The White House 2023 — Official Portrait & Event Photography in Washington, DC

The White House 2023 – Presidential & Institutional Photography in Washington, DC
Editorial and ceremonial visual storytelling by CreeseWorks

Overview

In 2023, CreeseWorks was commissioned to capture both formal portraits and event coverage at The White House. The assignment required both quiet precision in portraiture and dynamic adaptability during official functions and ceremonies.

Client Goals

  • Generate dignified, high-resolution portraits fitting institutional standards.

  • Document events, ceremonies, and behind-the-scenes moments.

  • Provide assets for press, and archival records.

The Challenge

  • Extremely tight security protocols and access limitations.

  • Balancing the formality of the venue with spontaneous candid moments.

  • Managing dynamic lighting within heavily staged and historic interiors and exteriors.

Our Approach: The WORKS Method™

W – Widen the Vision Honor the institution. Understood the gravitas and public trust associated with White House imagery.
O – Optimize the Scene Use architectonic framing. Leveraged grand hallways, windows, portrait alcoves, and symmetry in composition.
R – Refine the Story Show leadership through expression. Captured informative glances, poised obligations, and personal moments.
K – Keep It Human Humanize ceremonial settings. Sought connection even in formal contexts — soft gestures, micro-expressions.
S – Show the Legacy Balanced power and relatability. Delivered images that communicate continuity, leadership, and public service.

Technical Execution

  • Gear: High-resolution full-frame and aps-c bodies with super telephoto and prime lenses (23mm, 200-600mm)

  • Lighting: Stage and ambient fill light tailored to historic interiors/exteriors

  • Post: Crisp retouching with presidential tonality and color harmony

  • Delivery: Priority turnaround with press-ready files delivered within the hour of the event concluding

Results & Impact

  • A full suite of portraits and event images now used by The Black Wall Street Times

  • Broad media use across national press outlets

  • Client testimony on exceeding expectations of institutional photography standards

Why It Matters

This assignment underscores CreeseWorks’ capacity to perform under the highest institutional expectations in Washington DC, producing imagery that carries weight, sophistication, and narrative.

About CreeseWorks

CreeseWorks is a Washington DC-based creative studio led by Christopher Creese, specializing in commercial editorial photography, institutional narratives, and curated portraiture. Our work has been recognized in national media such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.

Hire CreeseWorks

Let’s tell your story with authority and nuance.
📧 christopher@creeseworks.com
🌐 www.creeseworks.com
📸 @creeseworks

CreeseWorks provides high-end photography services in Washington DC and nationwide, working with government agencies, nonprofits, and institutional clients to deliver timeless visual storytelling.

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