Chris Usher White House Photojournalist Finding A Different Angle by Tyrone Roblin Article rating: 6.86

Washington, DC is a powerful symbol not only of our nation but also of democracy and freedom.  The epicenter of many of today’s most important news stories and the place veteran photojournalist Chris Usher has called home for the past 14 years.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Usher graduated from the University of Indiana at Bloomington in 1988. After two internships (Louisville Courier-Journal, Miami Herald) and one staff position (Orlando Sentinel), he went freelance and moved to Washington, DC in 1990.

Usher’s work appears regularly in domestic and international monthly and weekly publications including Time, Newsweek, US News & World Report, Business Week, Der Spiegel, Sports Illustrated, and Life. Throughout his career, Usher has received numerous awards for his photography: Indiana College Photographer of the Year (1985 and 1986), the William Randolph Hearst Photojournalism Championship (1985 and 1986), POY (2000, 2001, 2003) WHNPA (2001, 2003), and an Eisenstaedt Award (2000) for his unique and controversial depiction of Clinton's post-acquittal speech.

In between assignments, Usher continues the project he began in 1999 -  “Behind the Velvet Rope” ( - a documentation of behind the scenes moments at the White House and on the road with the President; produces manipulated SX-70 Polaroids, and his latest project on Hawaiian sovereignty and homelessness - “Trouble in Paradise”.

Chris' Equipment:

Camera-
Nikon D2x
Leica M6
Mamiya 7
“Razzle” (Modified Polaroid 110b to 4x5)
Wisner Expedition 4x5
Speed Graphic 

Memory Card—
Lexar 2gb

Tripod—
Gitzo carbon fiber mountaineer with Slik ballhead and Sachtler quick release

Software-
Photo Mechanic
Adobe Photoshop CS

Camera Bag—
Chest Vest
Domke

Printer—
Epson P2000

Scanner—
Nikon LS5000

Color Management—
Adobe 1998

Point & Shoot—
Ricoh GR1

Cases—
Tenba Airmax
Lightware standbag
Halliburton

Lighting—
Balcar P

Computer—
Apple Powerbook G4

Storage—
Lacie HDs

Paper—
Kodak Rapid Dry Lustre

Ink-
Epson

Film—
Kodak Tri-X 160 NC
Kodak Tri-X 400NC

Meters—
Minolta Flashmeter III

>>Click here to read our interview with Chris Usher...

>>Click here to read Chris Usher's Tips & Techniques...