The Mayor

The last time I posted, I mentioned that I'd been asked to photograph an event for an organization -- and that event would include the mayor. I was beyond ecstatic about it -- mostly just that I was thought of/asked.  The organization I worked with is called Leave a Legacy and their mission is to promote awareness about the that impact that can be made by leaving a charitable legacy.  I'm probably not remembering these statistics exactly, but approximately 85% of individuals donate to organizations while they are living -- but only 7% donate upon their death/in their wills. 

Mayor Foxx proclaimed October 17-23rd "Leave a Legacy Week", so the organization was given the opportunity to meet with the Mayor and they wanted a photographer there to document it. 


While we waited in the lobby of the mayor's office in the Government Building I met different members of the organization as well as political heavy-hitters/supporters within the community. I asked my contact what she had in mind and she said that she was unsure of what the meeting would be like and unsure of how long it would last (10 minutes? 30 minutes?) but that she just wanted a group shot at the end. Next I asked the Mayor's assistant where the meeting would be so that I could check the lighting -- he confirmed that the meeting would be in the mayor's office (lots of light there!). When we finally went back to the mayor's office, Mayor Foxx greeted us all with a warm smile and a friendly handshake -- and the mayor's assistant leaned toward me and quietly said, "take all the time you need to get set-up/figure out your lighting"). I responded that I thought I'd be fine, since the photo would be "at the end". He gave me a smile, that led me to believe that he knew more than I did. Sure enough, we walked into the room and the mayor looked at me and said, "where do you want me?" I thought I was photographing an event -- when it turns out the photograph WAS the event. We had him "fake sign" the proclamation at his desk (I literally clicked my camera twice...it was that posed) and then he took a few pictures with some heavy-hitters while holding the proclamation. Again, I think I clicked 3 times. That was it. Short and sweet.

I took only two different poses (desk and in front of his credenza) and I was able to pick apart why almost every picture wasn't perfect (ah, gotta love that eldest-child perfectionism kicking in!). But, my contact said they loved them and they were just what they had in mind, so I guess, who am I to judge so harshly? :) (e.g. one of the pictures on their site -- it bugs me how one of the woman's faces is not crisp -- that kind of thing)

All in all, a cool experience - and a great organization to learn about (wasn't familiar with them at all before). As a bonus, I've been needing a new celeb to love, since the Pioneer Woman snubbed me & my buds on her blog....now I got the mayor. Its a win-win. haha