In part two of the “Behind the Lens” series, four former White House photographers sat down for an informal question and answer session. Amongst them were David Hume Kennerly, President Ford’s photographer, David Valdez, who photographed for President George H.W. Bush, Bob McNeely, photographer for President Bill Clinton, and Eric Draper, who captured images as photographer under President George W. Bush.
The questions ranged from what percent of photographs were posed versus candid, with each photographer offering a different take. For Presidents, such as George H.W. Bush, candid shots were rare, while in contrast President Clinton took frequent ones, including handshake opportunities, receiving lines, and receptions.
Also discussed were the reactions that the Presidents received abroad. Valdez recalled the warm welcoming that he had in Poland and South America, regions experiencing democracy for the first time. Draper recalled trips to Africa where President George W. Bush was meet with an incredible outpouring from the people thankful for aid in fighting malaria and HIV/AIDS.
Access, according to the panel of photographers, depended not only on the President, but also the relationship that developed during their time as White House photographer. McNeely described that difference between the working offices in the west wing of the White House and the living quarters on the second. The Clinton’s allowed him great access, but he was aware he needed to be careful and respectful of the first family in their living quarters.
Finally all the photographers were asked what their most memorable moment was during their time in the White House. Valdez felt that “everyday was just amazing” and that it was great to have the opportunity to “be part of history that will live on”. Draper recalled accidentally getting into the Clinton motorcade after President Bush’s inauguration as an embarrassing, but memorable experience. McNeely felt that every day was his most memorable, “being able to build upon his moments there, creating pictures that had meaning just beyond a story”.
Kennerly, who acted as M.C. of the event, finished up by sharing a story of one of his last days in office with President Ford. He recalled President Ford, realizing he would not be re-elected, making his concession phone call to Jimmy Carter and addressing the press pulling aside one of his closet aids, Terry O’Donnell. He told O’Donnell that if he could do anything to help him out after his work was done at the White House he would be more than happy to. This, more than anything, reiterated to Kennerly what kind of man he worked for.
