Presidential Treatment

By George, it's Presidents Day! I have decided to "celebrate" by taking the day off to get some other work done. One item on the list is to look for a photographer for our wedding. I'm all about details, so the photographs that interest me most are those that can tell a complete story through even the most subtle expressions and composition.

One professional whose work I admire is Pete Souza, the official White House photographer. My stepfather sent me a link to this great slideshow of Souza's photographs documenting President Barack Obama during 2011.

President Barack Obama with Ruby Bridges in front of

Norman Rockwell's "The Problem We All Live With."

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza. All rights reserved.

For a President who has been criticized by some as being too distant or cool, these photos illustrate just the opposite (maybe it's the whole "introvert" challenge again). Through Souza's lens we receive a surprisingly intimate portrait of a man who comes across as a caring and involved leader. It can't be easy to capture such beautifully composed images in the life of such a busy person, but the photographer succeeds again and again--occasionally coming up with truly remarkable shots (the photo of the Obama family in front of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio is exceptional).

I have frequently utilized Souza's photos in the media design I have created for the Spoken Word Almanac Project. SWAP founder/poet Darian Dauchan is busy working on a one-man show about Obama's presidency (so far), and will be using several of the multimedia displays I have created during his performance. More details to come.

In the meantime, I'm looking forward to watching the new documentary on President Bill Clinton−another great leader of our time, despite his obvious flaws. Presented through the American Experience series, it premieres tonight on PBS:

Watch Clinton Chapter 1 on PBS. See more from American Experience.