The Good Stuff.

1.23.2013

A really good day at work.


Pres. Bill Clinton and Kirk Tuck.

I did an assignment that makes me remember why I love being a photographer. The critical part of the assignment was to photograph former president, Bill Clinton, with about 60 VIPs, individually. I set up a small studio at the location and made images of Mr. Clinton with each of the guests. At the end of the session Mr. Clinton was heading toward the door and he stopped and  turned around. He called over to me and asked me if I wanted to do a photograph as well. I quickly said, "Yes! Thank you."

I was impressed that he took the time to include me. I'm used to always being on the other side of the camera. I wish I did not look like a deer in the headlights. Don't care what side of the political spectrum you subscribe to, the man had big time charisma.

Sony Camera. Elinchrom Light. Startled subject/photographer.

33 comments:

  1. A good day at work indeed. Congratulations. (I'd be deer in the headlights too.)

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  2. This was at the very end of the shoot. All the adrenaline had started to wear off....

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  3. A Cleveland, OH photographer friend always makes his holiday photo card one with he and some celeb he's photographed that year. I always look forward to the card...

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  4. The other guy had 60 rehearsals. I am sure you will treasure the moment.

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  5. Over 12 years out and he still looks good. Thanks for sharing.

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  6. Love it! Thank for you sharing this cool little story!

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  7. Oh, you look intimidated, that's pretty cute. And yes, the charisma is all over him allright.

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  8. Good thing you were suited up! ;-)

    Great memory for you to treasure, well done!

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    1. Always a coat and tie when shooting CEOs and presidents. It was a fun day, well right there at the end...

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  9. I remember reading Andrew Hetherington's blog a while back that Clinton usually builds time for this into most shoots, which just speaks to his overall charisma etc.

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    1. Maybe, but on this day his plane was delayed for an hour and a half which pushed back his speech to 7,000 people and meant that everyone's schedule was nuts. Whether he planned for the extra minute with me or not I really did appreciate it. Can he go back and run for another two terms? Just curious.

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    2. Well, he may soon be the first gentleman, if that's what they'll call it. At least that's what they called it on "24"

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  10. And thank you Kirk for all the extra minutes you give us,

    great photo great guys

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  11. Congrats Mr. T. Now which one is Mr.C and which is Mr.T??? Just kidding!!!
    He may now want to run for another two terms ... but with that shot and you fan base, you could.

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  12. Cool one Kirk. And no, a deer in headlights looks different ;-) Go on with your portraits, your style, they're perfect.

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  13. A completely non-photographic aside... Last time my 401K looked good, Billy Clinton was president. I miss him.

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    1. Or not.

      http://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/no-bill-clinton-didnt-balance-budget

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  14. This post made me smile. He's a got that special sparkle; you can feel it when he walks into the room. Of course, you've got a special sparkle, too -- it is just different.

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  15. Love the post...You are a photography VIP..

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  16. Fantastic story and great photo. I like Mr. Clinton's tie...
    robert

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  17. Man on the right cleans up real nice.

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  18. Hey Kirk. Cool story. I got to meet President Clinton back in 2008. He took the time to greet me and the other firefighters I was with. If you look at the blog post, I'm the second from the right on in the front. It's pretty cool to shake hands with a president even though you might not agree totally with his politics.
    http://ffmitch.blogspot.com/search?q=President+Clinton&m=1

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  19. Photography aside, I wonder where charisma comes from and how people project it?

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  20. you're right on charisma. And a class act to.

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  21. Lovely shot for the memories.
    no photographer enjoys being captured!
    Clinton a very special man and President.
    my daughter met him, had coffee together, later she was so mad no pix!

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  22. My wife met him in the White House when he was the President. She told me he has an incredible presence - when he walked in the room she had her back to that door but knew exactly that he had entered the room.

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