Politicians: The New Rock Stars?

By Hilary Schwab
Photographer
Hilary Schwab Photography

“We all just want to be a big rock star,” sings Nickelback. Does that apply to politicians? It could be. In the three decades that I have been taking photos of celebs and politicos here in Washington, DC, I’ve seen my share of prominent officials vying for the limelight.

My goal as a photojournalist, of course, is to capture the essence of these high-profile people as they appear in everyday life. So whether I’m shooting images for American University, Bethesda Life, or portraits of everyday folks who work at law firms and big and small corporations—I strive to cut through the pretense and snap that one moment in time that shows their true selves.

As Country music star Rodney Adkins (pictured above) sang at the National Adoption Council fundraiser at the Birchmere Music Hall last year, “I wanna live with no excuses, And love with no regrets, Take the bad with the good, And know I did my best.” From “Rockin’ of the Cradle.” Scroll down for more.


President Barack Obama

President George H.W. Bush

President George W. Bush

Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi

Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

Actress Candice Bergen and Activist Eleanor Smeal at the 2010 March for Women’s Lives


About Photographer Hilary Schwab

Hilary Schwab has been an editorial and event photographer in the DC area for nearly 30 years. She started out as a staff photographer for American University in 1986, and launched her freelance business in 1992.

In the last two decades, she has taken cover photos, portraits, and worked as a photojournalist for dozens of clients, including Bethesda Magazine, Crystal City Magazine, and Maryland Life Magazine. She also takes portraits and covers events at prominent PR firms, law firms, and real-estate agencies throughout the DC region.

View Hilary’s portfolio at www.hschwabphotography.com.