Mr. Norman meets Mr. Obama

So this past week I had one of the most surreal experiences of my life: meeting the President of The United States. So many people have been asking about it that I thought I’d do blog post explaining the entire experience—

About a week and a half previous to the event, I received an email from the folks at the Blumenthal For Senate offices regarding an upcoming event at the Stamford Marriott. The referral came from a most unlikely place: a previous Brunswick School student (a private boys school in Greenwich, where I have been shooting for almost 15 years) for whom I had done several private events, who now works for Attorney General Blumenthal. He was nice enough to think of me for this opportunity.

Anyway – we went back and forth on the price, and they kept suggesting, “It’s a VERY high profile event, that we think you will REALLY want to photograph.” So I start wondering–who is it that might be a Blumenthal supporter? Bush? Clinton maybe?? I had no idea.

The next day I get an email with final price negotiating, which said “…you have probably figured out by now that the guest speaker is President Obama.” I stared wide-eyed, heart racing at that email, re-reading it like 10 times. NO – actually – THAT guest option never crossed my mind!

So suddenly the game was changed. The nerves set in. Apparently there were about 60 guests paying a pretty sweet sum for the VIP meeting. Actually, I wasn’t too nervous until I received some more info in another email referring to it as the “VIP Presidential Photo reception.” That particular wording really hit home. I had 20 minutes to get all 60 people/groupings.This alone caused a knot the size of a melon in my gut, and i’ll tell you what – for as anxiety producing an event or wedding can be – it all pales by comparison knowing you have to efficiently photograph the President in a short period of time, while being watched by the Secret Service! Once we agreed on the final details, I had to supply social security, place and date of birth etc etc for a Secret Service background check on anyone coming with me. Not that I had anything to hide, but the idea of being checked on at the level gave me pause–it was cool but kinda creepy as well.

Jump ahead to the day of – – I left the house extremely early as I heard about Stamford streets being closed for his arrival. We got to the hotel around 1:30, and despite reading that we could NOT park in the hotel garage, it turned out we could. The fella out front asks me “Are you Secret Service?” I’m like, “Uhhh- no—we’re just the photographers!”  The entire first floor of the garage was kept clear of all cars, however.

I called my contact and met up in the lobby which they had  blocked and sectioned off for a ‘security sweep’. We dropped off out photo stuff and ran across the street to the mall for a quick bite, as I had to eat something or I thought i’d barf in front of the Commander In Chief. There were – what I believe to be, Federal Police all over the place. I tried to ask one a question and he just looked past me like I didn’t exist. OK – I thought–I’ll just keep moving along to lunch…

We JUST get our food and my cell phone rings from my contact “You’d better get back here now.” he says,  ..the security is setup and they need to go through your bags.” We scarf down out lunch in – not joke – probably 3 minutes and practically run back to the hotel.

When we get back – now the REAL DEAL is there as the place is crawling with Secret Service. (It was interesting as the day progressed to notice who had what kind of pins on – all ‘official’ but with difference degrees of clearance I suppose–more about MY pin in a moment!~)

They had an airport type X-Ray machine set up, which everyone – guests, staff, volunteers –EVERYONE had to go through. A Secret Service agent comes up to us and says “Are you the photographers.” We tell him yes and he says ,”OK – wait right here.” A few minutes go by and he comes by again and says, “I haven’t forgotten about you…” We were kinda like, “Don’t worry Sir – we are not going ANYWHERE!!”

So after a bit of time, 2 plain clothes agents come to us and THROUGHLY go though all of our bags. Taking of lens caps – peering into both ends, looking into the camera bodies–firing off shots, unzipping pockets—the whole deal. “Please move back from the bags.” they asked seriously, as then – a German Shepherd comes over to go to town sniffing our bags. Again – obviously we had nothing to hide but it creates a weird feeling regardless.

After we pass through the x-ray machine we are issued security pins affording us a certain degree of clearance (since we had been ‘vetted’ : a word I was honestly not familiar with!)  I noticed some had an “R”, other an “S” and some an “I”. I asked and it turned out my “R” pin meant that I could be “within arms reach of the President as long as I was being watched”. The “S” was staff and the “I” gave the wearer more mobility without Secret Service monitoring. I have to tell you – while they were actually ALL VERY nice, polite and accommodating to us, you KNEW you were being watched at all times, and its a downright odd feeling. I actually think I may have been followed into the bathroom.

3pm: so we have about 2 hours to kill. 2 hours to get more and more nervous. It was absolutely fascinating though, watching all the logistics, running around, blackberrying, phone calls etc etc prior to Obama’s arrival. We kinda made friends with the agent monitoring the photo area which was all roped off, and who was really cool about the whole thing. As a matter of fact the only person we had troubles with was a surly ‘media pool’ videographer who took his scoped out spot in the back of the main room VERY seriously, and kinda gave us a hard time.

5 pm: the VIP people are lined in the hall patiently waiting, like for a visit with Santa. The energy in the air is getting stronger—more palpable; it was a very strange feeling (or was I just having a heart attack?)  We are standing alone in the photo space with the agent just waiting… WAITING. I’m trying unsuccessfully to stay calm.

5:30 PM: the agent listens into his earpiece and tells me “The President has just landed at JFK and is taking a chopper here. I’ll let you know when he’s close.” Time starts to stand still. I check my camera settings over and over and over ‘just in case’. My hands are literally shaking, I hate to admit. Food in the meantime was being served in the main room for 500 people, since once the President arrived, all hotel staff had to leave and the room was to go  into lockdown.

The agent gestures to me and silently holds up his five fingers; Obama is 5 minutes away. In the meantime, Richard Blumenthal’s family comes in for some photos which was good, as it let me test out my lights (once again!) as well as DO something other than wait nervously. I asked a woman (who seemed very official and was talking in 2 Blackberrys), “Is it cool if I go up and say hi when The President arrives?” She says, “At the end yes – it might be weird to do it at the start and besides, he’ll probably take a photo with you guys – he usually does that.” REALLY??!! NO WAY—

I hear some rustling in the kitchen hallway. The door opens. About 5 BIG guys and another photographer come in and spread out in to my little photo area.

And.

Then.

There He is.

President Obama just kinda casually strolls in. I’m about 8 feet from the President. You can’t help but stare, despite your political affiliation. He chats and jokes with Blumenthal’s family and says – “Well come on, lets get a picture then..” turns around and is then staring at—ME – waiting for me to do my thing.

Now at this point, i’m operating on raw nerves and semi-autopilot, to be truthful. Looking through the lens helps make it feel less real somehow, perhaps easing my nerves.  After the first few groups, I start to calm down and get in a rhythm. It gets less weird. Plus I know I have to zip through this line and gotta keep stuff moving. Bam Bam Bam–the groups keep coming. My flash nearly overheats.

So we near the end of the groups and The Prez gets some shots taken by his photographer with local fire and police officials as well as an Iraq War widow whom he hugs and consoles. He’s about ready to take off but – surprisingly- the Secret Service agent tells him, “You still need to get shots with the photographer, Sir.” “Oh, right!” Obama says being incredibly accommodating. With camera and focus set, I go over, shake hands, say something mindless about how nice it is to meet him, he places a hand on my back, I turn towards my camera like a deer in the headlights and as time momentarily freezes,  the Secret Service guy takes several shots (knowing enough not to take just one!!!) Obama turns to go but I extend my hand again – opting for a second hand shake which he does and ‘thanks me’ (for taking the photos, I guess)

****

Here, The President comments on my thinning hair, and gigantic noggin—

please note my super-official extra-high clearance “R” pin – which does not stand for ‘Robert’

****

And that… was that.


I quickly break down and nearly RUN to the main room, where the doors are being locked. Luckily my little security pin came in handy, as when they saw me coming they said “OH!! wait a minute – the photographer needs to get in!!” I barely get into position as Blumenthal and Obama take the stage. They speak for about 20 minutes total – wave good-bye and zip off the stage. The lights come up and the room clears up. Over and out.

So back in my room packing up I finally have a moment to absorb it all, and I suppose it’s then that it really hit me, as I felt kind of a wild rush and foggy at the same time. Did I just meet the President? What’s been really funny since posting a couple to Facebook is how many people have suggested that I Photoshopped myself into an existing shot! Which in a way I cant blame them: I mean—who’d of thunk it??!!

Somebody get me a cocktail…AND FAST!

34 Comments

  1. Bruce on September 19, 2010 at 10:35 am

    thanks for sharing, wonderful story, Robert.

  2. Nicole on September 19, 2010 at 10:48 am

    This is SO Awesome! Great pics..of course. : )

    Thanks so much for sharing and continued good fortune.

  3. Brian Henderson on September 19, 2010 at 10:59 am

    This is so awesome! I couldn’t think of anyone better to be awarded with such a huge honor as this. Thanks for sharing the gory details with us with true Robert Norman flair!

  4. Katie Slater on September 19, 2010 at 11:03 am

    Oh man, my nerves are nervous just reading this nerve-racking story! I am so glad you got to enjoy this wonderful opportunity! 🙂

  5. Tam on September 19, 2010 at 11:07 am

    Robert. you are amazing.

    I am so happy for you — rock it out baby!! Way to handle the pressure!!

    xo Tam

  6. Autumn Thomes on September 19, 2010 at 11:20 am

    That’s so awesome, Robert! I loved reading the play by play – I’m sure it was an incredibly surreal experience but they picked the perfect person for the job! Congrats again! =)

  7. Suzanne Kurman on September 19, 2010 at 11:56 am

    Rob thanks so much for letting us glimpse this.. Congrats you did so well..

  8. Stefanie Oliveira on September 19, 2010 at 12:04 pm

    WOW…What an experience!! I was nervous with you!!! The closest thing I’ve gotten to the president is the president of….BANANA, COACH or ANTHROPOLOGIE!!! Great story. Oh and did you eat at…what did we call it Le Stinky?!?! At the Stamford Mall? Congrats on an amazing moment!!!

  9. Rick O on September 19, 2010 at 12:24 pm

    Awesome story – I was actually wondering about that pin!

  10. Greg Loehr on September 19, 2010 at 12:26 pm

    Robert, I don’t know which I liked more: the story or the photographs. Both were simply awesome! Congratulations!

    Greg

  11. Jane shauck on September 19, 2010 at 12:31 pm

    Wonderful story/experience … They were in good hands with you! Congratulations!

  12. Anna Sawin on September 19, 2010 at 12:51 pm

    I’m nervous reading it! Love that you got to do this.

  13. […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by robert norman, Rick O. Rick O said: Great story Robert! RT @rnormfoto: Mr. Norman meets Mr. Obama – the meeting of minds explained— http://bit.ly/9nyLWJ […]

  14. Val McCormick on September 19, 2010 at 1:58 pm

    I loved reading the play by play! They chose the perfect photographer for the job! So excited for you! BTW I would of barfed with or without food followed by fainting, lol.

  15. Phyllis on September 19, 2010 at 2:23 pm

    O.M.G.! What a fabulous opportunity! I’m “pea green” with envy. The photographs are, of course, wonderful. Maybe you’ll be asked to be Obama’s personal photographer. Hey, you never know. Way to go, Robert. Keep up the good work!

  16. Robin Dini on September 19, 2010 at 4:00 pm

    love the details of the story. So cool!!! You are THE MAN!

  17. dumke girl on September 19, 2010 at 4:08 pm

    touched by obama!
    well honey, that brunswick connection really got you to the TOP this time. congrats. i might ask you for your autograph the next time i see you. fanastic. just fantastic! les & kel.

  18. Mary Coburn on September 19, 2010 at 5:22 pm

    Great googly moogly! WOW! SO COOL! You tell the story very well too…I was on the edge of my seat…seriously. I was starting to feel a little hyper-ventilation episode coming on I got so nervous for you! Congratulations to you for getting the way best gig of the century…AND you got a picture with the PREZ! Thank you for writing about your experience…I really truly enjoyed it.
    Mary

  19. Danielle Lynch on September 19, 2010 at 7:05 pm

    Hi Robert, What a great story. How lucky you are. Actually, James was at the hotel as well. He was on the 16th floor in the command post for secret service. The room was filled with The Coast Guard, Secret Service , Greenwich and Stamford personell. Lot’s of hustle and bustle. He said he wished he knew you were there. He would have said hello.

  20. Erik Souza on September 19, 2010 at 7:17 pm

    Robert, this was a fantastic read, thanks for posting this! I had butterflies in MY stomach as the story unfolded.

  21. Matthew J. Wagner on September 19, 2010 at 7:21 pm

    Great commentary as usual. What a nice experience for you. Congratulations!

  22. Julie on September 19, 2010 at 7:25 pm

    Who would have thought you would have had such an awesome and brilliant experience, which you have shared with us all. Thanks Robert!

  23. Deenie galipeau on September 19, 2010 at 7:30 pm

    You truly are not only a great photographer – but quite the writer, as well!!!! lOVE that the R button doesn’t just stand for Robert!!!! Love the pictures of you and Obama— I’d say you ‘ made my Mama proud’!!!!!! Job,well done!!!

  24. Brian D on September 19, 2010 at 8:12 pm

    So happy to have the details. And thank goodness you got the call this year and not 3 years ago … ugh, that would have been a conflicted drag. I want to know about the payment negotiations … HAHA! In Burlington, I came within about 10 feet of shaking hands with Al Gore but he was running late and they rushed him off – so I kinda know the feeling of being around the secret service. And one day recently I saw what appeared to be Air Force One flying low over DC which was fun. BUT, nothing compares to your great story. And as everyone else has already said, you really deserved it. Your folks would be so proud. You’re the best and we love ya, Brian and Queenny

  25. Marie Predmore-Hughes on September 19, 2010 at 9:31 pm

    Robert, I enjoyed reading your play by play about meeting the President, I bet it is something you will never forget, what a once in a life time opportunity to be able to have had. I’m sure your gonna have a picture of you and the President on your wall. Congratulations.

  26. Meg on September 20, 2010 at 7:41 am

    Robert…that is just so cool. You will always remember that experience and that is one that many can’t say will ever happen in their life. Such an honor!!! Congratulations and awesome imagery!

  27. Robert J. Trenske on September 20, 2010 at 8:33 am

    Robert – this was certainly more than an event, it was an experience. I absolutely love how you described it all. Great job on the photos and awesome job getting a Secret Service Agent to be your photo assistant. That is no joke!! 🙂

  28. Helene Cote on September 20, 2010 at 9:22 am

    How exciting for you! It must have been nerve racking but a wonderful experience. Good for you, thanks for sharing.

  29. Curt McClay on September 20, 2010 at 9:55 am

    Wow!! This will make for great Christmas Cards! Congrats on such a great experience and porfolio/resume builder!

  30. sinead on September 20, 2010 at 10:58 am

    amazing….what an experience….enjoy the limelight!!great story Robert.

  31. Alex Pepler on September 20, 2010 at 12:46 pm

    Robert – Great story! What a day! Those folks who think you photoshopped it obviously don’t know you very well. Both Obama and Blumenthal were very fortunate to have you!!! Pix are cool.

  32. Vicki Souza on September 20, 2010 at 1:32 pm

    So so SO cool!!! You are the man!! Love the story.

  33. talia on September 20, 2010 at 2:55 pm

    Such a neat experience. I love the recap.

  34. Austin Steele on September 21, 2010 at 10:32 am

    Hi Rob – thanks for the write-up. What a day – Reading your story I could literally FEEL the bullets you were sweating! Did you manage to stash that ‘R’ pin before they asked for it back?

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.