The President's Photographer

For over 50 years, presidential photographers have covered it all: upheaval, tragedy, joy and often developing friendships with the presidents they serve. Acting as both visual historians and key links between the public and the presidents, for these photographers no day is the same, whether they are aboard Air Force One, backstage at the State of the Union or in the heart of the West Wing.

The presidential photographer's job is requires two important things: one, taking photographs of the president greeting dignitaries, visitors and guests; and two, perhaps more challenging and gratifying: documenting for history every possible aspect of the presidency, both official events, backstage happenings and "off-duty" private moments.

Would I take the job of being the president's photographer? No and here's why:

The job of presidential photographer is all about access and trust, and if you have both of those you're going to make interesting, historic pictures but not every photographer has had such access. During President Nixon's presidency, photographer, Ollie Atkins, had very limited access to the president. All picture opportunities had to be cleared with the press secretary. As a consequence our visual history of the Nixon administration is dominated by official photos.

Now I'm not asking you to do this or not but, there are nine professionals that have served as Chief official White House photographers for any significant period. Their images from September 11th to Kennedy's assassination, have become icons that can also serve as a visual tools to help future historians or photographers understand what went on during a particular presidency.