Remembering what is important
House Women’s Democratic Caucus standing on the steps of the Capitol during the opening day of Congress. Lisa Helfert
Women’s Democratic Caucus Photo
When I attended Women’s Democratic Caucus photo-op on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, I never thought events surrounding the gathering would make national news. For me, this was just a typical photo-op. On Thursday, the altering of the official photo of the House Democratic Women by “photoshopping” in four missing members, was the most read article on-line in the Washington Post. Papers from Maine to Nevada wrote stories. Photo District News even wrote an article today.
My memory of the real moment is something I enjoyed. I am guessing this is why Nancy Pelosi set aside the time for the photograph. For all the time I spend around politics and photographs set-up to embellish the ego, I must admit that my mind wandered to a place of respect for the moment as I stood in front of the Capitol. The country has come a long way to elect into office this many women coming from so many different backgrounds.
I am sharing this less than perfect image I took during the set-up time. The image shows the women just as they were then, a few missing, some not paying attention, several joyful, most of them shivering, some proud and I am sure a few wishing they could check their cell phones. The photo is less than perfect, but I still think the moment is special.
