Last week, the nation’s eyes were focused on Jacksonville. News media outlets consisting of large and small converged on our town for the final debate before todays primary, and its clear that this Republican primary and general election are going to be close.  I had the unique opportunity to shoot this event for my client, The University of North Florida.  My main goal for this project was to show the student and faculty involvement with the many guests on campus.  My secondary goal was to capture images that show the historic nature of this event in relation to the UNF campus.

Satellite City

The CNN army transformed the Lazzara Performance Hall (the site of the debate) into an amazing set of light, shapes and color, and turned the student union into a media bee hive. (There were more iPhones, iPads and Macbook Pros than a shipping container from Foxcon)  With classes still on schedule for the day, the campus was a flurry of activity from the students and protestors gathered on the green, trying to get on camera in the background of Wolf Blitzers, “The Situation Room“.  There was security personel in their bright yellow shirts littering the entrances to the venues.  Reporters and satellite trucks set up in any free space on  campus doing what seemed like one continuous live interview.

No still photographers from any media outlet were allowed inLazzara during the debate. They were however allowed in for a short period, (about 10 minuets) after the candidates took the stage but before the debate started, which is appropriately called the “spray”, because they are all in the front row, spraying the candidates and anyone else within reach of their lenses with rapid fire, trying to get “The Shot”.  I, on the other hand had clearance to shoot during the entire debate, with a few small requirements:

1. I had to stay in one prearranged spot.  (No problem)

2. I had to wear black so that I blended in with the background. (Those that know me personally know that wearing black is part of my trademarked “look”)

My "Dress Shoes" Black on Black Vans

3.I had to be discrete and respectful of the audience. (Also not a problem, discreet is my middle name)

I took my spot on the balcony level of the auditorium, to the left of the stage, about 15 minuets before the start of the debate. I was all set up camera was ready, extra lenses and memory cards out, fresh batteries, in the camera, the iPad was up and running connected to the Eye-Fi card and ready to stream real-time photos to the UNF social media team.  As the audience was taking their seats a CNN staff member approached me with another man carrying a camera and camera bag, and says to me “this is David Kennerly.  He’s going to be shooting here with you.  You guys are a team so stick together” I thought that’s cool, I can share my spot with an amazing, well traveled, Pulitzer Prize winning photographer (as long as he doesn’t get in my way).  This arrangement worked out great, he stayed out of my way, I stayed out of his.  I learned that not only is he an accomplished photographer, but he is also a super nice guy.

David Hume Kennerly

As the debate wound down, the candidates headed over to the spin room to give their synopsis on the night’s events and why they thought their candidate did better than the others. I followed suit, packed up all my stuff and headed over there for a few more photos, but not before I got a few shots of Anderson Cooper and Wolf Blitzer together on stage for the start of “Anderson Cooper 360“.

CNN Dream Team

The Spin room was bustleing with activity, but emptied out and quieted down almost as fast as it filled up.  This left just three local Jacksonville news channels in extremely close quarters broadcasting the nights news from the balcony outside the spin room.  If it was a scene from “Anchor Man” the movie, there would have been some serious antics going on.

channel 4 and Channel 12 broadcasting together

All in all it was a great night.  I filled up a few 16GB memory cards to get all the shots I needed.  I packed well, using all the equipment I brought and carried on my back (it was heavy no joke). I got out of there before midnight but was pretty wound up from all the caffeine and excitement.  Thanks to the PR staff from CNN who gave me the access I needed to create the photos that I created.  Additionally, a special Thank you to Cathy Cole and the whole Marketing and Publications Department at The University of North Florida for recognizing my talent and seeking me out for this amazing shoot.