INTAKHABAT: OUTTAKES FROM A DEMOCRATIC EGYPT
In May, 2012, I arrived in post-revolution Egypt, alongside some very good company. Our timing couldn't have been better: Egypt was set to host its first freely-held democratic presidential elections, and we were to have a front row seat.
Had I known a front row seat would literally mean hiding on the balconies of abandoned buildings, camera in hand, while soldiers in Cub Scout-looking uniforms pointed soviet rifles at me from the polling location below, I probably would have cried with excitement, for I went to Egypt seeking thrills.
Documenting the two days of elections was about as heated as things got during our duration there, although I did happen to find myself in quite a few other questionable, dare I say, semi-dangerous situations (you can read about one of those situation on Animal New York). .
Intakhabat translates simply to "elections" in Arabic. And while this story does in many ways center around the elections that took place, it is more a story of intrigue; a brief glimpse into an incredible period in Egypt's history, told to you through the eyes of a curious American with a camera and a photojournalism degree.
I put this photo first because I feel like it is the type of photo everyone expected me to come back from Egypt with.
Most of my time spent in Tahrir Square was peaceful, almost jubilant. But arguments did tend to escalate quickly. Street urchins also got a real kick out of coming up to me, tapping me on the shoulder and whispering, "Death to America."
Young and old gathered in Tahrir Square daily, to show their support for a democratic Egypt.
Aggressive street merchants will try to sell you everything from packs of tissues, to cheap nicknacks
Outskirts of Cairo.
An all-female voting location. Voting lasted two days.
A random street vendor who was kind enough to pose for a portrait.
Showing off the freshly-inked finger
Our driver while in Alexandria, Abraham.
Many of these portraits were taken in-between interviewing individuals about their thoughts on the elections.
This is Osama, our wonderful guide for the majority of our time spent in Egypt.
This gentlemen, before posing for a portrait, explained how he had balanced protesting in Tahrir Square, with studying for his college final exams.
Our incredible host in Alexandria. Not pictured: her bright pink fuzzy slippers, which she specifically asked I crop out.
We watched this man dip a drinking glass directly into the Nile, twice, and chug the water.
Army trainees
Went back to Tahir Square several times to take in the energy.
