Presidential Photographers Team Up with Americans to Produce Obama Inaugural Photo Book

For many, the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama is a historical moment not only for U.S. history but for many African-American’s as well. Especially, those who are still around that lived through the civil rights movement and know what hardships and sacrifice it took to earn respect that they rightfully deserved.

 

It is estimated that millions of people will go to witness the historic event and with many more listening or viewing abroad. The event will no doubt be document by most, if not all, with photographs. Epicenter Communications, an official licensee of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, have announced details of the official inaugural photography book project, which will commemorate President-elect Barack Obama's upcoming inauguration. The project will include images from some of the world's most influential photographers and - for the first time ever - feature photos submitted online by everyday people documenting their personal celebrations of President-elect Obama's inauguration festivities.

 

Photos can be submitted starting today at either the book's official site or in the inaugural photo site on Photobucket (News - Alert). A selection of photo submissions will be chosen for inclusion in a large-format book, published by Five Ties Publishing, New York, which will be available for purchase nationwide on April 29, 2009 - Obama's 100th day in office.

 

Also, for the first time, individual amateur photographers will be able to send in their photographs and create their own customizable print-on-demand inaugural album using Kodak (News - Alert) imaging and printing technologies - creating a personal memento of a "people's inaugural."

 

"Pictures speak a universal language. They offer myriad of ways to bond deeply and strengthen relationships. Kodak is proud to lend our online imaging and printing technologies to this historic celebration," remarked Jeffrey Hayzlett Chief Marketing Officer, Eastman Kodak Company.

In addition to user-submitted images, the commemorative works will include images from an elite team of award-winning photojournalists led by David Hume Kennerly, a Pulitzer Prize; winner who served as official photographer for the Ford White House, and Bob McNeely, who served as President Clinton's official photographer.

 

"The election of Barack Obama showed the power of the individual voice in this digital age," said Matthew Naythons, president of Epicenter Communications. "This is truly the people's inauguration, and with this outreach to the public to submit their own photos and experiences, it will be the most inclusive Official Inaugural Book and Album ever created."

McNeely and Kennerly, who also serve as co-producers of the book project, will post daily behind-the-scenes photos and commentary from their personal coverage of the President-elect and his family during inaugural week, as will other assigned photographers from the project.