Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in candids and speaking
I have lost track of how many times I have had the opportunity to photograph Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, which goes back to when she was a congresswoman in 2018, but every time is always fun as she is a very animated and energetic speaker. This also makes it a challenge to photograph her while speaking becausse many of the photos freeze her in a not so flattering pose. Knowing this, for the event I photographed at the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North for the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, I knew I had to take more shots than I usually would of someone speaking and time my shots just right waiting for her to pause after a sentence to have the best chance at getting a good photo. The governor helped me out this time by not standing behind a podium while she was speaking allowing for some head to toe photos as well.
I have photographed a lot of high profile governmentevents and officials, like when the U.S. Surgeon General attended a conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico. However, this 2-day conference I photographed for the Department of Energy brought together every major political figure in New Mexico and Albuquerque on one stage! It was a great privilege to work for the Department of Energy as the official photographer for their DOE Summer ‘19 New Mexico Small Business Expo. Not only did I get to photograph Mayor Tim Keller for about the 10th time, and Governor Lujan Grisham for about the 5th time, and Senator Heinrich for the second time, and Representative Deb Haaland for the second time, but also many other leaders in the DOE looking to help grow small business in New Mexico by awarding contracts to a wide range of small businesses.
A Gala with the Governor, Mayor, and Chevel Shepherd!
What is the La Noche Encantada - Calavera? It is a gala and the biggest event of the year for the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. 2019 featured no less than Chevel Shepherd winner of The Voice in December 2018. Newly elected governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham spoke, as did Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. I am a chamber member, but was at the event in an official capacity as a photographer, along with Jessica assisting. My job was to first make 200+ red carpet photos of people arriving! Then on to the dinner banquet, and finally to the Kiva Auditorium for the musical performances. Not many nights have I had such a diverse range of photography assignments! It was a very exciting event to photograph and experience through the lens.
