Top Pic of the Week: Tom Brenner

Congratulations to our Top Pic of the Week, Tom Brenner. Let's learn more about the production of his photos.

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[caption id="attachment_43662" align="aligncenter" width="523"] Along a highway leading into Paradise, California. I was riding at about 50mph in the President’s motorcade. his was shot in a burst of photos as the President was driving into Paradise, California to observe the damage caused by the deadly wildfires in late 2018. These kids were on the side of the road with an American flag, but had to wear masks due to the poor air quality in the area as a result of the fires. Canon 1Dx mk. II | Canon 70-200mm[/caption]

What is it about political photography that speaks to you?

I enjoy the thought of a (potentially) different set of events occurring within a fixed space I am comfortable and familiar with. Politics are a talking point that everyone can discuss and interact with. The political photo world is also an educational one, as I have the ability to virtually see everything captured by my colleagues at the end of the day online.

What gear do you currently use?

I currently use a Canon 1DX, Canon 5D Mark II and a 5D Mark IV. I’m generally using a 24-70mm and a 70-200, with the occasional use of a 40, 135, and 400mm lenses, respectively.

 

[caption id="attachment_43657" align="aligncenter" width="446"] The Colonnades walkway at the White House | This is a famous area that spans the perimeter of the White House Rose Garden. This was captured as the President and First Lady were finished posing for photos together before entering the Oval Office.Canon 1Dx mk. II | Canon 70-200mm with a 1.4x Extender.[/caption]

How long have you been a taking photos? Are there other genres you enjoy shooting?

I have been shooting roughly for the past eight years or so, including attending RIT for Photojournalism, as well as going into my fourth year working full-time here in Washington, D.C. Outside of politics, I enjoy the occasional sporting event.

 How would you describe your photographic style?

Quirky, cheeky, hard-cropped, and humorous.

[caption id="attachment_43659" align="aligncenter" width="417"] Palm Beach International Airport tarmac in West Palm Beach, Florida | This was shot as the President was greeting supporters following his arrival in West Palm Beach, Florida. Canon 1DX mk. II | Canon 24-70mm.[/caption]

What advice or tips would you give to other photographers regarding finding their style?

Look at more photo books. I had a school-funded library full of classic photo books, to which I hardly made time for as a student.

 What gear are you hoping to add to your collection?

A proper flash kit.

[caption id="attachment_43660" align="aligncenter" width="543"] The House Judiciary Committee Hearing Room on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.. This is where regular committee hearings take place on a regular basis. I had heard two congress members arguing over a partisan subject matter weather or not to subpoena White House Official Kellyanne Conway. The image shown was Congressman Jim Jordan, of Ohio, looking to his right as Chairman Elijah Cummings, of Maryland argues with Congressman Mark Meadows, not pictured of North Carolina. I was attending the meeting on the floor where I captured the image(s). Canon 5D mk. IV | Canon 135mm[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_43663" align="aligncenter" width="344"] The Washington Monument is seen eclipsed in the background as visitors walk along the west side of the the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, U.S., July 3, 2019. REUTERS/Tom Brenner[/caption]