The pair of stories linked below are related assignments that I photographed for the Maine Monitor earlier this spring. Both examine the growing political influence of conservative Christianity in Maine. I also included my personal edit, which showcases work from both assignments in a photo essay. I chose to use black and white for the edit for two reasons: first, I made the photos in a variety of lighting situations, and monochrome gives the edit visual unity. Second, I believe that black and white conveys a sense of timelessness and historical grounding that is appropriate for the subject matter.
Mainers gather in small groups organized by region, during a National Day of Prayer event, organized by the Christian Civic League of Maine, near the State House in Augusta, Maine on Thursday May 7, 2026.Senior Pastor Travis Carey delivers a morning sermon at the Calvary Chapel of Greater Portland in Westbrook, Maine on Sunday May 10, 2026.Peggy Robinson, right, worships during a National Day of Prayer, organized by the Christian Civic League of Maine, as two boys peek into the revival tent, near the State House in Augusta, Maine on Thursday May 7, 2026.Jenni Field, center, and other Mainers worship during a National Day of Prayer, organized by the Christian Civic League of Maine near the State House in Augusta, Maine on Thursday May 7, 2026.The pulpit is seen after a Sunday service at the Calvary Chapel Greater Portland in Westbrook, Maine on May 10, 2026.A man wore a tie adorned with iconography from the Maine state flag, as well as two crosses, as he attended a National Day of Prayer, organized by the Christian Civic League of Maine near the State House in Augusta, Maine on Thursday May 7, 2026.Tammy Sylvester, left, is embraced by Barbara Files-Lucier as the pair worship inside of the revival tent during a National Day of Prayer, organized by the Christian Civic League of Maine near the State House in Augusta, Maine on Thursday May 7, 2026.Congregants listen as the house band performs during Sunday Service at the Calvary Chapel Greater Portland in Westbrook, Maine on May 10, 2026, A National Day of Prayer event, organized by the Christian Civic League of Maine, begins to wrap up as the sun sets near the State House in Augusta, Maine on Thursday May 7, 2026.