Ann Romney

Hawks Feather · September 05, 2012, 07:22:47 PM

Today was a chance for me to be around the next First Lady of the White House. There was a Women for Mitt rally in Findlay and I was asked by my cousin (Congressman Bob Latta) to shoot it. It is always nice when you get a VIP pass and can pretty much go where you want. I decided to settle in the front row of the VIP roped off section so I could get some decent shots of the speakers. I was very impressed, as was my wife, by the presentations of all of the women today - especially Mrs. Romney. This was her first solo kickoff since the convention and she nailed it. The first image is when she was speaking and the second was when she was about 4 feet from me while she was making the round of shaking hands. Yes, I did get to shake her hand and tell her that she nailed the presentation.

FinsnFur · September 05, 2012, 09:17:36 PM

A building full of women and they are looking for a photographer?
You've always been a lucky dog haven't you Jerry?

Hawks Feather · September 05, 2012, 10:25:17 PM

It is a difficult job, but someone has to do it.

Jerry

Dave · September 06, 2012, 05:02:05 AM

Women for Mitt Rally?
In that second pic I only see one gal, Ann Romney, and then six guys!
And it looks like a NoBama supporter got his thumb in that 2nd pic, too.
What a unique opportunity, though.

Carolina Coyote · September 06, 2012, 04:29:38 PM

She's gonna make a great first Lady!!!! cc

Bopeye · September 06, 2012, 08:16:11 PM

Talk about hitting the jackpot!!! A room ful of good looking republican Women. That has got to be in my top 10 things to do now.

Hidehunter · September 07, 2012, 09:13:44 AM

Wow that is a cool experience

That guy in the bottom pic didnt seem to excited you were taking that picture

Hawks Feather · September 07, 2012, 11:16:57 AM

The ones to really watch were the four that had the red pin (SS detail) on their coat. When she was coming down the row shaking hands there were two in front of her (one reminding people to keep their hands out of their pockets and not to reach into their purse, etc., then the three that were glued to her sides and back. I had talked with a couple of Mrs. Romney's staff before the event who knew I was talking pictures for Bob and that I would be up front. I had been standing there (prior to the start) when I saw one of the Romney people talk with a member of the SS detail. He looked in my direction, spoke into his sleeve, and I noticed several other heads turn my direction. Every time I have been around an SS detail they have been all business, even when they were in a secure surroundings.

Jerry

Todd Rahm · September 07, 2012, 01:50:47 PM

That's good stuff Jerry!!!

And she's a hotty to boot.

I could see how a shady character like you might draw the suspicious attention of the secret service.

Good thing ya didn't pull out a one of your predator calls in there.

Hawks Feather · September 25, 2012, 08:35:40 PM

Man alive am I ever bummed.

I now have to go to Toledo tomorrow to get a few pictures of Ann Romney's husband. What's that guy's name? Oh yea, Mitt. My cousin Bob (that would be the Republican, Bop

) will be speaking and then doing the intro of Mitt. Should be a good time.

Jerry

Hidehunter · September 25, 2012, 09:02:13 PM

Thats cool. Looking forward to seeing the pics.

FinsnFur · September 25, 2012, 09:29:15 PM

Quote from: Hawks Feather on September 25, 2012, 08:35:40 PM
Man alive am I ever bummed.
Jerry

Jerry please accept my deepest condolences

And then... make sure you have fun, stay safe, and bring us plenty o pics.

KySongDog · September 25, 2012, 10:20:13 PM

Quote from: Hawks Feather on September 25, 2012, 08:35:40 PM
Man alive am I ever bummed. I now have to go to Toledo tomorrow to get a few pictures of Ann Romney's husband. What's that guy's name? Oh yea, Mitt. My cousin Bob (that would be the Republican, Bop ) will be speaking and then doing the intro of Mitt. Should be a good time.

Jerry

If you have a concealed carry permit I would seriously consider leaving it and the hardware at home.

Hawks Feather · September 25, 2012, 11:04:28 PM

I do have the permit, but there will be more than enough guns there with the Romney's detail so I will travel without the firearms.

Jerry

KySongDog · September 26, 2012, 06:35:35 AM

I was just thinking the SS might frown on a photographer with a bulge in his pocket.

Hawks Feather · September 26, 2012, 09:54:43 PM

Well, I made it home in one piece and the secret service didn't decide to keep me. The doors opened at 3:00 p.m. and Becky and I got there about 3:15. The line was two blocks long and pretty much all 12 feet of sidewalk were covered. We walked around to the table that had a couple of workers and they asked if they could help. I said that I was there to take pictures for my cousin and wanted to know where the VIP entrance was. A guy that had just walked up behind me said that everyone wanted to take pictures and that he was sure that he was a VIP too. The lady asked our name and I just said Latta. She looked up and said, "You aren't Bob." And I said, "No, I am the good looking cousin." She laughed but quickly called one of the workers to escort Becky and I to the VIP door. I nodded to the guy behind as I walked away with my escort. The guy took us inside and we were checked off the list and then went through TSA screening. We got inside and was told that with the VIP bracelet that we needed to go to the stands right behind the stage. I said, thanks but I would rather go inside the blocked off area so that I could shoot pictures. The lady told me that they weren't allowed to let anyone in there. I asked who was in charge and she called a man over. I asked him about going inside the area and he said that I had to be on the approved list and he didn't have the list there. I asked if he could direct me to Frank (who was Romney's man in charge) and he said that he didn't know Frank so off I went to find Frank. I made it to the media area and two of Bob's people were there and asked where I was going. I told them the story and one said, I got this. He told Rimmey (don't know for sure if that is how to spell it, but it is close) and Rimmey said to go to the man and tell him that Rimmey said that Becky and I had access to anything we wanted and if he had any questions to come and see him. That really worked well. The man couldn't get the barrier down quick enough. After being inside for 20 minutes or so I headed back out to get some shots and asked him to remember me when I came back. He said, "No problem and then told the rest of the workers there that I could go and come as I pleased. I can see where power could corrupt you. Anyway Romney did an excellent job and the crowd totally enjoyed him.

This is my cousin US Congressman Bob Latta.

Bob did the intro for Mitt and they did the little thanks bit.

Mitt during his speech.

Up close and personal. He shook Becky's hand, but I was busy shooting.

I would not want to work the protection detail.

Now for those of you with lots of time on your hands you can go here and see many more images from the event: http://www.jerrylatta.biz/Political/Mitt-Romney-Toledo-09-26-2012/25600119_6mqnwB#!i=2112697929&k=Q6zm7xp

My name is Jerry Latta and I approve this post.

coyote101 · September 26, 2012, 10:02:48 PM

Very cool Jerry.

Pat

KySongDog · September 26, 2012, 10:57:55 PM

Nice pictures, Jerry. I have lots of time on my hands so I went through all of them. You are a good photographer.

Todd Rahm · September 26, 2012, 11:34:50 PM

Good stuff Jerry!!!!

Carolina Coyote · September 27, 2012, 06:00:56 AM

Thanks for sharing with us Jerry, some very good pictures of Mitt, maybe you will be invited to the Inaugural Ball and be sure to wear your Fins and Fur cap and tell him he has some supporters there. cc