My day with the First Lady

Okay, here is a chance at a really interesting blog – but with protocol and possible security issues regarding what I can and cannot disclose, I will attempt to be minimalist yet create some kind of impression. Last month, someone I had photographed before phoned my work and asked if they could “borrow” me to shoot a private event in their home with Michelle Obama. My bosses gave me the go-ahead, leaving the decision up to me – and I immediately said yes. At first, I wrote a long blog but nixed it and decided to use bullet points instead:

  • Unfortunately, I came down with a horrible head cold.
  • I thought I might have to submit the color of my underwear to the Secret Service.
  • I checked the lighting three times and confirmed the spot with the Secret Service.
  • I chose my two soft boxes – one on each side, high, at an angle, with one a bit brighter than the other. My goal was to light the background beautifully while at the same time trying to avoid having the lights be a nuisance to the guests (and Mrs. Obama).
  • I felt this occasion merited a new outfit, but I was too sick to shop and too sick to think. The morning of the event I had to shoot something early, so I dressed in jeans and t-shirt, and at the last minute just grabbed a white blouse and black pinstripe slacks – my waiter look; always works. Turns out, I should have worn something dark – I should have tried it on first. If I had, I would have realized how pasty I looked, but worse, I had lost some weight and my pants didn’t have any belt loops and hung off my hips. At this point all I cared about was not having my nose run or not sneezing on the First Lady.
  • The Secret Service checked the equipment I had set up beforehand, but I brought two bags of backup lights just in case something happened to any one of my softboxes. After they checked me on the official list and waved me down with the wand, one of the agents told me they had to have their dog check my bag. “Oh, it’s okay,” I said, waving my hand in front of them. “My dogs already checked my bags for me,” referring to the copious amount of animal hair attached to my bags. The agent gave a little laugh and immediately transformed back to his somber face, “Yeah, you’re going to have to get your bag checked by the dog.”
  • The dog was a drooling, happy, spaz.
  • There was lots of mingling, lots of photos of politicians, activists, actors, etc.
  • Michelle was dazzling. She was so friendly, so natural, so down to earth and approachable.
  • Her staff was also on their toes the whole time – so precise, professional and focused.
  • I photographed Michelle with about 75 people, and although her time with each of them was relatively short, you could tell it was memorable to them as she reached out to all of them individually.
  • When the receiving line was done we both looked around the room and then at each other and smiled at each other and I blurted out, “Wow, you are a pro!” Michelle laughed and thanked me and I continued with, “No, I am serious. You have supermodel focus!” Then I asked her something I rarely do when shooting people – if I could get my picture taken with her. She agreed and we chatted about her dress, New Orleans, etc. And then John Haffner (my friend and assistant for the day) got his photo with her as well.
  • She also posed with all the policemen and fireman who worked the event. Classy!
  • One of the hosts (a fabulous actor) came and walked her to the backyard where our mayor was giving a speech. Michelle took the stage and gave an impassioned speech on the state of our country and changes that needed to be made.
  • Afterward, I broke down my equipment, went home and collapsed into bed.

   This is what I took away from the whole experience – one, Michelle Obama is a badass and the experience was amazing!  And two, if you are ever going to have the chance to get your picture taken with someone fabulous, try your outfit on first! My friends who’ve seen the photo tell me I looked like a friendly fourteen-year old Casper the ghost. And yes, I plan on getting a full-length mirror one of these days.  Soon.

 

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3 Responses to My day with the First Lady

  1. Kristal says:

    Amazing! You have the best experiences….

  2. Cyd Casados says:

    Oh my God. That is the coolest! I am in awe of you my friend!

  3. Pingback: From Penthouse to White House: 2011 Year in Review Part 2 | Sally Asher's Blog

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