* THIS IS NOT A POLITICAL POST*
This is a photography post. As photographers we get to experience a broad range of locations, types of people, requests, gigs… Mending the first sentence here: This is a photography experience post.
I was asked by the kind people at Trump National Philadelphia to photograph a 2 day event coverage as Tiffany Trump graduated from University of Penn.. Without much more info, I agreed. I arrived at the country club and was immediately greeted by the security team. Even though I already passed clearance, I can see how a photographer with his gear can look a bit curious. Once I was cleared again I got the run-down: Donald Trump would be arriving via helicopter, they would sit and mingle over some appetizers and then head off to the graduation at University of Penn in Philadelphia. I would shoot some candid moments along with some casual portraits. Easy enough. I was respectful of their privacy (I didn’t shoot them eating or try to grab any “paparazzi” type of images) and just did what I thought looked best and what was requested. The first day (the day of the graduation) it was much too windy outside to do any photographs, but the second day was gorgeous. On that second day I was able to spend some time with Tiffany, her mother (Marla Maples) and their friends and family. That was the evening of the actual graduation dinner. Donald Trump wasn’t there that evening. Mrs. New Jersey International 2016 was, though (seen conversing with Marla)!
It was interesting to see the day Donald was there, however. See, I’m not one “blown away” with celebrities. I respect their privacy and how they got to that level (usually), but to me- they’re just other people. Sometimes I dig what they do and sometimes I don’t. But, when it comes down to it: they lay in their bed at the end of the day just like the rest of us. They have insecurities, strengths, family, warts, pets, issues… and in this case- personal achievements.
Tiffany Trump seemed very accomplished in her college achievements. She was kind, appreciative and enjoyed the time with her family. You could tell that she and her mother (Marla Maples) were close. I had fun photographing Tiffany. She was a good model as she naturally knew how to handle herself in front of the camera, as did her mother. It was cool being able to get a glimpse into their family achievement and celebration of Tiffany graduating.
One of my favorite moments that occurred organically was when Donald asked Tiffany to come over to receive his gift (an envelope with her name). Sitting at a table with Tiffany, Marla, Melania, Ivanka and others, Donald said “…just don’t give any to your mother, she already has enough of my money”. Everyone laughed, including Melania, as you can see. Tiffany wrapped the moment in a bow as she posed for a photo with her father, using his thumbs up pose. A moment I would have never experienced if I weren’t photographing their event. That’s what I like about what we do- people trust us to document their intimate moments.
At the time, Corey Lewandowski was running the show and he made sure that Donald Trump got the image of him with the local police force(s). There were police officers from Pine Hill, Mount Laurel, and Medford helping with security. Apparently, they tried to get images of Donald with the local police each location he visited. I was happy to oblige.
Another unique moment was when Donald and Melania went into a wedding that was actively occurring at the venue, in venue’s ballroom. Donald had heard that there was a wedding and said to Melania “let’s go”. The security team quickly rushed to get them down the hall and they luckily caught the bride and groom just prior to their reception introduction. Donald briefly spoke with the couple before going into the ballroom and waving at guests. My favorite photo from the entire event is the image with him and the flower girls. I’m a photojournalist at heart- and that to me is what it’s all about. Trump also went to mingle with the members of the golf club in their bar/lounge area. The people were enamored with him, asking for autographs and photographs as they shook his hand and showered him with compliments. It made me think about that the people that are members there, since it’s changed from Pine Hill Country Club to Trump National Philadelphia and became private, must generally endorse Trump in his presidential run. And on the other side—how many members did they lose during the process?
I’ve always been treated with respect and appreciation from all of the people at Trump National Philadelphia, and Pine Hill Country Club prior. I worked there as a bartender in my early days of trying to swing photography as my full time gig. Since my transition, almost 15 years ago- they have always asked me to be involved or referred me for photography gigs (weddings, website images as they’ve renovated and events). I’m glad they trusted me to assist them with this event as it offered me a neat glimpse into something I might not otherwise experience. Here are a few of the images I enjoyed. Thanks for taking the time!
www.JeffAndersonPhotography.com
