Yesterday was fun. I got to meet President George W. Bush.
Awhile back I found out that my friend Jared Platt has had a chance to photograph some events when President Bush was in town. He even had his picture taken with him. They looked chummy. I then sweet-talked Jared into promising to bring me along as his assistant if he ever had the chance to photograph him again. It wasn't hard. I don't think I even had to resort to threatening Jared's life - the sweet talk worked.
Yesterday President Bush was in town for a number of reasons - one of which was a fundraiser luncheon at The Sanctuary to raise money for his Presidential Library. Jared was called on to photograph it and guess who was his loyal, albeit unnecessary, assistant?
I was a little giddy. I know this might not make me popular, but I voted for President Bush, I prayed for him while he was in office and I genuinely like him. He wasn't a perfect president but I respect him for leading from and sticking to his convictions. Regardless of whether you like him or not, the opportunity to meet a president is an opportunity of a lifetime - it's like holding a little piece of history in your hand.
It was pretty surreal to see the President hanging out at a resort where I've photographed numerous weddings. The secret service asked Jared and I not to be in the same room at the same time - the party was pretty small with only about 40 in attendance. After photographing details in the lunch room, I came around the corner and saw the President in a small reception room shaking hands with guests - most of whom he seemed to know personally. Jared and I took turns photographing the pre-lunch reception - which was exactly like a cocktail hour - and the President would often turn towards the camera with guests for a photo. He was extremely relaxed and it was so fun hearing him make small talk with the guests.
During the lunch we mostly hung out in the hall but got the chance to talk with two people who have worked closely with the President - one a White House event planner, and one in charge of answering the mail. They were so nice and it was fun to get a little insight into a world I'm not familiar with.
After the lunch, on his way out, the President took the time to take a few photos with the staff - the chef, some of the wait staff and... the lowly photographer's assistant! Jared all but pushed me towards the President and introduced me as his assistant. We were in the middle of a flurry of activity but the President said, "Ya, I saw you working hard - Thanks for your work!" to which I so eloquently replied, "Thanks for yours!" Total dork. I think I mumbled something about it being an honor and then we posed for a photo. Like we are BFF.
Awhile back I found out that my friend Jared Platt has had a chance to photograph some events when President Bush was in town. He even had his picture taken with him. They looked chummy. I then sweet-talked Jared into promising to bring me along as his assistant if he ever had the chance to photograph him again. It wasn't hard. I don't think I even had to resort to threatening Jared's life - the sweet talk worked.
Yesterday President Bush was in town for a number of reasons - one of which was a fundraiser luncheon at The Sanctuary to raise money for his Presidential Library. Jared was called on to photograph it and guess who was his loyal, albeit unnecessary, assistant?
I was a little giddy. I know this might not make me popular, but I voted for President Bush, I prayed for him while he was in office and I genuinely like him. He wasn't a perfect president but I respect him for leading from and sticking to his convictions. Regardless of whether you like him or not, the opportunity to meet a president is an opportunity of a lifetime - it's like holding a little piece of history in your hand.
It was pretty surreal to see the President hanging out at a resort where I've photographed numerous weddings. The secret service asked Jared and I not to be in the same room at the same time - the party was pretty small with only about 40 in attendance. After photographing details in the lunch room, I came around the corner and saw the President in a small reception room shaking hands with guests - most of whom he seemed to know personally. Jared and I took turns photographing the pre-lunch reception - which was exactly like a cocktail hour - and the President would often turn towards the camera with guests for a photo. He was extremely relaxed and it was so fun hearing him make small talk with the guests.
During the lunch we mostly hung out in the hall but got the chance to talk with two people who have worked closely with the President - one a White House event planner, and one in charge of answering the mail. They were so nice and it was fun to get a little insight into a world I'm not familiar with.
After the lunch, on his way out, the President took the time to take a few photos with the staff - the chef, some of the wait staff and... the lowly photographer's assistant! Jared all but pushed me towards the President and introduced me as his assistant. We were in the middle of a flurry of activity but the President said, "Ya, I saw you working hard - Thanks for your work!" to which I so eloquently replied, "Thanks for yours!" Total dork. I think I mumbled something about it being an honor and then we posed for a photo. Like we are BFF.
Could I BE smiling any bigger?
What a fun day.
What a fun day.
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