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My adrenaline was already running high when I was given today's schedule. In addition to covering the arrival of several heads of state, I was also assigned to do photos with President Clinton. One would think that an "official photo" might require better lighting, but, like most UN assignments, there is neither the time nor space to make pictures with big strobes and beautiful lighting. In 10 seconds or less, in an office that my have to accommodate up to 10 still photographers and camera crews, we have to get a picture. It's more or less like covering spot news 15 times a day. I have been reluctant to use my flash bounced off camera. In all the years I've been using this technique it has rarely failed me but in this situation, I resort to using my flash in a way I never thought I would again. The few times I've raised my left arm to shoot with my flash off camera, the unhappy photographer next to me got an elbow in the head, and I got fewer frames. After my "official" photo with President Clinton and the President of the General Assembly, I have more assignments of the Secretary General meeting various heads of state. These grip and grins invariably involve waiting outside one of his two offices until the Prime Minister or President is escorted in by Protocol and we're in and out in under a minute. I have a two hour break during which it is suggested that I get something to eat, I'd rather be at the official luncheon...but darn it, Eskinder is covering that. Nobody's been assigned to the SG, GAP and President Clinton walking in to the luncheon, so I photograph that just for me. Then I eat. Eating is important during these weeks. If you miss a meal, you might pass out; The hours are long, and intense, and one needs fuel to keep going. After lunch, I go to the Annan residence for a tea that Mrs. Annan is hosting for the wives of some of the Presidents. Here I can be a little creative. At 5:20 I have an assignment in the Secretary General's office. I'm on time but this could mean a little late depending on how the SG's appointments are running. Traffic is heavy getting back to the UN, in spite of getting a lift from one of the drivers. As we drive into the garage, even he has to lift the trunk and hood so the Secret Service canines can check out the car. I get to the 38th floor and expect to see the requisite group of photographers waiting to be escorted into the SG's office. Instead, as I rush off the elevator, breathless, the Secretary General is right there, surrounded by a group of diplomats. Off to the side is a gaggle of photographers. Nobody's shooting anything and I fear I've missed my 5:20. There is complete silence and the Secretary General turns to me and says: "Hello Susan, how are you doing these days? Are they treating you well?" I'm a little taken aback as the crowd awaits my reply, when he then says, admonishingly, with a twinkle in his eye, pointing to all the photographers and tv crews: "You know what I've heard? I've heard that they've all been getting in your way!" I would be lying if I didn't say it was pretty neat. The man that knows the name of every world leader, also knows my name.
: all photos: UN/DPI Photos by: Susan B. Markisz
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Susan
Markisz
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Contributor
since 1998
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Behind
the Viewfinder - A Year in the Life of Photojournalism |
