In August 2009, Academy visual arts instructor, John McKaig was in the right place and the right time to take a snapshot that was immediately sought after by major media outlets.
While McKaig was working at Martha’s Vineyard, President Obama arrived at the golf course. “The secret service guys were not letting the regular press photographers past the entrance to the club property, so the only people taking photos were me and some folks with cell phone cameras,” said McKaig.
His photography background and skills helped McKaig seize the opportunity with an up-close photograph of President Obama. After the President was out on the course, the Secret Service finally let the press photographers onto the property.
“Some members of the press asked if anyone had any photos of the President, so I gave them my memory card from my camera and they asked to use the ones that I shot,” McKaig said. McKaig’s shot was selected by the Associated Press and featured in three national newspapers, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and USA Today.
This is not the first time that McKaig’s work has been featured in national publications. One of his photos was published in the New York Times in 1994. Also, many of his live band shots have been published in numerous music magazines over the years including, Revolver, Guitar Magazine, Alternative Press, Chord Magazine and Outburn Magazine.
When asked what it was like to be so close to the President of the United States, McKaig said, “The President was very calm and easy-going. My sense was that he just wanted to enjoy a relaxing round of golf with some friends.”