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.
Florida Governor Rick Scott at Office Depot Foundation August 2012 - Nikon D80 Nikkor 80-200mm @ f/4 ISO 800 1/100th SB-600 @ 1/2 power hotshoe mountedPeriodically as a Tampa Event Photographer I get to photograph government officials and politicians ranging from the Mayor of St. Petersburg all the way to the U.S. Secretary of Labor. This afternoon I had the opportunity to photograph FloridaGovernorRick Scott when he appeared at the Office Depot Foundation event celebrating its charity work giving away backpacks full of school supplies to Tampa Bay area children.
Florida Governor Rick Scott back row left with school children - Nikon D300 Tamron 17-50mm @ f/5.6 ISO 800 1/60th SB-800 @ 1/2 power hotshoe mountedThis was my third time photographing an event for Office Depot who I am very glad to continue to have a very good business relationship with. Shooting these events helped me to learn the real world efforts Office Depot puts forth that directly help the local community any particular store is in.
Young Tampa girls getting to meet Governor Rick Scott of Florida - Nikon D300 Tamron 17-50mm @ f/5.6 ISO 800 1/60th SB-800 @ 1/4 power hotshoe mountedPeople of all ages were excited for their chance to shake hands with the Governor and have a little chat with him. I was frankly surprised that these girls showed up early to the event just for their "grip & grin" chance as it is called in the industry.
Everyone in attendance with Florida Governor Rick Scott (center back) - Nikon D300 Tamron 17-50mm @ f/5.6 ISO 800 1/60th SB-800 @ 1/2 power hotshoe mountedIt was a bit of a tight fit, but everyone honored at the event was able to be fit into a single photo. I stood up on a chair to be able to make this shot, guessing that standing on the floor right in front of them may not be enough. The event took place right in an Office Depot in a small area prepared for less people than the many that actually came! It was nice and cozy though.
Everyone competing for Governor Rick Scott's words.I was by no means the only photographer there. Plus, there were several camera men. So I had to compete for space and positioning most of the time at the event, as well as predict where the best angle to photograph the Governor would be as he mingled throughout the store. It was a fun challenge and kind of cool to be around the local press and media. Thank you again to Office Depot for the opportunity!
