I am very bummed right now about this picture. Someone emailed, and we got at least 3 calls saying that we printed this picture to be mean, or somehow partisan and even that we had “alterior motives” for printing it. If you know me, you know this could not be farther from the truth. She was there for her “Let’s Move!” campaign, which promotes student health through healthier school lunch options and fitness. The event included her first speaking from a podium in the library to about 20 adults, not a very exciting photo opp. We call it “the podium shot” and it’s usually a last resort as a photojournalist. Especially this time as there was a television mount bracket (with no TV) hanging right behind her head, making for a really bad/cluttered background. As with most Presidential events, all of the media was sectioned off to 1 spot literally about the size of a Chevy Suburban for around 30 members of the media, all with tv tripods, giant lenses and cameras, more than usual because Rachael Ray was also taping a show there at the same time so her whole production team was there as well.
After Mrs. Obama spoke to the adults, The media was hurried into the cafeteria to get into a place for when she came in to eat with the children. Another thing about covering Presidential events is there are levels of access. The AP, REUTERS and a couple other wire service photographers where allowed to follow her through the lunch line with kids as they picked up their trays, lovely photo opp, but I was not allowed in there. I was only allowed to shoot photos of her while she was eating with the kids. I don’t know if you have ever tried to get good pictures of someone eating, needless to say it’s very very VERY difficult, especially from 20 feet away with 20 other photogs and tv camera people crammed into a tiny spot, all shooting the same thing.
I chose this photo because I thought it was a cute interaction between her and a student as she is pulling a facial expression that I see as a face to say to the child how great this healthy food tastes. Like “Mmmmmmmmm this is good.” I think it tells the story perfectly, as that is what she was there to do, convince these kids that eating healthy can taste good. As a photojournalist I am trying to take story-telling images, not just pretty pictures. I usually get 1-2 pictures printed per story, unlike a reporter who can spell things out for someone. So that means I try to tell a whole story in 1-2 photos, and that is why I chose that picture of Michelle Obama. I felt it told the story of what she was doing there, convincing children to make healthier food choices. A good thing, right?
I wonder if this were a photo of a man, would anyone have cared? I think that to much emphasis is on appearances and what the First Lady, or any woman in politics for that matter, is wearing rather than what she is doing.
what do you think?
This is Chick, right, and Dan (Chick’s caseworker,) they are checking out a new bed donated to Chick just before Christmas. Chick, a Vietnam veteran, was living in the woods for 8 years and has finally came to live inside to his own apt. mostly because of health reasons.
This is the “Professor” he builds wells by hand in Kenya. This is a shallow well at Nyumbani Village. This is his ride to work.
So funny how some people LOVE to get their picture taken, by anyone. I was waiting outside a church in Baltimore for a limo to show up before a recent wedding when these 3 girls are walking on the other side of the the street. This girl screeches, “OOHHH, you gotta take my picture!” Comes running across the street and begins striking her “cute” pose as she told me. I shot a few, she asked if they were indeed “cute” and once she saw that they were to her liking, she left. Never asked for an email of the files or anything. Just wanted her picture taken. Funny.
RIP Ruth
I have read on another blog that one of the kids I spent some time with at Nyumbani Home named Ruth passed away due to HIV related illness. Very sad. Such a nice little girl.
I think I have mentioned the free-for-all that seemed to be Kenyan driving, and pedestrian interaction with cars as well. Anyway, here’s a policeman that just tapped the hood of the car I was in because we were in a turning lane and trying to go straight.
HIV testing clinic, Kwa Vonza Kenya.
Stanley Mehr’s pigeons.
