Griffin State of Mind

President-Elect Donald J. Trump gazes out of a window from the Red Room on the State Floor of the White House on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, during an Inaugural Tea and Coffee Reception hosted by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. The traditional reception serves as a prelude to the 58th presidential ceremony held at the United States Capitol, where Mr. Trump will be sworn in as the 45th President of the United States.
Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead

In The Room Where it Happened: A Survey Of Presidential Photographers
January 12 – March 31, 2024

Our understanding of the U.S. presidency is largely shaped by images. Photographs of political campaigns, international engagements, historic legislation, and national tragedy, accompany more intimate family scenes and humanizing portraits, each contributing to the global perception of the American presidency for generations to come.

Featuring the work of the official White House photographers Shealah Craighead, Eric Draper, Michael Evans, Sharon Farmer, David Hume Kennerly, Bob McNeely, Yoichi Okamoto, Adam Schultz, Pete Souza, David Valdez and staff photographer Joyce Boghosian, this group has shaped our vision of the presidency for the last 6 decades.

Presidential photography highlights the complex nature of creativity, documentation and portraiture. Each photographers’ perspective and stories provide context for framing important moments, giving viewers a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of documenting the presidency, offering a comprehensive and insightful visual narrative of the U.S. presidency through the lens of these dedicated and talented photographers.

About Shealah Craighead –

For Shealah Craighead, taking a picture isn’t a point and click “moment.”  It’s elbowing into North Korea to photograph a history-making handshake, diving into the gridiron to capture the game-winning catch, or observing from the background to catch the subtle smiles and sighs that convey the greatest emotions. With over two decades of experience, Craighead has built a career on turning moments in time, into tangible memories through the art of observation and photography.

Most recently, Craighead served as the Chief Official White House Photographer to the 45th President; becoming just the second woman in history to ever hold the position and the first to maintain the position for an entire presidency term.  A two-time Official White House Photographer, working with the 43rd presidential administration, Craighead crafted a stealth style for documenting history as it unfolds from an observer’s perspective.  In the political arena, she was honored to serve First Lady Laura Bush, multiple U.S. Presidents, as well as, many other prominent lawmakers and political candidates.  

Throughout her career, Craighead has been trusted to take photos of some of the most prominent people in the world, having traveled to every state and over 80 countries.  Her photos have been viewed globally, featured in major news outlets, and have made more than a few viral rounds on social media.  In addition, she’s taken photos of celebrities and CEOs, athletes and activists, foreign dignitaries and divas, royal families and the families next door.

Craighead credits her passion for photography and steadfast work ethics to her parents, who owned a photo lab in their native Connecticut, as well as, to her insatiable curiosity for traveling and love of adventure. She is an alumni of the Art Institute of Boston, has a loyalty to Sony cameras, and enjoys multimedia production. Current clients include Governors of State, international disaster relief organizations, and documenting legacy events for private clients.  When she’s not stealthily photographing history, Craighead can be found on long road trips, high altitude mountaineering, or globetrotting wherever adventure awaits.  

Interview with Shealah Craighead, Chief White House Photographer for President Donald J. Trump –

What does it mean for you to be in conversation with so many photographers who share similar journeys in these exhibitions? Has it allowed you to see your practice under a different light? 

Being in conversation with the unique group of photographers who share similar journeys as presidential photographers in this exhibition is incredibly meaningful and humbling to me. We are a small but mighty collection of photographers, who despite decades between our time in the Oval Office, share the same mission: to document history as it unfolds, as neutral observers on behalf of posterity for our nation. 

The setting of the museum exhibit provides a unique opportunity to connect with fellow colleagues and friends who understand the challenges and triumphs of working in a high-profile setting such as the White House. The conversation is a chance to showcase the evolution and growth of the White House photo office, and the role the office plays then and currently. 

The time together is an opportunity to celebrate our shared passion for visual storytelling and documentary photography. It’s a humbling experience to realize that despite our unique journeys, we all face similar obstacles and joys in our work. I adore that our individual galleries of presidential images showcase a collection of images that together tell stories of decades that cannot be compared. 

Thank you to the Griffin Museum for the opportunity to be heard, seen, and valued for the roles that we have played on behalf of history.

How do you approach capturing the essence of a U.S. President through your lens? 

As a White House photographer, my approach revolved around capturing the President, the First Family, and the White House senior leadership in a manner that reflects their character, leadership style, and the nature of their role during the administration. This involved observing their interactions, expressions, and actions in various settings, whether during official duties or during private moments. I tried to convey not only their public persona but also the humanity and depth behind the office, sometimes choosing to document the moment through photography and other times not, depending on situational awareness and instinct. 

For presidential administrations and all my clients in general, I aim to cover most situations by utilizing a style I honed earlier in my journalism career. This approach involves shooting wide, tight, and detail shots, capturing images that encompass the entire environmental space as comprehensively as possible, shooting from both high and low angles, and seeking out tools to enhance creativity. The environment serves as a photographer’s playground, offering endless possibilities for creative expression. 

President Donald J. Trump participates in a press gaggle on the tarmac of Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, N.J., on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020, before boarding Air Force One en route to Joint Base Andrews, Md.
Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead

The rule of thumb is to capture the essential shot first- bank the shot- then explore the creative angles and compositions. I photograph for myself listening to the intuitive conversation of my inner warrior and then edit with the client’s needs and preferences in mind. This approach ensures a balance between personal expression and fulfilling the objectives of the assignment.

How do you navigate the balance between capturing authentic moments and respecting the president’s privacy? 

I would suggest opting for a different word than “authentic” for this question. Words like “genuine,” “organic,” or “posed” might be a better fit. Using the word “authentic” could imply that the photographer is staging or doctoring the photos in some way, or that the subjects are not genuine or legitimate in the moment. Authenticity serves as the baseline for the White House photo office. With that in mind, to address your question… 

I navigate the balance between capturing moments as they unfold and respecting the President’s privacy by utilizing my experience, listening to my intuition, reading a room and trying to empathize with the subjects. 

The official photographer is a visual diarist. Throughout each day, during events and meetings, there is inevitably a balance between posed photos and candid shots. It is the photographer’s responsibility to capture all aspects of these moments. I relied on my instincts and experience to determine if and when to step back or immerse myself in the moment. If the President required space, or if I preferred not to risk interrupting the moment, I opted for a longer lens to distance myself from the immediate space. I utilized the silent mode on my [Sony] cameras and slowed down my movements to minimize disruption, aiming to be less obtrusive and eye-catching.

I always carried two camera bodies, one equipped with a longer lens (typically 70-200mm) and the second with a versatile, catch-all lens (such as a 24-270mm or a fixed prime lens depending on the environment). Additionally, I tried to empathize with the subjects, considering how I would feel in their shoes. For example, would I want a camera in my face the first moments of my day as I’m walking into my office or during an emotional moment with families of fallen soldiers? Probably not. Therefore, I chose a lens and positioning that allowed for maneuverability and distance to minimize distractions, to create the space for the most authentic moments to organically unfold. 

Certain spaces, such as the private office, off the Oval Office, or the Executive Residence, are respected as private areas for the Principal. I generally assessed the situation before entering these spaces, again relying on intuition. The Residence remains private unless invited. It’s a bit of common sense, understanding how to read a room, and ultimately, respecting the President’s need for personal space. I haven’t met a shy President yet, they will tell you to back off when they need space. 

Keep in mind, in my opinion, it’s not about me or anyone else; it’s about the President and history first. Sometimes, you simply have to refrain from taking a photo or step away to preserve the trust relationship between a photographer and the President. Trusting the process is essential. If history required a moment to be captured, an opportunity would have presented itself to document that moment as a tangible memory.

Can you discuss the importance of visual storytelling in conveying the president’s narrative through your photographs? 

Visual storytelling plays a crucial role in conveying the President’s narrative through photography as a collection of images spanning the administration’s tenure. As a White House photographer, my images serve as a window into the President’s world, offering insights into their character, leadership style, and the events shaping their presidency. Together, these images capture the essence of the presidency—the challenges, triumphs, and defining moments that shape history, whether evident in real-time or as history unfolds over time. 

We understand that photographs hold the power to capture fleeting moments, evoke emotions, and communicate messages beyond words alone. By composing shots, capturing candid moments, and selecting images that highlight key moments and themes, I aimed to construct a narrative that portrayed history from the perspective of a neutral observer, while also reflecting the President’s priorities, values, and achievements. I often collaborated with the communications team to gather feedback on images befitting for media releases and social media posts. These photos provided the White House with an opportunity to share its version of the story alongside those of the White House press pool of reporters and photographers. 

Each photograph is protected under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and serves as a piece of a larger puzzle, contributing to the overall narrative of the administration for future generations. Whether capturing the President’s interactions with world leaders, moments of empathy with the American people, or scenes of decision-making in the Oval Office, every image released or not released to the public, helps shape public perception and understanding of the President’s presidency and administration. On a smaller scale, photographing meet-and-greets with the President and guests allows individuals to have a tangible memory of their moment in history with a President, which continues to tells the person(s) individual story. 

Through my photographs, I aimed to provide a nuanced and multi-dimensional portrait of the person behind the presidency, showcasing them as both a leader and as a person, from a neutral perspective, on behalf of both my country and history. 

Are there specific rituals or routines you follow when preparing for a presidential photoshoot? 

Per Crista, during a previous conversation: “’Photoshoot’ may not have been the right word. The question is more like, what is a daily routine for you? How do you prepare yourself for a 14-20 hour day of shooting?” 

I agree with Crista; ‘photoshoot’ doesn’t accurately capture the scene, aside from the one-time official portrait opportunity. When I hear ‘photoshoot’, I envision more of a commercial or portrait session, involving setting up lights, etc. So, I’ll approach the question from the perspective of describing the daily routine and how to prepare for the unexpected. 

Supporting the daily schedule of a President and administration requires more than just one photographer; it necessitates a team. The White House photo office has grown from a small team of one or two individuals at its inception in the Kennedy administration, to 12-18 people, as was the case in the final days of both the Bush 43 and the Trump 45 administrations, speaking from my experiences. 

The photo office team typically consists of two additional photographers to support the Chief Photographer’s schedule in support of the President. Two additional photographers are assigned one each to the Vice President and First Lady, with additional assistance provided, as available, to the Second Lady, and to senior staff and happenings around the White House. The team also includes multiple editors, a master printer, a photo archivist, administrative personnel, staff assistants, volunteers, and interns. Personally, I had two photographers supporting my schedule, covering the President both on campus and off-premises events, splitting the AM and PM shift. We always had a photographer in the office while the President was in the Oval Office. Once he concluded the day and went up to the Private Residence, the duty photographer was released.

It’s important to note that to do the job properly, one’s schedule is not entirely one’s own during their time in the administration. This was a known factor I anticipated going into the Trump administration, based on my experience during The Bush administration. I adjusted my schedule according to the President’s, and on days when I wasn’t photographing, I often found myself catching up on office tasks, meetings, and managerial duties. Generally, my schedule ran from 12 to 16 hours, with travel adding additional hours, resulting in days stretching to 18-20 hours. Even on days off, one remains ‘on’, remotely addressing correspondence, and always prepared for the possibility of an emergency requiring a swift return to the White House. 

Navigating each day required a delicate balance of living in the moment and planning ahead where possible. I learned to adapt quickly to changes in the schedule, going with the flow and remaining flexible became essential for survival. One thing you can always count on is to expect the unexpected. 

To prepare for a standard day, routine was key, and coffee was a necessity. In my personal life, I packed a lunch the night before, and laid out my suit or packed for a trip. Snacks were stashed everywhere, and I automated whatever I could, such as grocery delivery, seizing free moments as precious gifts. 

In the office, the President’s schedule provided a framework for the day, and the duty photographer was always on standby to support last-minute meeting requests. The duty photographer is in constant communication with the outer oval staff for changes to the schedule. If an event required multiple photographers to cover various angles, I would coordinate the team positions accordingly to ensure comprehensive coverage. This often involved extensive logistics and coordination with other offices to collaborate with the photo office team. Additionally, a White House photographer is always present when the press is, for historical purposes. 

Once you get into the battle rhythm, sometimes it’s easier to stay in the flow than to tap out for time off. It’s a tricky balance. The campus-wide staff at the White House quickly becomes a support system for each other, like a work family. One certainly sacrifices personal life to dedicate the necessary time to ensure this position successfully supports the President.

What role does collaboration play between you and other members of the presidential communication team? 

Collaboration between myself, as a White House photographer, and other members of the presidential communication “comms” team was integral to effectively conveying the President’s message through visual storytelling. Together, we worked in tandem to ensure that the images released aligned with the administration’s communication objectives and messaging priorities- edit for the client. In these instances, “released” is the term used for sharing the photos with media outlets, on official White House social media sites, and on the official White House Flickr page. 

After an event, meeting, or general moment, collaboration continued as the photo editor(s) and/or photographer(s) reviewed the entire take and selected a curated group of images for distribution to the comms team, who in turn chose the final images for release. All photos were coupled with metadata and a caption written in AP style format. If multiple Principals (POTUS, VP, FL, SLOTUS) were in attendance, their designated photographer and photo editor selected photos to be shared with each principal’s comms team. The comms team then selected the photos to be released, with the President’s photos taking priority. Approval processes came from within each principal’s office, and on occasion, the photos selected for release were chosen by the principal themselves.

Is there a specific image or moment that most encapsulates your vision, or that you are most proud of? Among the millions of images taken during an administration, is there one that meets your measure of success in securing the history of that moment, whether it be significant or minor? 

Great question and very tough to answer with only one photo. I’ll list a couple that pop in my mind and heart. 

The Handshake with Kim Jong-un: I captured the historic moment when President Trump met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea. The meeting between the two leaders symbolized a significant diplomatic effort to ease tensions between the two countries. President Trump became the first sitting U.S. President to set foot on North Korean soil. The actual event took place on Sunday, June 30, 2019. The original plan was for President Trump to step over the border line, turn, and wave to the press, then walk back with Kim Jong-un for meetings on the South Korea side. However, the scenario evolved as the President chose. Instead, the handshake was followed by both leaders walking together deeper into the North Korea side—an iconic moment forever unique to President Trump and myself as a photographer, especially as a female photographer. I made the split-second decision to run into North Korea, beyond the distance President Trump was walking, in order to capture the perspective of the leaders from an angle that could not be accessed by others. My photo shows the leaders walking firmly into the North Korea side, with South Korea behind them, sharing in a moment of jubilant emotions.

Dinner at Mount Vernon: President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron engage in a private conversation in the New Room of George Washington’s Mansion at Mount Vernon on Monday, April 23, 2018, in Virginia. The private dinner set the stage for the White House State Dinner the following evening, marking the first State Dinner of the Trump administration. I am drawn to this image for both the historical significance of the environment and the scene setting itself. Historically, President George Washington was the last president to dine in the New Room of the Mansion prior to President Trump. The image captures a serene environment and details of the room, with soft lighting enveloping two leaders holding a private conversation. It’s a quiet moment showing both Presidents in a candid and relaxed state, amidst 48 hours of crowds, media avails, and a State Dinner. I was the only photographer to capture the moment since the press had restricted access, and my counterpart, the French official photographer, had been ushered out of the room.