Friday, September 21, 2007

An EXCLUSIVE with Mr. President





WOW! It's not often in one's life that someone can say "I met the most powerful figure in the free world". However I have been BLESSED with just such an honor!

After going through scrutiny and eventual approval by the Secret Service, I was hired by an organization called The First Tee to photograph a private function for their National Trustees at the Ocean Course on the Kiawah Island Resort. Former President of the United States, George Bush, was the guest of honor.

I arrived early to get this shot of the Club House where the fine reception and dinner would take place. All told, there were only about 30 guests in this elite group of golf enthusiasts. As part of the requirements to join included a cool One Million Dollars, I can understand why! But once you were "in", you were "IN". I mean Mr. President was happy to mingle and chat with everyone that could muster up the nerves to shake his hand.

As the setting sun released an explosion of colors all over the sky, I framed this silhouette of Mr. Goodwin, owner of the Kiawah Island Resort, talking to Mr. President on the balcony about the famed Ocean Course that stretched out below them in the fading light. The next morning I returned to photograph a friendly round of golf between all the guests, minus The President who had flown on to New Hampshire at the conclusion of the previous evening's events, on this very same golf course of Ryder Cup fame.

I must say, I feel HUMBLED and HONORED to have been selected to cover this amazing event! Much gratitude to Jennifer Kenwell and her awesome organizational skills, and Carol Curry from the PGA Tour. You ladies ROCK!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Chris,
Thank you again for everything! It was a pleasure working with you too!! I am TRULY looking forward to working with you again.

Jennifer Kenwell
Conference Services Manager
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Anonymous said...

"WOW" is right. Very cool. Amazing pictures. They are really beautiful - thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I am really impressed with your lofty portfolio....your skills have opened many doors to you that other people never get the opportunity to enter. You have such a pleasant, easy way about you that everyone feels comfortable around you and I think that is why the photos are so
"natural".... you get the "real" person to show.

Anonymous said...

Just met the best photographer EVER!!!!!
His name is Chris Smith.