Photojournalist Robert Durell's exhibition "Decade Under the Dome," is at the Capitol through March 12. Fifty-eight photos, shot during Durell's long career at The Los Angeles Times, are on display.

Durell's work included coverage of the riot incited by Los Angeles police beating Rodney King and the 1994 U.S. invasion of Haiti, which won three group Pulitzers. In 1998, the Times switched to digital cameras. This meant photos could be sent over the Internet and photographers could be based anywhere. Durell relocated to Davis, taking over The LA Times' Northern California region, and began taking photographs in and around the Capitol. Durell said he believes the Capitol is a human-built Yosemite for photojournalists: Yosemite attracts nature photographers, but the Capitol is a special place for capturing human traffic.

Durell contacted the Capitol about the "Decade Under the Dome" a month back and was given the green light along with complete control over the choice of photos. However, Durell said, with total freedom comes great responsibility. Given the size of the gallery, he had to consolidate about 1,200 photos down to 50.

Durell explained that each photo had only a 24-hour lifespan because of the news cycle. He said he has used this exhibit to reawaken the photos from what he called a crypt. "They needed to live again." Considered a people photographer, Durell is most passionate about capturing images involving politics. "Decade Under the Dome" reveals the humanistic side of the political realm. Viewers see candid shots of governmental figures, bizarre protests and everything in between.

In one of Durell's favorite photos, politicians were caught smoking cigars and drinking scotch in the Capitol lobby while a filibuster extended their debate well into the night; a lockdown was ordered until a budget passed. Here, Durell seems to point out that sometimes more fruitful discussions can be done over cigars and scotch. Capitol tour guides have enjoyed the photos so much that they have added a stop on their regular tour.

Photos from "Decade Under the Dome" can be viewed for free in the Capitol's Eureka Room or online at www.robertdurellphoto.com.