t's HERE!  Virginia's 71st Governor Bob McDonnell Inauguration Image Gallery.  We've created several galleries, categorized them into the separate events of the Inauguration weekend, and you can now purchase images for yourself from there.   It's simple; browse all of them - or just a few and purchase any in any size you'd like - all online... so easy.
The link to the gallery is: http://photos.grantdeb.com/McDonnell-Inauguration - or you can click on the image below.

We're also going to be offering several other options including Fine Art Albums, DVD Slideshows, and more, so stay tuned.

rant & I were incredibly blessed to capture the 71st Inauguration of Virginia’s New Governor Bob McDonnell on Saturday January 16, 2010.  Our All-Access passes provided by the Inaugural Committee granted us a truly unique perspective, and we were able to  position ourselves behind and around the First Family for the weekend, to capture their emotions  as they witnessed each historic moment for the first time.

As visual storytellers, there were times these events seemed to engulf and left us with such overwhelming feelings that were hard to form into words, yet one purpose ran true in both of our hearts… for you to see this day from their eyes.  The moments we were allowed to witness were at times intensely personal…the hands held, the hugs and kisses, the understanding glances and the tears…all bonds of a family that have opened up their lives to scrutiny yet remain real in their love toward one another.

This was truly an event of a lifetime for us, and while it was a challenge to narrow down thousands of moments into a visual documentary, we believe what we captured is truly unique and powerful.
And now a news flash; Bob McDonnell was chosen to give GOP State of the Union Response this coming Wednesday, January 27, 2010 - read more HERE.

Here are a couple images of the day - but be certain to click the full HD videos below [NOTE: Allow the video to load (green bar at bottom of viewer) for a full minute BEFORE pressing play for optimal viewing.]

Copyright © 2010 Richmond Photojournalism Photographer

Copyright © 2010 Richmond Photojournalism Photographer

Copyright © 2010 Richmond Photojournalism Photographer

An endearing moment between Governor McDonnell and his Father as Bob stopped and bent down to look into his Dad's eyes to say... "Dad, I made Governor!" and then reached up to kiss his Dad on the forehead. Everyone in the entourage fell silent, and then we had to wipe the tears.

Copyright © 2010 Richmond Photojournalism Photographer

Copyright © 2010 Richmond Photojournalism Photographer

AND... we've created two HD Slideshows to music (be certain to turn up your volume) and you can view them both in full scree HD resolution by clicking on either of the images below.  These only show a FRACTION of the fun, emotion and true love of this family.  Thank you McDonnell's for allowing us to tag along during your most amazing day.
[NOTE: Allow the videos to load (green bar at bottom of viewer) for a full minute BEFORE pressing play for optimal viewing.]

HD Slideshow PART ONE

Click HERE for Full Screen HD video.

HD Slideshow PART TWO

Click HERE for Full Screen HD Video.

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?