Regardless of your political beliefs, I feel it is truly an honour when you can take your skills and have the opportunity to Photograph the Political Leader of your Country! A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of photographing the Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. Justin Trudeau. I have had so many people text me about having this opportunity and I want to thank them for their support and words of encouragement. Yes, I did have some jitters and funny enough people have asked for copies of some pictures too! Aside from his title, photographing any Key Note Speaker is something that requires quick adjusting and improvising the best possible scenarios. Although it was the Prime Minister, I focused on the job as I have done in the past. I was photographing the Key Note Speaker. Just in this case it was the PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA!
No Staging
Much like event photography you are working with the elements of the environment. Due to security and restrictions, photographers were asked to stay near a designated platform to capture the Prime Minister speaking at an event. Coming prepared is key! I was equipped with three different cameras and lenses on each camera to make the transition of focal lengths as easy as possible. Over the years, I have collected a few lenses that makes photographing this type of event very doable. We have photographed many corporate events over the years and my favourite lens still remains to be the Nikon 70-200mm 2.8 lens. Opening up the aperture with a balance of my Nikon sb900 flash was perfect. The form had a stage crew lighting which I had to adjust with. In some photos, I used a ½ CTO gel in my flash to warm up the subject while using the 70-200mm.
While the Prime Minister was mobile, I switched to the 24-70mm lens and had the opportunity to also use a fisheye lens when he was standing 3 feet below me as we were elevated on the platform.
Candid Photography has its merits during any event and adds a beautiful dimension to one’s portfolio.
One lens that I do not own in my arsenal is the Tamron 15-30mm G2 lens. I hummed over this lens for the past few months and at the time, I did not have this for this event. Could have I used it? I think it would have been great when the Prime Minister was standing within proximity to display the entourage surrounding him and I also I would have also used it in the photo above. I do feel the 24mm lens provides a good flavour of the environment, however a wider perspective would have provided more information to the viewer such as the capacity of the room. I settled last week on the Tamron 15-30mm G1. Although the G2 has better focusing and end to end clarity, the G1 will be more than sufficient for Real Estate Photography and Wedding Photography. I will have a display of photos with this lens at a later date.
Justin Trudeau
Put aside Politics for one minute as I like to speak to you about how kind this individual is. While photographing the Prime Minister there was a transition where he was talking to others and celebrating the importance of Diversity. Engaging and dialoguing with everyday people is what creates a “One of Us” mentality. While the media is quick to point out everybody’s shortcomings this day and age I would like to share something far greater than what you read or hear about. This is a Genuine Leader who really does care. He was celebrating Ramadan and promoting the diversity of our Canadian Culture. Taking time out and promoting diversity and accepting diversity means we educate ourselves on diversity. Having a Prime Minister who takes the time to share in cultural events is an asset for all of Canada and the World. Kudos to the positive message.
Portfolio
Wedding Photography, Commercial Photography are wonderful things to have in one’s Portfolio. As a small Business owner, I have photographed the Prime Minister on two occasions. This has been a fantastic experience! I encourage Photographers to assert and photograph the things they love. Your passion will be transparent with your photography. It could be a band that you admire, a speaker that you admire, a product that you use, dogs in the park, etc. Photography is my art. After 25 years my skills have vastly improved and I am privileged to have had this opportunity and to share my story with you.