As you’ve no doubt heard, President Obama has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In February 2008, I had a brush with that keen politician. I was invited to photograph a “meet-and-greet” with now-President-then-candidate Barack Obama at the Midwest Airlines Convention Center.
Being there in a professional capacity was quite exciting–heck, I got to tell Barack Obama (and the guests) what to do. It was also a heavy responsibility. As each guest proceeded through the line, I had time to only make two exposures as the guests stood with Senator Obama. An event like this proved the truism that professionalism in photography isn’t demonstrated by how much time it takes to make a good photo, but in how quickly a good photo can be made.
It was quite neat watching the interactions. Everyone was excited to meet him and to shake his hand. Some people were very, very excited to bend his ear for as long as they could before the next person in line was brought forward. Through it all, Senator Obama was cordial and friendly, appearing to be interested in what each person had to say and not seeming rushed with anyone. Though I didn’t get to have a photo made or to shake his hand it was thrilling to be in the room all the same.
As a related aside, check these links for the official Flickr photo-stream for President Obama. Some great “everyday” photos of life in the Presidency! Photos by official White House photographer Pete Souza.
Here now, are some of my photos of President Barack Obama, 2009 Nobel Peace Prize winner! (Color images shot with Leica R8/DMR; B+W images made with Leica M6TTL)
