Senator Patrick Leahy is the most senior member of the U.S. Senate -- and he also may be its most devoted photographer. Leahy is rarely seen on Capitol Hill without his camera, and he brings it along wherever he travels.
Few photojournalists have his access to national and world leaders behind the scenes. He also enjoys making portraits of everyday people, especially those who live in remote, sometimes dangerous places.
When Sen. Leahy’s 11th photo show reached Catamount Arts in St. Johnsbury in August, I followed him around at the opening reception and recorded his running commentary on the pictures. Photojournalist Herb Swanson also documented the event. The gallery of onlookers were sometimes chatty as Leahy dished out some inside scoop. We present here an edited version of the hour-long presentation.
Disclosure: Herb Swanson is married to Charlotte Albright.