Photographing the person, not the title

 

Maine Governor Janet Mills
© Brian Fitzgerald

One of my favorite projects this past year has been covering the campaign of Maine Governor Janet Mills as she ran for re-election against challenger, former Gov. Paul LePage.   Maine’s first female governor (elected in 2018), Mills faced the Covid pandemic and the resulting, ongoing economic and health impacts.  

I was fortunate enough to accompany her on a visit to her hometown of Farmington, ME, to a child care center, a health clinic, and other locations around Maine.   In the process I met her family and  photographed Maine Senator Angus King, himself a former Maine governor.   

Being on set with the governor for several days over several months,  I was able to see Mills for extended periods of time—when the camera and lights were on but mostly when they weren’t—capturing the kinds of unguarded moments I tried hard to find as a photojournalist.   It was great to catch a glimpse of the person and not just the politician.    It was a good reminder of something I try to keep in mind no matter who I’m working with:  photograph the person, not the title.   

The results, I hope, tell a more complete story of Janet Mills, the person.  It was certainly fun to see the reactions of Mainers and visitors alike when they met her in our travels.   

 

Maine Governor Janet Mills
© Brian Fitzgerald

 

Maine Governor Janet Mills
© Brian Fitzgerald

 

Maine Governor Janet Mills
© Brian Fitzgerald

 

Maine Governor Janet Mills
© Brian Fitzgerald

 

Maine Governor Janet Mills
© Brian Fitzgerald
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