Gallery: Photographing the RNC Through the Eyes of a Newcomer
TRISTAN SPINSKI01A paper horse prop sits next to a pinball machine before members of The Autonomous Playhouse, a troupe of puppeteers, perform
*A delegate dressed in costume as Abraham Lincoln gets a drink of water during the 2012 Republican Convention in Tampa, Fla. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012.* *Photo: Tristan Spinski*
TRISTAN SPINSKI02Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell gives a speech during the 2012 Republican Convention in Tampa, Fla. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012.
*Justin James Rojek, an alternative delegate from Montgomery, Ala., stands for a portrait during the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012.* *Photo: Tristan Spinski*
Lexey Swall03RNC
*Alexandria Martin, 20, participating in a Florida American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) rally shows off her tattoo during the 2012 Republican National Convention on August 29, 2012 in Tampa, Fla.* *Photo: Lexey Swall*
TRISTAN SPINSKI04Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell gives a speech during the 2012 Republican Convention in Tampa, Fla. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012.
*John Putnam, of Carthage, Mo., stands for a portrait during the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012.* *Photo: Tristan Spinski*
Greg Kahn05Republican National Convention
*Dancers entertain the audience during Homocon 2012 at The Honey Pot in Tampa, Fla. Homocon, a party for gay conservatives, was held during the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. and sponsored by GOProud.* *Photo: Greg Kahn*
TRISTAN SPINSKI06A paper horse prop sits next to a pinball machine before members of The Autonomous Playhouse, a troupe of puppeteers, perform
*Attendees break for lunch during the 2012 Republican Convention in Tampa, Fla. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012.* *Photo: Tristan Spinski*
TRISTAN SPINSKI07Party-goers leave Homocon with disco ball key chains on the second day of festivities at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012.
*Delegates cheer as they listen to speeches during the 2012 Republican Convention in Tampa, Fla. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012.* *Photo: Tristan Spinski*
TRISTAN SPINSKI08Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell gives a speech during the 2012 Republican Convention in Tampa, Fla. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012.
*A delegate holds her hand over her heart during the Pledge of Allegiance on the convention floor during the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012.* *Photo: Tristan Spinski*
Greg Kahn09Republican National Convention
*Police block off roads from protestors during the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. on Aug. 27, 2012.* *Photo: Greg Kahn*
Lexey Swall10RNC
*Florida law enforcement officers stand between protesters and members of the Westboro Bapist Church during the 2012 Republican National Convention on August 28, 2012 in Tampa, Fla. Westboro Baptisit Church members are known for their inflammatory views.* *Photo: Lexey Swall*
Lexey Swall11RNC
*Protesters continue to dance and march in the streets despite the rain from Tropical Storm Isaac during the 2012 Republican National Convention on August 27, 2012 in Tampa, Fla.* *Photo: Lexey Swall*
Lexey Swall12RNC
*Members of Code Pink, a women's rights organization, and other protesters march through the streets during the 2012 Republican National Convention on August 27, 2012 in Tampa, Fla.* *Photo: Lexey Swall*
Greg Kahn13Republican National Convention
*Law enforcement watch protestors march in the AFL-CIO march near the Tampa Bay Times Forum during the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. on Aug. 29, 2012.* *Photo: Greg Kahn*
Greg Kahn14Republican National Convention
*Mitt Romney supporters from Protect the Polls react to protestors behind them during the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. on Aug. 28, 2012.* *Photo: Greg Kahn*
Greg Kahn15Republican National Convention
*Members of the media cover protestors during the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. on Aug. 27, 2012.* *Photo: Greg Kahn*
Breathe Easy Thanks to the Best Air Purifier for Every Home
Protect your home against dust, pets, allergens, and more with the best air purifiers, tested firsthand.
Molly Higgins
The Best Automatic Litter Boxes Tested by Our Spoiled Cats
With these high-tech automatic litter boxes, gone are the days of scooping and smells. Welcome to the future.
Molly Higgins
Stop Playing Monopoly and Scrabble. These Board Games Will Elevate Your Family Game Night
From monsters to kittens to strategy games, these sets will liven things up on nights when everyone is tired of screens.
Simon Hill
The Best Mattresses You Can Buy Online in 2026
WIRED has tested 100-plus bed-in-a-box mattresses for a week each. Our top pick, the Helix Midnight Luxe hybrid, is the best bed you can buy online.
Julia Forbes
The Best iPhone 17 Cases and Accessories—We’ve Tested More Than 100
Protect your expensive iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone Pro, or iPhone 17e with our favorite cases and screen protectors.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best Meal Kits of 2026, Tested by a Former Restaurant Critic
Here are the best delivery services and meal kits in 2026, including Martha Stewart’s meal service, a GLP-1–supportive plan, and a budget-friendly option.
Matthew Korfhage
28 Amazing STEM Toys Approved by WIRED Kids
We found lots of math-filled and science-rich toys for tiny nerds to assemble, bake, squish—or even tear apart and rebuild.
Simon Hill
The 10 Best WIRED-Tested Pet Cameras
Whether you’re near or far, keep an eye on your fur baby with our favorite pet cameras.
Molly Higgins
What’s Worse Than Romance Scams? Adoption Scams
This week in WIRED Book Club, we recap the final chapters of The Yahoo Boys.
Kate Knibbs
The Best Qi2 and MagSafe Wireless Chargers for Your Phone
Top up your Qi2 Android phone or MagSafe iPhone with a magnetic wireless charging stand, pad, car charger, or power bank.
Simon Hill
The Best iPad to Buy (and a Few to Avoid)
Apple just raised its prices. Here’s an updated breakdown of the brand’s tablets to find the best one for your needs.
Luke Larsen
A Guided Tour of Donald Trump’s Renovated Washington, DC
Trump has remade the nation’s capitol in his own image. Ahead of the Fourth of July, WIRED guides you through the dizzying effects of DC’s makeover.
Hugo Lowell