When the President Came to Visit
When I was little, I never would have dreamed I would grow up to be a photographer. Let alone one who would be asked to photograph a POTUS visit at one of my corporate clients' facilities.
That was a day I won't soon forget.
The story of the day. The press pool, the red line, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity no matter what side of the fence you ride on.
My task was to capture the story of the day for Thermo Fisher Scientific. When I took the job, I wasn't told much ahead of time. Only that government officials would be on site.
They weren't kidding.
I'd say "pinch me," but one of the White House staffers already did that for me. They pulled me backward to clear the path. Not kidding. But hey, I did pass a Secret Service background check ahead of time, so I had earned my spot in the room.
Security set the pace for the whole day. And yes, I passed that background check ahead of time.
You Don't Get a Second Take
Here is the thing about a day like this. You don't get a second take. The moment happens once, the schedule belongs to people far above your pay grade, and you have to read the room, stay calm, stay out of the way, and still come away with the images that tell the whole story. No reshoots. No "can we try that again."
Thermo Fisher Scientific's top performers, lined up to meet the moment. The two in front, backs to us, are White House staffers staging exactly how everyone would stand for the President's entrance.
That is the part I love about corporate and event work. It is not about the fanciest setup. It is about being someone a company can trust to walk into a high-stakes, fast-moving day and quietly get it right.
A Few More Moments From the Day
I am endlessly grateful to Thermo Fisher Scientific for trusting me with this one. Little-girl me would absolutely not believe it.
Planning an event, an executive visit, or a day at your facility you want documented well? I would love to capture your story too. Let's talk.