Thursday, May 29, 2008

United States Air Force Academy Graduation

Hey everyone! Through my ties at the United States Air Force Academy, I was able to land a spot on the media platform at yesterday's USAFA Graduation. I was right up there with the AP and UPI press, as well as White House Television and all the major TV networks. It was an incredible experience as the commencement speakers was our very own President George W. Bush! Here are just a few of my favorites. If you check any newspaper or magazine, I'm sure you will see very similar shots from the AP. What a one of a kind day, to say that I've shot the president. Er.. I mean, to say that I've photographed the president. ;) Gotta be careful.

I was amazed at how genuine the president was; it seemed he had something different to say to every cadet (all 1012 of them). Whether he was laughing at a joke a cadet told, autographing a hat, bumping chests or fists, blowing kisses, waving at families, or even talking on a cadet's personal cell phone, Bush seemed to be having a blast up there. This was a side of our president that I have never seen before and an experience I will never forget. The rush that came over me when Bush was announced for the first time and out he came, marching to the Hail to the Chief song was something I didn't expect to feel. It was one of my most memorable moments in my photography career.