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  Labour Day 1960  

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Uploaded: 07/11/13 2:04 PM GMT
Labour Day 1960
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I'm pretty sure that no one has ever seen this picture as I I always felt that the lighting was terrible, but never threw it out. It had a rather funny story associated with it. This was taken in a very large square in downtown Detroit, just two months before he became the President of the United States. He was speaking from a raised platform about 300 feet away, and the square was filled with thousands of United Auto Workers Union members. I knew beforehand that I wouldn't get in close, and had taken a rifle stock camera mount and 600mm lens with a 2X converter. After getting a few minutes of news film I unslung the gunstock with the Exacta VX SLR and the monster lens mounted, and attempted to raise it.That didn't happen as three Secret Service agents very politely began questioning me. I presented my press credentials and turned the camera and grip over to them for a full inspection. It was all over in about 2 minutes. Apparently they had been watching me for some time. Anyway, I took a couple of shots of Kennedy, but knew the lighting was terrible, switched lenses, took some crowd shots and spent most of an hour getting out of the crowd.

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::danika
07/11/13 2:34 PM GMT
An amazing story, Doug. I'm sure there were Secret Service agents by the hundreds & were doing their job of protecting a future President.

JFK looks like he is deep in thought or perhaps in prayer. To me the lighting is fine as the image tells a story. To see Kennedy in person ... even from a distance ... was truly a privilage. Even though I was in kindergarten when Kennedy was assassinated I've always wondered what would have been had he been able to serve 2 full terms. I'm sure you have many fond memories on Labour Day 1960. Thanks for sharing.
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I LOVE LABS!!!
::palral
07/11/13 2:35 PM GMT
That is one gloriously historical shot. The lighting might be off, but who gives a ____. I'm surprised there's no motion blur. If the Secret Service had questioned me and then were watching, I would have wet myself. Love the narrative as well.
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I may be schizophrenic, but at least I have each other.
::LakeMichigan
07/11/13 4:04 PM GMT
Great historical image Doug and yes a great story behind it. Glad you didn't toss it and decided to share it with us .
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I would travel only by horse, if I had the choice. ~ Linda McCartney ~
::Ramad
07/11/13 4:46 PM GMT
This is a rare and valuable shot of yours Doug. No wonder that secret service was watching you with all that equipment of yours. The lighting is a bit harsh but that doesn't matter in this case.
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Smooth seas do not make skilful sailors.
::trixxie17
07/11/13 4:49 PM GMT
Wow - this brought back some memories Doug. I remember my late father talking about seeing a Kennedy rally in downtown Peoria IL where we were living in 1960. I was 9 years old but I remember that campaign well. I like the shot very much and the lighting may not be balanced but it works in this left sided profile. I think the Kennedy Library may be interested in this image.
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. . . "What a desolate place would be a world without a flower! It would be a face without a smile, a feast without a welcome." A.J. Balfour
.icedancer
07/11/13 5:38 PM GMT
What a wonderful opportunity that was and so glad you showed us this great shot, he was a really good President
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Have a Beautiful Bright Day, Skates
::tigger3
07/11/13 8:15 PM GMT
This is a marvelous image of him, even with that lighting Doug, I'm so glad you decided to share it with us. I still remember so well the day I heard he had been shot, I was school at the time, and we went out to the flag pole, and saluted the flag. Tigs♥ =^..^=
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Nature in all her glory is my uplift on life and so is my love of photography. sandi ♪ ♫
.Starglow
07/11/13 11:48 PM GMT
Wonderful narrative and very fine photo of this great President.
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.Jhihmoac
07/12/13 3:47 AM GMT
Who knows what he was thinking? There was much going on in the world back then...

Nice BW rare capture...Faved...
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"Put up...or SHUT UP!" Visit Jhihmoac's Gallery
.picardroe
07/12/13 7:43 AM GMT
THIS IS A WONDERFUL PHOTO OF ONE OF THE BEST PRESIDENT IN THE US, HE DIED ON NOVEMBER 22 1963,IT WILL BE 50 YEARS NEX NOVEMBER,IT,S LIKE YESTERDAY. HAVE A NICE DAY.
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.0930_23
07/12/13 3:16 PM GMT
What a wonderful piece of history, Doug.
Your story is just as good as the photo. I think you have ink in your veins.

Tick

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People are like cameras--sometimes they lose focus.
::luckyshot
07/17/13 12:27 AM GMT
Doug - Maybe the lighting isn't perfect, but, a portrait of the president is special. Thad
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If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera. ~Lewis Hine The Earth without art is just 'eh'.
.Eubeen
07/25/13 2:02 AM GMT
A great narrative for the image Doug. A nice thoughtful pose.
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Sometimes the appropriate response to reality is to go insane. -- Philip K. Dick, Valis
::solita17
07/27/13 7:09 PM GMT
Never mind the lighting, it's a wonderful study of the soon-to-be president's face, a singular moment in time... Thanks for the memories. ;-)
mary
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"If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun." -- Katharine Hepburn

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