On a chilly November day in 2012, I traveled to Concord, New Hampshire, to take shoot President Obama. The entire area was packed with people, and I had to navigate through the crowds, all eager to get as close as possible to the president. First, I had to go through a security checkpoint that involved a bag search and an X-ray backscatter scan. I was sandwiched between a bunch of people, unsure if I would be allowed into the main square with my camera gear.
Fortunately, I didn’t get stopped, and once through the security gate, I started to move towards the front. There was a huge crowd, all bunched together like sardines, and I had to squeeze through to try and get a view of the president. As I got closer, I could see the Secret Service agents on roof tops with sniper rifles aimed at the pressing crowd. In the back of my mind, I was thinking, “What if something happens?” John F. Kennedy came to mind as I scanned all the people crushed against me. After slowly squeezing through the crowd, I was within 100 feet of the stage and could just make out Obama between two bald heads and a baseball cap.
I struggled to get my camera out, conscious that a Secret Service agent might mistake me for getting a gun out of my backpack! But no, the crowd was surging, and I managed to aim my camera in the direction of the stage. All of a sudden, the bobbing heads parted, and I got my shot! Click, click, click! I was shooting Obama. It’s certainly not a great photo by any means, but it was the challenge and the adventure that inspired me, and I’m proud of my shot of Obama.
A native of Scotland and an award-winning Creative Director who has honed his skills at some of the most prestigious advertising and design agencies in both the UK and the US. His dynamic approach to creativity has earned him accolades and awards, but it’s his personal pursuits where his true artistry shines. An avid adventurer, Robbie finds peace and solace hiking and exploring the great outdoors. These days it’s through photography that he channels his passion for creativity and artistic vision, capturing the essence of nature’s beauty. His vibrant images reveal the intricate play of natural light, amplifying the allure of his subjects and offering viewers a fresh perspective on the world around them. Robbie resides in Boston, Massachusetts, and embarks on extensive travels throughout the United States and beyond.