Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

The Story Behind "That Selfie" (Photographer "sad" he made Obama look bad)
AFP ^ | Wednesday, December 11, 2013 | Roberto Schmidt

Posted on 12/11/2013 6:41:47 AM PST by kristinn

SNIP

The atmosphere was totally relaxed – I didn’t see anything shocking in my viewfinder, president of the US or not. We are in Africa.

I later read on social media that Michelle Obama seemed to be rather peeved on seeing the Danish prime minister take the picture. But photos can lie. In reality, just a few seconds earlier the first lady was herself joking with those around her, Cameron and Schmidt included. Her stern look was captured by chance.

I took these photos totally spontaneously, without thinking about what impact they might have. At the time, I thought the world leaders were simply acting like human beings, like me and you. I doubt anyone could have remained totally stony faced for the duration of the ceremony, while tens of thousands of people were celebrating in the stadium. For me, the behaviour of these leaders in snapping a selfie seems perfectly natural. I see nothing to complain about, and probably would have done the same in their place. The AFP team worked hard to display the reaction that South African people had for the passing of someone they consider as a father. We moved about 500 pictures, trying to portray their true feelings, and this seemingly trivial image seems to have eclipsed much of this collective work.

SNIP

It was interesting to see politicians in a human light because usually when we see them it is in such a controlled environment. Maybe this would not be such an issue if we, as the press, would have more access to dignitaries and be able to show they are human as the rest of us.

I confess too that it makes me a little sad we are so obsessed with day-to-day trivialities, instead of things of true importance.

(Excerpt) Read more at blogs.afp.com ...


TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; Front Page News; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: allthisforadamnfag; classless; mandela; maybealittlebloooooo; obama; prdisaster; selfie; selfish; thephoto
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-80 ... 121-122 next last
To: kristinn
"without thinking about what impact they might have"

the lib anthem, right there in a nutshell.

21 posted on 12/11/2013 6:55:51 AM PST by SparkyBass
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: kristinn
Her stern look was captured by chance.

Funny how she always has that stern look though....

22 posted on 12/11/2013 6:57:44 AM PST by Rummyfan (Iraq: it's not about Iraq anymore, it's about the USA!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: VRWCarea51

BTW, another one of those pictures actually contains a shot of ValJar - one of the few we ever get to see.


23 posted on 12/11/2013 6:59:22 AM PST by canuck_conservative
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies]

To: moovova

Yup. He sure as heck doesn’t need any help. Not to mention the a$$ whoopin’ he probably got from the head wookie after the ceremony. Looked like she was ready to rip that wig hat off the Danish PM’s head. But hey, the “lyin’ king” can’t help it if he’s so suave and debonair. NOT! But according to joe biteme he’s articulate and speaks well. Not like some.......... Well we know what joe was really thinking.


24 posted on 12/11/2013 7:00:44 AM PST by rktman (Under my plan(scheme), the price of EVERYTHING will necessarily skyrocket! Period.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: kristinn
I doubt anyone could have remained totally stony faced for the duration of the ceremony, while tens of thousands of people were celebrating in the stadium.

I'm not all that surprised. There are some photo-ops when Michelle is smiling, but it seems like most of the time when she doesn't know the camera is on her, she's frowning.

25 posted on 12/11/2013 7:00:54 AM PST by Marko413
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: kristinn
Kenyan Senator's Nelson Mandela Photo Busted As Obvious Fake
26 posted on 12/11/2013 7:01:00 AM PST by Berlin_Freeper
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: kristinn

Herr Schmidt trying to avoid an anal audit from der furher.

Ach du lieber Gott!! I’m innocent, Himmler...uh...Holder.


27 posted on 12/11/2013 7:01:02 AM PST by sergeantdave
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: 1_Rain_Drop

“Wouldn’t mourning be a more appropriate word?”

He was a communist and a terrorist. Mourning is wrong, celebration is right.


28 posted on 12/11/2013 7:01:11 AM PST by BarnacleCenturion
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: rktman

“But sir, no one worries about offending droids when they take selfies with their husbands!”


29 posted on 12/11/2013 7:01:48 AM PST by MrB (The difference between a Humanist and a Satanist - the latter admits whom he's working for)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: Rummyfan

Ditto! —— on the stern look. Or change it to “angry look”.


30 posted on 12/11/2013 7:03:14 AM PST by Exit148
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies]

To: MrB

Droid rights! No offending droids.


31 posted on 12/11/2013 7:03:38 AM PST by rktman (Under my plan(scheme), the price of EVERYTHING will necessarily skyrocket! Period.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 29 | View Replies]

To: kristinn

someone has obviously told the guy he is dead meat and he is trying to unring the bell

I say he did the free world a huge favor by exposing this barak for the selfish narcissist he is.


32 posted on 12/11/2013 7:04:27 AM PST by yldstrk (My heroes have always been cowboys)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: kristinn

Right. That’s his story and he’s sticking to it.


33 posted on 12/11/2013 7:05:12 AM PST by ruesrose (The Anchor Holds)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Texas Eagle

Fake sign language interpreter?


34 posted on 12/11/2013 7:05:49 AM PST by autumnraine (America how long will you be so deaf and dumb to thoe tumbril wheels carrying you to the guillotine?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies]

To: Quality_Not_Quantity

why not? Most of them are selfish little peacocks strutting around wondering if they are sexy.

stupid men. keep it zipped up. Your children are watching and hoping for better from you


35 posted on 12/11/2013 7:06:29 AM PST by yldstrk (My heroes have always been cowboys)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: Servant of the Cross

At the moment Obama was taking his selfie, George W. Bush and Laura were sitting quietly in the upper deck, chatting with some Asian fellow in the neighboring seat.


36 posted on 12/11/2013 7:08:41 AM PST by Buckeye McFrog
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Travis McGee

I’ll bet the citizen will get a visit from the IRS.


37 posted on 12/11/2013 7:10:21 AM PST by Gamecock (There are not just two ways to respond to God but three: irreligion, religion, and the gospel. (TK))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: canuck_conservative

we are calling it “the selfie”


38 posted on 12/11/2013 7:10:43 AM PST by yldstrk (My heroes have always been cowboys)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: autumnraine
Fake sign language interpreter?

You hadn't heard?

Oh, you're in for a treat....

Stunning Allegation About One of the Most Visible People on Stage at Mandela Funeral

39 posted on 12/11/2013 7:10:46 AM PST by Texas Eagle (If it wasn't for double-standards, Liberals would have no standards at all -- Texas Eagle)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 34 | View Replies]

To: Travis McGee

“I’m sorry for making Dear Leader look bad.”

Isn’t it strange how all these people jump to cover for this POS? I’t never obamaramadingdongs fault or responsibilty for anything, yet he is always there to take credit for the accomplishments of others.


40 posted on 12/11/2013 7:13:29 AM PST by Mastador1 (I'll take a bad dog over a good politician any day!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-80 ... 121-122 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson