I had no idea what this photo would mean when I took it on Friday.
I was hoping to photograph President Barack Obama when he visited the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center after the announced scrub of Endeavour's STS-134 launch. The first lady and his daughters were with the President to watch the launch and to speak for a few moments with Gabby Giffords, the Congresswoman who was shot in Arizona and the wife of shuttle Endeavour Commander Kelly.
The motorcade arrived about 30 minutes after 5 helicopters began hovering around the property, and it was past us in about 10 seconds. Of course Barack was on the opposite side of us and Michelle waved as their cars drove by.
About an hour later, we all hoped the motorcade would leave in the same direction and they did....I pressed the button on the camera and nailed the image we see here!
Today, just two days later, I learned that just hours after these images were taken, President Obama would approve a military strike in Pakistan on Osama Bin Laden which would result in the death of the terrorist and mastermind of the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers.
Sitting here typing this, I admit it feels weird to think of all the problems Obama has to deal with on a daily basis. Perhaps I should feel lucky with how much pressure I don't have to endure every hour that I am awake.....photography doesn't seem that hard anymore.
More pics here: http://alexmenendez.photoshelter.com/
Image taken on April 29, 2011. (Photo Credit: Alex Menendez)
