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Tips for dealing with Secret Service
Will Godfrey, Photographer
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Atlanta | GA | United States | Posted: 12:44 PM on 07.13.10 |
->> Hi,
Just picked up a shoot that will involve a secret service detail. Does anyone have any tips on dealing with them? Things not to do and such. I'm going early so I can introduce myself to them in hopes of smoothing things over. But any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Will Godfrey |
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Michael Ip, Photographer
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New York | NY | USA | Posted: 12:59 PM on 07.13.10 |
| ->> Well... don't tell them you're there to shoot someone... |
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Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer
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Lexington | VA | USA | Posted: 1:18 PM on 07.13.10 |
->> Remember one thing: they can do just about anything they want.
"W" came to speak at my school back in 2002. Granted, this was less than a year after 9/11. At the time, however, we had an instructor on campus who had allegedly made a threat against the college president. When Secret Service learned of the incident in preparation for the speech, they produced a doctor who no one had ever seen before who signed an involuntary commitment order having the fellow sent to the looney bin for 30 days.
Scary, huh?
Other than that, they were easy to work with. Just don't do anything, well, crazy. |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 1:28 PM on 07.13.10 |
| ->> Sometimes if you run into the sames guys (or gals) on a campaign trail they lighten up a little after seeing you a few times. But I wouldn't count on them being anything but cordial and strictly business your first time out with them. And just FYI they aren't really the joking around type of folks. |
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George Bridges, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | USA | Posted: 2:30 PM on 07.13.10 |
->> Will,
the Secret Service agents are professionals and simply asking the head of detail from the onset what the limits are should set you on the right path. Just make it clear why you are there and what you intend the story to tell.
If this is an in-depth story on the agents you may want to ask if there are any faces that need to be avoided, for the most part it's not a problem. But, Secret Service agents usually spend only 5 years of their career on protection details. If these agents are not on full-time security and are only on a temporary assignment then some of them may be working counterfeit or credit card fraud cases and prefer to not have their face in print. But it is doubtful you will find any limitations there.
If you are talking that you will just be photographing someone who is under Secret Service protection then you should have little worry. They won't stand in your way as long as there is nothing that seems to be a threat to the protectee. Not meaning you're dangerous, but they will stay aside as long as they don't perceive a threat from anyone or anything in the area. You may find an agent won't move out of the background if their are currently providing protection at a doorway or window offering a clear view of the subject from a distance, for example. |
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Ian Halperin, Photographer
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Plano(Dallas) | TX | USA | Posted: 2:33 PM on 07.13.10 |
| ->> All the above is true but it also depends on who the person they are protecting is. I've photographed several former Presidents and First Ladies and they are much more relaxed than when covering the POTUS. And if you are in a secure holding room they generally don't even think twice about you. |
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Jeff Brehm, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Charlotte | NC | USA | Posted: 3:23 PM on 07.13.10 |
->> Chuck Steenburgh's story about bringing in a mysterious doctor and having someone committed could be really bad news for several of us in here.
I'm not naming any names. Just note I said "us." :) |
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Jim Colburn, Photo Editor, Photographer
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McAllen | TX | USA | Posted: 3:54 PM on 07.13.10 |
->> Will you be the official photographer for the event? If so you'll want to get in touch with the White House press office to see how is the "advance person" on the trip. If you're going to be photographing "backstage" (reception?) then you'll want a "Do Not Kill" lapel pin from the Secret Service team leader before the event so that you'll be allowed access without trouble.
If it's just an event that you're covering that the Secret Service will be at then go where you're supposed to go and don't mess with the people that seem to be talking into their sleeves. They can, and will, do whatever they feel is necessary to protect their charges.
When not on duty they're usually real nice people. |
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Will Godfrey, Photographer
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Atlanta | GA | United States | Posted: 4:03 PM on 07.13.10 |
->> I truly appreciate all the info!
It is a Cabinet member visiting a local company and I was hired by the company to get PR photos. Shouldn't be as crazy as if POTUS was in town, but I wanted to know what I was getting into before I showed up for the day.
That being said, I will be the official photographer for the company and I don't think they are letting press in. I will probably be the only photog there. We will see though.
Thanks again guys!
-Will |
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George Bridges, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | USA | Posted: 4:29 PM on 07.13.10 |
->> Will,
In that situation you will have no problem. Probably just a cursory search of you and your gear. |
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Les Stukenberg, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Prescott Valley | AZ | USA | Posted: 7:10 PM on 07.13.10 |
| ->> I know this has nothing to do with Will's question but back in another life many years ago I was the National Sales Manager for a golf vacation hotel out here in Scottsdale. We had then VP Dan Quayle stay with us which made it very interesting for our hotel staff and other guests. I will say that the Secret Service detail that he had was a very professional, thorough, and (off duty) fun group of people to be around. They had some great stories and told some super funny jokes. |
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Thomas E. Witte, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Cincinnati | OH | USA | Posted: 8:19 PM on 07.13.10 |
->> Michael Ip's advice is spot on. Ask David Cantor about the time I said I was on "Death Watch" while at the airport to cover Gore's plane taking off. I think I may have even used the verb "shoot" in the same sentence.
So yea 45 minutes later after they searched my car, sniffed my car, sniffed my cavities and wanted to know more details about a little (misdemeanor) prank that made the front page of three newspapers when I was 18, I was allowed to go on my merry way.
They are professional, but they do not have a sense of humor.
They're familiar with our lingo "shoot", "death watch" et al, but they need to check in to everything. |
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Richard Uhlhorn, Photographer
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Chelan Falls | WA | USA | Posted: 8:42 PM on 07.13.10 |
->> I covered Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich a number of years ago when he was still speaker and visited our community. I had no problem with the Secret Service. As a matter of fact, I just went about my business and they went about their business.
Of course all of that was prior to 9/11, so I'm not sure what the protocols are now.
Good luck.
Rich |
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Michael McNamara, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Phoenix | AZ | USA | Posted: 9:14 PM on 07.13.10 |
| ->> Keep your hands out of your pockets. That makes them nervous. |
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Andrew Nelles, Photographer
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Chicago | IL | usa | Posted: 9:52 PM on 07.13.10 |
->> I've had only positive experiences with Secret Service officials. Once while covering a Clinton speech I was getting some hail mary shots as she was shaking hands with the crowd on her way out. It was a pretty thick cluster of folks, knocking me around a bit, an agent pushed in next to me and started moving people back. I figured I would be relocated also, but then he drags in a folding chair, pops it open, and says "Hop up on here, should help with the photos."
Never would have expected that. |
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Brian Blanco, Photographer
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Tampa / Sarasota | FL | USA | Posted: 10:33 PM on 07.13.10 |
->> Will,
Like George said, you'll be fine if you're the only photographer there and there are not near as many hoops to jump through when it's just a cabinet member.
But... if you do get an opportunity to cover a presidential visit then here are a few things you'll want to keep in mind:
When you find out the president is coming to town and you've been issued a media credential, you'll generally be getting an email (usually several) from the White House before his arrival. Read these emails VERY thoroughly and find out EXACTLY when and where you're expected to be. There are generally 2 times listed on the release. One time (the earlier time) tells you what time you have to be on site for "preset". As a rule, *generally* only TV has to be there for preset as they have to run cables, park live trucks, set their tripods and take up as much space as possible on the riser.
The other time listed is generally the time still photogs and reporters can arrive as long as you're just carrying your equipment in... a reasonable amount of equipment. I'd advise you to arrive obnoxiously early when covering the president. Running into a traffic jam or getting a flat tire can make you late and if you're 10 seconds late... you're not getting in... and they don't budge on that at all.
Even if you don't *need* to be there for preset, it's not a bad idea to go in during preset so you can tape down a spot on the riser for yourself. These risers can get crowded and being there early and marking off a spot for yourself can be very helpful and worth waking up at the crack of dawn for. A little three-step kitchen type step stool can be helpful to. If you set it on the riser behind the TV guys you can generally photograph over their heads and "sticks". Also, if there is a riser for Tv and a riser for still then STAY OFF the TV riser. Any little movement gets magnified when they're shooting long lenses and using "sticks" (tripods). If TV and stills are sharing a riser then try to do your best to limit your movement... just to be nice to the TV guys.
The email should also have the "throw" which should give you an idea how far you'll be from the president so you'll know if you're bringing a 600mm and a 2x extender or a 14mm.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to read the White House release thoroughly, print it out and carry it with you. Also, don't go posting anything from that release on Facebook or your blog or anything like that. While information contained in the release isn't "classified" per se, they prefer it stay "close hold" for the most part.
Also, it's important to dress appropriately. Covering the president, even if you're just sitting on a riser at an airport photographing the arrival and departure of Air Force One is NOT the time to wear the t-shirt you got at Hogs Breath on your last trip to Key West. Dress like a professional and the Secret Service and the Advance Team are more likely to treat you like one.
As mentioned above, don't make ANY jokes, what-so-ever about anything that might make them nervous. Even if you've been paling around with a friendly agent for hours... one stupid joke could land you in an uncomfortable spot. Also, don't be offended if an agent is verbally "short" with you or seemingly unfriendly. These guys and gals are very singular in their mindset, and rightfully so. You may also want to avoid photographing any agents in counter-sniper or spotting positions around the property. The agents in suits don't mind being photographed and fully expect that they will be photographed but when you see the guys in all black tactical outfits, it's best to avoid photographing them before the president's arrival. It'll be tempting to photograph them because it's not something you see every day, but resist the temptation. Just ignore them and try to act like it's not your first rodeo so-to-speak.
When the president arrives, it's game time. Try not to take your eyes off the the president and if you must transmit while he's on scene, make certain that when you take your CF cards out of your camera you IMMEDIATELY replace them with clean cards so that you're ready to photograph as you're ingesting your cards and editing... notice I keep forcing myself into saying "photograph" rather than than "shoot". Get used to that.
If you're issued a certain type of credential (and I don't want to get into this in too much detail) you may be invited to photograph from a much closer "buffer zone". When you're in that type of close proximity to the president try to move slowly and deliberately and try not to call too much attention to yourself by laying on the ground to get odd angles and don't get excited and rush from location to location. Stay low to keep out of the other photographers' images who are photographing from the riser. Also, and this is important, NEVER park yourself near the steps and never set up between an agent and the president.
Also, if you want to move around to the side of the stage or even the back of it or anywhere where you don't see other photogs, then either ask one of the media relations folks there in the buffer with you and/or make eye-contact with the agent closest to where you want to go. Don't talk to them, but if they have a problem with something you're doing or something that they see you're intending to do then they'll give you a subtle head shake or signal of some sort. Your best bet though is to follow the lead of what the traveling photogs are doing. When they move, you move because they know this dance by heart.
Lastly, bring a Cliff Bar to eat and maybe a bottle of water since you may get stuck in a secure area longer than you might expect.
Oh and have fun and try not to look too scared if you find yourself in the motorcade flying down the highway at record speed. |
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Corey Perrine, Photographer
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Augusta | GA | USA | Posted: 11:04 PM on 07.13.10 |
->> Don't put anything online that would jeopardize your media credential.
One thing you might not think of is social media outlets like Facebook or MySpace, they are scanning that stuff vehemently up til the day the President arrives or whoever they are protecting. Don't have a facebook update like, "I get to shoot 'so-and-so' today."
We ran a story on it...
http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/threads/74178-Nashua-man-gets-ca... |
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Will Godfrey, Photographer
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Atlanta | GA | United States | Posted: 12:36 AM on 07.14.10 |
->> Wow! Thanks Brian for the detailed info on photographing POTUS. I hope to have the opportunity one day for sure. This shoot should be a good primer. Kind of.
I really appreciate all the info and the great stories that everyone has during their run ins with secret service agents.
-Will |
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Hassel Weems, Photographer
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Locust Grove (Atlanta) | GA | USA | Posted: 1:17 AM on 07.14.10 |
| ->> Working with the Secret Service is not difficult. Just follow their instructions and you'll be fine. I've worked many events with them and they are always professional. |
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Lance King, Photographer
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Fayetteville | NC | USA | Posted: 8:41 AM on 07.14.10 |
->> I was at the Georgetown/Duke game this past season in DC. I didn't even know the POTUS was going to be there until I arrived at the media gate and the secret service searched my gear.
It was not a big deal, although be prepared for them to thoroughly look at your lenses and camera bodies. It took about five minutes and the agent was very professional and courteous.
As a few above mentioned, just be professional and use common sense.
If you care to look, I have a few photos here: http://www.sportsshooter.com/lanceimages/obama_duke_gtown/ |
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Rene Mireles, Photographer
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Holland | MI | USA | Posted: 9:29 AM on 07.14.10 |
->> Brian,
Thanks for the great info, this thread popped up at a great time, since I am covering the presidents visit tomorrow to my home town of Holland , MI |
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Ian Halperin, Photographer
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Plano(Dallas) | TX | USA | Posted: 10:09 PM on 07.14.10 |
->> Quick story. Feel free to skip.
The first President I covered was Bush 41. I was still in college and he was addressing the Texas House. Went to Austin, checked in and was given a spot at the back on the chamber. This was 198-something so I was shooting Tri-X and had 300 2.8. I realized I didn't have enough lens to get a good shot. I spotted an empty desk near the front so when Bush comes in, I use the commotion I make a move for the front. Got some good shots and didn't think twice about it.
On the way out the Sgt. at Arms stops me and tells me I was close to being "taken down" by secret service. To this day I don't know what "taken down" could have been, but I wouldn't try it today. |
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Steve Ueckert, Photographer
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Houston | TX | | Posted: 10:46 PM on 07.14.10 |
->> When the SS (not sport shooter) says jump, ask how high on the way up.
Yours is not to to question why, it is but to do or die.
The Secret Service are professionals and they appreciate dealing with professionals. Be one! When around the SS it is not the time to have an agenda or an attitude.
With Cabinet members (not the VP) on down, the situation is slightly more relaxed, mainly with the advance team.
If you manage to get into the tight pool, follow the leader. Everyone else will know the drill and don't get in their way, ...it might seriously hurt later on.
When dealing with the SS, don't plan on getting anything exclusive, but be ready for anything. If you are on the riser for Air Force One, have a 600mm and a 20mm. If you are on a riser inside an event have a 400mm, and that 20mm and a few looks in between. Bring the power bars and the water, once you are in place there is no moving, no ifs, ands or butts. Realize it might be a long wait, plan appropriately. You're on their time, not yours. As has been said already, be ready to shoot, in an instant and anticipate. Have the 600mm look at the ready, have the 20mm look at the ready. You never know, you just never know.
I am in Houston, home to Bush #41. I haven't worked a daily news PJ job in 18 months (gratefully) but the back story doesn't change. I covered Nixon through Bush #43, same song, infinite verse. |
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David A. Cantor, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Tim Vizer, Photographer
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Belleville | IL | USA | Posted: 12:10 AM on 07.15.10 |
->> Not really advice, but just a story: Last year at the All-Star Game at Busch Stadium, President Obama was there to throw out the first pitch. Needless to say, the place was full of SS folks, doing their thing, including the snipers high atop the stadium rooftop in SWAT gear, and the "regular" agents in suits scattered everywhere else.
So I'm there early checking out my shooting position for the night's game, and as I'm moving between the seats back towards the access tunnel to the photo workroom, I notice that one agent is watching me really closely. He was glued to me, and started walking towards me, fairly fast. He called out to me, to stop and I started thinking "did I lose my credential?" or something along those lines.
He came up to me and asked me if I was Tim from my newspaper and did I remember him when he was a cop at the XYZ police department and then we had an instant reunion and chatted a bit (and I felt relieved!).
He gave me a SS coin/token that they hand out when they have public speaking appearances, and a couple of the other agents walked over and we all talked a few more minutes, and then when it was time for him to return to his patrol duties, it was like a switch clicked and he was back in SS mode and on his way.
So, like everyone above has said, they are really nice guys when they're not busy doing what they do, and they're human just like the rest of us (well, most of them are). Of course, this visit took place before the public was inside the stadium, so I don't know how he would have acted if he knew 60K people might be watching us talk.
But I thought it was cool that he remembered me and we had a chance to catch up. Good luck on your shoot!
Tim |
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George Bridges, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | USA | Posted: 10:36 AM on 07.15.10 |
->> Tim,
The correct term is not "snipers" but "countersniper" because they are there to "counter" attacks and the guys in the black nomex are not SWAT but CAT -- Counter Assault Team. It is said they do more live-fire training than any other police team. (sorry, spent way too much time over the last decade covering White House duty and have utmost respect for the photographers who do it day-in-day-out and still turn out creative images and great reporting)
And one year when Bush was throwing out the opening pitch for the newly re-created Washington Nationals I had a Flat Stanely someone had sent me to do photos of. Well before the game I was laying on the edge of the field with Stanley propped up against my 400mm setup. I heard this laughing behind me. I turned and there were two agents standing there and one said "We've all been there man." Apparently they are asked a lot to get Stanely with the White House and prez. |
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Tim Vizer, Photographer
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Belleville | IL | USA | Posted: 4:19 PM on 07.15.10 |
->> George, I stand corrected as to my references to the Secret Service personnel. You guys in D.C. see these types of things probably on a daily basis....we usually only see them when they're out campaigning in an election year or pushing policies on those whirlwind town hall tours.
I also forgot to mention to Will that I've photographed every U.S. President since Jimmy Carter walked off a riverboat in St. Louis back in 1977. Got all of them at one place or another while they were sitting presidents, but somehow I missed Gerald Ford while he was in office -- but photographed him in the VIP Room at the Kentucky Derby back in the early '80s while he and Betty watched the race from there.
My assignment that day was to photograph "the beautiful people" at the race and in that room was Ford, Sissy Spacek, Muhammad Ali and his wife (who kept making fun of him eating LOTS of popsicles--I didn't say a word about it, since he was still in pretty damn good shape at the time), and members of either Marshall Tucker Band or another country/rock band. Spacek and I talked about "Coal Miner's Daughter" which had just been released.
And -- as you all know -- even though Ford was out of office, he still had a contingent of SS agents with him. I believe they get protection for life after they leave office.
Throughout all my instances photographing presidents or a member of the joint chiefs or some other bigshot military brass or Congress-person that had SS protection, all the tips given above by the others responding to your query certainly applied. Just move slowly and with purpose, and check your camera bag BEFORE you leave home that day to make sure you have nothing that could be considered a weapon (or could be contrived into a McGyver-like incendiary device or weapon or anything that is sharp).
When Young Bush visited here a couple years back, it was pouring rain but NO umbrellas were allowed into the venue, for instance. The SS simply didn't want to take any chances and didn't want to search them for hidden swords or whatever, so we (the media AND the public) had to throw them into a big pile outside the convention center. When I went out after Bush left, my umbrella had been taken, so I just rummaged through the remaining ones and found one that was sort of similar in color and design. It might have been a little nicer than mine, actually!
Just follow the established rules, and absolutely don't leave the area you're allowed to be shooting -- er, photographing -- from! Again, Good Luck!!! |
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Ian Halperin, Photographer
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Plano(Dallas) | TX | USA | Posted: 4:26 PM on 07.15.10 |
->> George,
I've heard that the counter snipers have a "green light" to neutralize any threat. And I'm betting they don't shoot to wound. Or miss. |
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Paul Calhoun, Photographer
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Hillsborough | NC | U.S. | Posted: 11:24 PM on 07.15.10 |
->> Everyone probably has different experiences but to me the Secret Service folks always seem fairly easy going but very professional and VERY thorough. For some reason they seem to be a bit more low-key and relaxed on Democrat details and, well, more like the SS on Republican watch. Not sure what that is about.
Don't be offended when you introduce yourself and they don't tell you their names. Don't joke around or your job can become immeasurably more difficult. Don't say "hey were you on the Cheney detail the day that lens rolled down the aisle and spooked everyone?" (Inside joke, sorry)
Be prepared for them to take cameras and lenses apart and make sure you double check your settings after you put them back together. Watch for finger prints on front AND back lens glass AND on camera mirrors. If you carry a laptop make sure its battery is charged and it will turn on. Minimize bags, extra gear, extra batteries and get rid of any loose stuff-- like rubber bands that might be mistaken for wire-- before you go.
Don't use a tripod unless you have too. For some reason a tripod attracts extra scrutiny. Don't carry a bag or case with a torn seam that in any way looks like something could have been hidden in it or that the padding or stiffener could have been pulled out and replaced with something problematic-- like C4.
Unless you want to be really humiliated don't be "that guy in Detroit" who forgot he had some foil wrapped condoms in a side pocket of his camera bag. (yeah, another inside joke)
Enjoy! |
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