Soozie Sundlun Was Hired To Take Obama's Picture

Soozie Sundlun of East Greenwich Photo had one of the best seats in the house for President Obama's appearance in Rhode Island Monday. Hired by the Providence Mayor David Cicilline's campaign to photograph the president, she found herself in the "press pit" jostling with the national press corps.

Just getting into the Rhode Island Convention Center wasn't easy. Days before Obama arrived, Sundlun and her staff had to undergo extensive background checks. There was additional clearance at the Convention Center, and dogs sniffed all her camera bags and equipment. She said she even saw people checking out the Center's garbage.

Once in the press pit she couldn't leave and had to get whatever she could from there.  The President's advance units control every detail of every component of his appearances and would allow none of the photographers to use flash units, but there was plenty of lighting for good pictures. Soozie said a very small young woman controlled the area, barking out what could and couldn't be done.

"I wouldn't want to cross her," she said.

Other photographers were telling her to get right, get left or get out of the way.  She said she got into her zone – when she is totally focused on getting the pictures she wants – and at one point was so engrossed she almost fell off the stage.

The President spoke in front of a huge American flag, which provided a dramatic backdrop.  He did wade into the crowd, and although her work area was confined, Sundlun managed to get a number of photos of him with the audience.

The job lasted from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. and now the Cicilline campaign has to give the okay to the work.  After that, EG Photo will post the photos on its website where they will be available for viewing and for sale.

Sundlun is a veteran photographer of famous people.  She had taken pictures of Obama before his election, and has also photographed President Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, as well as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.  Over her career she has been the backstage photographer for high profile musicians such as Aerosmith, Rod Steward, Dolly Parton, Kelly Clarkson and Bon Jovi.  Locally she has frequently been the main photographer at events for Mayor Cicilline and Congressman Patrick Kennedy.

East Greenwich Photo & Studio was founded in 1976 and today is located at 50 Cliff Street.  Changes in technology have drastically changed the photo business and today the store is best known for its in studio and wedding/event photography.