I had the fantastic privilege of being commissioned to photograph the
Bob McDonnell for Virginia Governor Celebration Gala in downtown Richmond on Election Evening - November 3, 2009. My photog buddie, Bob Schnell of
Bob Schnell Photography second shot with me, and we had a blast. It was so very cool to be in the Campaign Staff green room as FOX News reported the results (from 4 large flat screens) - and officially called Virginia for Bob McDonnell; the room went CRAZY! I was there.
And there were many other faces there to celebrate the winning results; people like Republican National Chairman Michael Steele, and former Virginia Republican Governor George Allen, and Lieutenant Governor Elect Bill Bolling, and Virginia Attorney General Elect Ken Cuccinelli, and of course many many reporters from FOX, CNN, NBC, CBS, ABC, ...
I was also given an "All Access" pass which provided me unfettered access to every area of the convention hall including back stage and other areas closed off to the public. It also provided me with some very personal access to capture moments. And if you think about it, isn't' that what we're wired to do as Wedding Photographers - to capture moments?
I love the pics you'll see of Bob McDonnell loving his family; it was real and absolutely genuine. He will be a fantastic Governor for Virginia and I can't wait to see how his Administration unfolds.
We pray for God's blessings for Bob McDonnell and his Administration.
Republican National Chairman - Michael Steele giving interview
Virginia's Lieutenant Governor Elect, Bill Bolling giving an interview.
Former Virginia Governor George Allen signs an autograph. Not certain why he's actually signing an oar, or the significance of it but he got it when the person handed it to him. I'm wonderin' how it got by security?
Is that O'Reilly of the O'Reilly Factor in the background that Michael Steele is watching? Hmmmm
Who's this slacker? It's
Bob Schnell - what a stud!
Republican National Chairman Michael Steele giving interview on FOX Live while it's broadcast in the background for the crowd to see live from FOX News.
Carl Cameron of FOX News signing an autograph.
Virginia Attorney General Elect, Ken Cuccinelli.
Introducing the Virginia Ticket! Virginia Lieutenant Governor Elect, Bill Bolling and Virginia's Governor Elect - Bob McDonnell.
It's a very happy family!
Bob McDonnell being a dad and hugging his son. The love was REAL back stage.
... and Bob McDonnell hugging his daughter after his landslide win.
It's a party - crazy!
I think this last one is my fav. Bob McDonnell is glancing at his wife Maureene with admiration. What you don't see is that the crowd has been cheering in her direction for about 30 seconds. Bob just let it go on - and finally gave her a huge hug. I'm thinking I need to make this into a canvas and give it to Bob for his new office! Ya think?