Host Katie Phang and Governor Phil Weiser speaking at a Courier Colorado news event in Westminster, Colorado.

Denver Political Event Photography | Courier Colorado

John Hickenlooper, Phil Weiser & Manny Rutinel | On the Ballot Forum

Documentary Event Coverage with a Creative Eye

A week before the November 2026 midterm elections, I was hired by Courier Colorado News to photograph its On the Ballot event at The Establishment in Westminster, Colorado.

The evening brought together prominent Colorado political figures, including U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, Phil Weiser, and congressional candidate Manny Rutinel, with Katie Phang hosting the discussions. The event gave attendees an opportunity to hear directly from the speakers, ask questions, and engage in conversations about the issues shaping the upcoming election.

My photography coverage focused on more than just the speakers onstage. I documented candid conversations, interactions between candidates and attendees, audience reactions, and candid moments behind the scenes. These are often the photographs I find most interesting—the unscripted moments that tell a fuller story of an event.

Based in the Denver area, I provide professional event photography throughout Colorado and beyond, covering political gatherings, conferences, corporate events, and occasions that bring people together.

Candid moment of Congress member Manny Rutinel awaiting behind the curtain before being introduced at a Courier Colorado on the ballot political event at the Establishment in Wesminster, Colorado
U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper shaking hands with an attendee at Courier Colorado's On the Ballot political event in Westminster, Colorado.
Colorado congress member Manny Rutinel posing for a selfie with an attendee at a Courier Colorado political event near Denver.
Audience watching a political discussion with Governor Phil Weiser and Katie Phang at Courier Colorado's On the Ballot event.
Colorado gubernatorial candidate Phil Weiser sharing a candid embrace with Katie Phang backstage at a Courier Colorado political event.
Candid photograph of U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and Congress member Manny Rutinel speaking with attendees during Courier Colorado's On the Ballot event in Colorado.
Candid portrait of U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper smiling while speaking with an attendee at a Courier Colorado political gathering.
Katie Phang and a colleague working on laptops behind the scenes at Courier Colorado's On the Ballot political event in Westminster.
Attendees applauding during Courier Colorado's On the Ballot political event featuring Colorado Democratic candidates and elected officials.
Colorado congressional candidate Manny Rutinel speaking with an attendee at Courier Colorado's On the Ballot political event near Denver.
Phil Weiser speaking with Katie Phang before a Courier Colorado political discussion, photographed candidly at The Establishment in Westminster.
U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper posing for a photograph with an attendee following a Courier Colorado political event in Westminster.
Katie Phang embracing an attendee during a candid moment at Courier Colorado's On the Ballot political event in Colorado.
Courier News production team posing for a group photograph at the On the Ballot political event in Westminster, Colorado.
Audience attending a Courier Colorado political panel featuring John Hickenlooper, Manny Rutinel and Katie Phang at The Establishment in Westminster.
Katie Phang moderating a Courier Colorado political discussion with Colorado Democratic candidates and elected officials at the On the Ballot event.
Katie Phang moderating a Courier Colorado political discussion with Colorado Democratic candidates and elected officials at the On the Ballot event.
Katie Phang smiling and greeting attendees during Courier Colorado's On the Ballot political gathering in Colorado.
Colorado gubernatorial candidate Phil Weiser walking out from behind the stage curtain at a Courier Colorado political event.
Katie Phang speaking with an attendee during a candid moment at Courier Colorado's On the Ballot event in Westminster, Colorado.
Congressional candidate Manny Rutinel speaking with a guest onstage during Courier Colorado's On the Ballot political event.
Close-up documentary photograph of hands during a candid backstage moment at Courier Colorado's political event in Westminster.
Candid portrait of Courier Colorado's host On the Ballot political event in Colorado.
Katie Phang reviewing materials behind the scenes at Courier Colorado's On the Ballot political event in Westminster.
Speaker addressing attendees at Courier Colorado's On the Ballot political event, photographed during a live discussion in Westminster, Colorado.
Audience members applauding during Courier Colorado's On the Ballot political event, captured through candid event photography in Colorado.
Audience member asks question to Manny Rutinel during a Courier News On the Ballot event in Westminster, Colorado.
Professional video production team recording a live political panel at Courier Colorado's On the Ballot event in Westminster.
U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper speaking alongside congressional candidate Manny Rutinel during a Courier Colorado political panel.
Audience member asks question to John Hickenlooper at Courier Colorado News event at The Establishment in Wesminster, Colorado.
Manny Rutinel and Senator John Hickenlooper speaking during a political panel discussion at Courier Colorado's On the Ballot event.
Candid documentary photograph of an event attendee's colorful socks and shoes during Courier Colorado's political gathering.
Katie Phang speaking onstage during Courier Colorado's On the Ballot political event in Westminster, Colorado.
Professional video production team recording a live political panel at Courier Colorado's On the Ballot event in Westminster.
Attendees listening attentively during a Courier Colorado political discussion featuring Democratic candidates and elected officials.