It has been said that photography is the art of drawing with light. Countless photographers spend their careers “chasing” this light – some successfully, some not. It’s what makes the difference between a memorable and historic shot versus one that is seen but soon forgotten.
It was while chasing light that award-winning documentarian Amanda Lucidon successfully captured some of the most intimate, behind-the-scenes moments of former First Lady Michelle Obama. These frames were recently published in Lucidon’s new book “Chasing Light: Michelle Obama Through the Lens of a White House Photographer.”
One of only a few women in history to hold this coveted position and the only one during her time at the White House, Lucidon recently shared select photographs from her New York Times best seller in an exclusive exhibition displayed at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library – the second of her 10-stop book tour. Ten “rainbows,” what Lucidon calls her most compelling images, dressed the walls of Central Library’s Goodwyn Gallery in October – November 2017. Then, Lucidon and her publisher, Ten Speed Press, teamed with Memphis Public Libraries to host a special reception, book discussion and signing on Thursday, Nov. 9.
“I’m still pinching myself that it actually happened,” Lucidon recalled before the standing-room-only crowd. “I was a newspaper photographer for a long time, and I moved to Washington D.C. to start my own business. I was new to the city, but news was happening – big news – the inauguration of President Obama. And I wanted to be there, so I went out into the cold with everyone else. I documented the scene as it was happening. It was freezing cold, but it was such a warm environment. … Little did I know that two years later, I’d get a phone call asking me if I wanted to be a White House photographer. Today, it still feels unreal to me to have all of these photos as a visual diary of all the experiences that we had.”
Lucidon went on to tell about other memorable moments, like her first international trip to The Great Wall of China with Mrs. Obama and the First Daughters, and her trip to Liberia alongside the First Lady. “There was never a time that she [Mrs. Obama] asked me to put away my camera,” Lucidon told the inquiring audience. “To be able to work for the Obama administration where they appointed more women and minorities than ever before, it was really special. It was extraordinary! I will never be the same person again,” she commented.
A diverse group of men, women and children of various races, ages and backgrounds held on to Lucidon’s every word, as she explained the inner “light” and hope that she ultimately captured, resulting in her book title.
Following the discussion, Lucidon signed more than 100 copies of her book and, this time, stood in front of the camera with adoring fans and Obama enthusiasts whose energy was nearly palpable.
The exhibit will remain on display at Central Library for customers to see through the end of November. To purchase the book or for more information, visit www.chasinglightbook.org or other online booksellers.
Story / Photos By: Marcey Wright, @MarceyWrite