My roster of subjects continues to grow, making me one very lucky photographer. Last week I got to photograph Hillary Clinton at the Liberty Medal Awards at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
The Liberty Medal is awarded annually “to men and women of courage and conviction who strive to secure the blessings of liberty to people around the globe. The medal was first administered by the National Constitution Center in 2006, when Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton were honored for their bipartisan humanitarian efforts on behalf of the victims of the tsunami in Southeast Asia and the hurricanes on the Gulf Coast. Other past Liberty Medal recipients include Nelson Mandela, Shimon Peres, Kofi Annan, Sandra Day O’Connor, and Bono.”
This year the former Secretary of State was the selected recipient for her public service and continued advocacy on behalf of women and girls wordwide. It was a touching ceremony with presentations by Jeb Bush and Mayor Michael Nutter (among many, many others) as well as a performance by the Bright Hope Baptist Community Singers of Philadelphia and the Princeton Girlchoir.
I was there to document the beautiful décor by Judith of Campbell Studios who has been chosen to revamp the space for the Liberty Medal Awards several times over the years. It was an honor to be a part of the day and witness the transformation.
Lush ferns covered the place for a classy, understated effect.
Brulee Catering provided the mouthwatering tastes.
On the lower level, deep reds, pinks, and oranges played across the floor, creating an impressive effect when the sun went down and the lights came on.
Upstairs was awash in blues with the VIP section of “pod” areas defined by ombre cardboard walls. I swear, there is no end to Judith’s creativity.
It was a stunning evening and such a thrill to be in the presence of Ms. Clinton.
“The patriots who met at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall knew that in a democracy, citizens cannot sit on the sidelines, that we have to get into ‘the arena,’ as Teddy Roosevelt called it, and participate in the debates that shape our country’s future. Now, sometimes it can get pretty noisy, but that is the American way.”
~ Hillary Clinton
