FTC Commissioner Julie Brill for Government Executive Magazine

One of the things that I like most about doing what I do, is that every day is different.  On top of that, I am always meeting new and interesting people who I normally wouldn’t have access to if it wasn’t for my job.  Such was the case in early June when I had the pleasure of photographing FTC Commissioner Julie Brill for an upcoming issue of Government Executive Magazine.

On the day of the shoot, I showed up early like I tend to do, scouted the location for options, and started setting up while waiting for my subject to arrive.  Once Julie arrived in her office where I was all set up, we introduced ourselves and started with the shoot.  She was very gracious with her time and blocked off an entire hour for me.  This meant I wouldn’t have to rush to get a typical safe image, and that I could take my time and be creative with the portraits.

Her office is very large, and it offered plenty of different options.  To kick it all off, I had her sit in one of the nice big leather chairs that was next to a coffee table.  Julie seemed so relaxed right from the start, which makes my job so much easier.  In the midst of shooting, we actually took what was probably a five to ten minute break from pictures as our conversation turned towards my upcoming trip to Germany in August.  I sat down in the chair opposite of her as she asked about where I’d be visiting in Germany and made suggestions on sights that I should see.

From there, we moved to the large conference table in her office.  When I initially arrived, the table was the first thing I noticed and wanted to photograph Julie seated at it if time allowed.  Since we had a full hour, I got my wish.  She sat at the end of the table, and it’s as if she knew exactly what pose I was looking for.  I barely had to guide her.  I absolutely love how her reflection appears in the glass top.  It really adds to the portrait in my opinion.  

It was wonderful meeting Julie and having the chance to sit down and have a nice conversation with her.  That doesn’t happen too often with people who’s schedules are jammed packed.  She’s such a genuinely nice person. 

Here’s a look at how the setup was at the table.  It’s just a single Einstein with a Paul C. Buff 51” PLM boomed overhead with a C-stand.

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