BERNAMA PIXMAN IMPRESSED WITH ATTENTION TO DETAIL BY CLINTON'S TEAM

By Massita Ahmad

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- When US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton came to
town a few days ago, it turned out to be a valuable lesson and experience for
Bernama photographer Harry Salzman Abu Bakar.

Maybe it could not be compared to his experience during the Iraq War seven years
ago when he was a cameraman for Bernama TV, but for Harry Salzman, he felt that
the detailed preparations for America's highest-ranking diplomat ought to be
emulated by other leaders and officials who want to get the best out of their
pictures.

What was asked by the US officials and aides accompanying Clinton several
minutes before the picture-taking ceremony might seem minor but the attention to
detail had a wonderful effect: it enabled the pictures of their leader to be
more outstanding.

"As the only photographer from the official media entrusted for the task, I was
invited by the US officials to discuss about taking pictures of the former First
Lady of the United States.

"I was told of the colour of Secretary Clinton's clothing beforehand so that I
could make adequate preparations for the spatial lighting," said Harry Salzman
who was assigned to the signing ceremony of three agreements between Malaysia
and the US at the Prime Minister's Office here on Tuesday.

"The officials also asked me on the best standing position for the
handshakes, either facing the front or move slightly to the side, after Clinton had
signed the agreements.

"After I had agreed to the position that I wanted, the officials then marked on
the floor where Secretary Clinton should stand. The end result was that one
could see from the pictures taken of Clinton that she looked fit and smart
amidst the people around her," said the northern state of Perlis-born
photographer.

Harry Salzman said even the way she held the folder after the signing also
showed her appreciation for the ceremony and signalled that "it was a serious
business".

The photographer also witnessed how the Clinton officials placed great
importance on how the US "Stars and Stripes" flag should appear.

"A clothes hanger was used to prop it up from behind the flag so that it
appeared lively at the signing ceremony," he added.

In addition, the visitors' book and the documents to be signed had been marked
earlier to enable Clinton to know where exactly she should sign.

"This meant that there was no necessity for certain officials to be present
alongside the dignitaries. Even the curtain backdrop was given plenty of
attention. A dark coloured backdrop without any letterings or wordings on the
signing ceremony was preferred," said Harry Salzman.

The officials explained that they preferred a dark coloured backdrop as opposed
to a light-coloured or shiny one so that the spatial lighting would be more
accommodating to the camera, he said.

"Just imagine the attention to details accorded to their leader in
picture-taking alone," he said.

Harry Salzman said the same level of attention was also given to the replicas of
airplanes in the agreement signing between Malaysia Airlines and Pratt and
Whitney.

"I was asked where the replicas should be placed for better visual impact. After
I had indicated where, their positions were also marked on the table for the
replicas to be placed later when the time came for the signing ceremony."

Harry Salzman was also full of praise for Clinton for her gestures which were
appreciated by photographers.

"She looked very lively although the pictures were just still pictures. The way
she moved her hands, her broad smile and her gaze into the lenses made a lot of
difference.

"I hope other leaders and officials would be able to emulate the examples of
Clinton and her team although it may just be for taking pictures. Such pictures
have great impact.

"A picture tells a thousand words, ain't it so?" Harry Salzman said.
-- BERNAMA