I was assigned in my business photography class to photograph something that I had never photographed before with something that I’ve never photographed with. I said that I would “go big or go home,” and thought the Governor of Utah, Gary Herbert, was the biggest head honcho in Utah and that I should photograph him.
My visit with Gov. Herbert was quite nerve racking, as it was my first time meeting someone of importance for a photo shoot.
When I first arrived at the Capitol, I was led into the governor’s main office to set up for my shoot. There I was, in the office, all alone with only minutes to set up. I opened my bag, brought out my camera and made sure everything was in order – my tripod, the lighting and setting on my Canon Speedlite flash.
I took a couple practice photographs of the office and patiently waited for the governor.
The executive assistant then came in and asked if I was ready, or if I needed more time.
“I guess I’m going to have to be – it’s the governor,” I said.
Gov. Herbert came in and introduced himself. I thanked him for meeting with me and told him the objective of my class exercise, then showed him the new lens I was using.
He asked where I would like him to stand, and I gave directions for him to look out the window.
When he turned toward me, I grabbed another shot and then had him reminisce about what has happens in a governor’s office, as I took more photos.
Because I was nervous, I spent more time listening to him than focusing on the shoot, and ended up not taking as many photos as I would have liked. I did get some photos of him as we looked around the office, but I was still nervous.
I forgot to put my camera on a fast shutter release, which would have allowed me to take as many photos of the governor as I could. I also forgot to ask him some questions I had written down.
This unique visit was a good opportunity for me, as a photographer. Next time, I will be even more prepared for photographing high profile people.
