+ network today. “When I was in school, I thought it would be cool to be a conflict photographer, but then I went in a completely different direction.” Next thing he knew, he was covering the 2008 presidential campaign, then the 2012 campaign, and then Trump’s 2016 campaign. “No one thought he had a chance of winning back then. It was a wild ride.”

Join Friedman and Thayer as they share the stories behind their favorite political images and give you a chance to see behind the curtain when they speak today on the PHOTOPLUS+ platform. Both discussions will be moderated by Evans. You don’t want to miss it.

Photography in Politics with Rick Friedman launches today on the PHOTOPLUS+ network today, November 3, at 12:30 p.m. EST. Make sure to register (it’s free!) and tune in for this very special discussion. (If you missed it, you can still view it here as your schedule allows.)

Photography in Politics with Eric Thayer will also be available on PHOTOPLUS+ starting today, November 3, (class airs at 2 p.m. EST and can then be accessed after that here).