Vermont Senator Doubles as an Amateur Photographer, Takes Photos Others Can’t

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There aren’t many ways to get intimate access to the behind-the-scenes of government as a photog. Your best option is probably to try and snag a spot as the official White House photographer, but those jobs are hard to come by. A senator from Vermont, however, has found another way: get a day job as a Senator and moonlight as an amateur photographer.

Official photo of Senator Patrick Leahy
Official photo of Senator Patrick Leahy

According to an article in USA Today, that’s exactly what Senator Patrick Leahy has been doing for a long time now. And once you get past the irony that he is from the same state that recently proposed a bill to ban public photography, you start to appreciate the level of access the Senator enjoys, and the quality of his work.

The portico archway from the Capitol to the inaugural platform.
The portico archway from the Capitol to the inaugural platform.

Senator Leahy is the most senior member of Congress. Including this year’s inauguration, he has attended 10 in total, and he has the pictures to prove it. From the presidency of Jimmy Carter on up, the Vermont Democrat can be easily distinguished from his congressional peers by the SLR hanging from his neck.

Here is a selection of Senator Leahy’s photos, including some from President Obama’s inauguration this year, former President Reagan’s inauguration in 1985, and a few events in-between:

President Obama at his inauguration in January.
President Obama at his inauguration in January.
Vice President Biden on the inaugural platform.
Vice President Biden on the inaugural platform.
Sen. John Kerry on the steps of the Capitol building the day of George W. Bush's second inauguration.
Sen. John Kerry on the steps of the Capitol the day of George W. Bush’s second inauguration.
Ronald Reagan taking the oath of office while his wife Nancy holds the Bible for him.
Ronald Reagan taking the oath of office while his wife Nancy holds the Bible for him.
The 2009 inaugural stage.
The 2009 inaugural stage.
A reflection shot of the US Marine Band at President Obama's inauguration in 2009
A reflection shot of the US Marine Band at President Obama’s inauguration in 2009
Col. Coburn directing the US Marine Band that same day.
Col. Coburn directing the US Marine Band that same day.
Former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton at former President Clinton's 1993 inauguration.
Former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton at former President Clinton’s 1993 inauguration.
Leahy captures the signing of the America Invents Act, which he co-authored, into law by President Obama
Leahy captures the signing of the America Invents Act, which he co-authored.

Leahy’s status as the go-to amateur photographer is well-known in congressional circles. He’s photographed everything from George H.W. Bush wearing a Donald Duck cap while holding a cocktail (the former President asked him to) to VP Joe Biden and his wife in Paris (they were there for a NATO conference), but his photography is often about more than fun.

He’s been known to put his skills to use for political reasons — showing other members of the Senate pictures of the devastation in Vermont caused by Hurricane Irene, and lobbying for foreign aid for landmine victims by showing gruesome pictures of the victims themselves. There’s no indication that he’s going to get out of politics any time soon, but if he does he may have a promising photography career ahead of him as a retiree.

To see more from Senator Leahy, be sure to follow him on his Twitter account here, or visit the Senator’s campaign office webpage for more photos taken both of and by him.

(via USA Today via Reddit)


Image credits: Photographs by Senator Patrick Leahy

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