Behind the Lens: My Year with Pete on the Campaign Trail

Throughout my career, I’ve had the honor of bearing witness to history. Both as a journalist and then as an official White House photographer during both terms of the Obama administration, I documented those historic moments — beginning with the 2009 Inauguration and including highlights such as the signing of the Affordable Care Act.

Over the past year, I’ve been photographing Pete Buttigieg, observing moments that have taken him from a long-shot candidate to a serious contender for the White House.

I’m sharing some of my favorite photos made during the past year to show you the Pete I’ve witnessed: Pete standing with his family, husband, and hometown inside an old Studebaker factory; Pete listening to stories from farmers in Tipton, Iowa; and Pete reflecting in the quiet moments between stops on the trail.

I know a historic story as it evolves, and I’m honored to capture it with Pete Buttigieg and his incredible campaign staff and digital/video team.

Pete Buttigieg announces his candidacy on April 14, 2019.

Pete Buttigieg following a roundtable discussion with farmers is able to peek out to the site of his Iowa event during the summer of 2019 as guests take their seats.

Pete Buttigieg sits at the lunch counter of Ben’s Chile Bowl with owner Virginia Ali following an event next door to the famous DC institution.

Pete Buttigieg looking over his speech before taking the stage at the Iowa Steak Fry.

Pete Buttigieg bowling with voters in South Carolina.

Pete Buttigieg greeting supporters and organizers in Iowa.

Pete Buttigieg sitting with Congressman John Lewis.

A quiet moment and portrait on the Pete Buttigieg campaign bus while in Iowa.

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We’re just getting started. The new year will be filled with moments to capture: primary wins, massive rallies, the end of the Trump presidency. I’ll be sure to have my camera and eyes ready. But we need your help to make those moments happen. If you can, please chip in today.