Lucidon Amanda - Reach higher: an inspiring photo celebration of First Lady Michelle Obama

A First Lady is not elected. She immediately gets the job when her spouse is inaugurated as President of the United States. The Constitution doesnt define the responsibilities of the job, so its up to each First Lady to make the role her own. Although the First Lady doesnt get paid for her efforts, her work is extremely important to the country. The causes she champions, her interactions with the public, and her hosting of world leaders and their spouses help to shape each First Ladys legacy. Michelle Obama put her unique stamp on the role through her hard work, dedication, keen intelligence, commitment to family, and sense of humor. She led by example and became a role model and inspiration to our nation.

Martha Washington was the first first spouse. But Dolley Madison was the first presidential spouse to be referred to as First Lady. She had many years of practice in the role, first for eight years as a stand-in hostess for the widowed Thomas Jefferson, then for the two terms of her own husband, James Madison. Dolley was renowned for bringing people from various backgrounds and beliefs together, in addition to rescuing a famous portrait of George Washington when the White House was burned by the British during the War of 1812.

President and Mrs. Obama smile at each other as they walk from Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House. September 29, 2015

President and Mrs. Obama share a special moment in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House. This image has become one of the most widely shared photos of the First Couple. March 27, 2015

In January 2009, I was inspired to photograph Barack Obamas first inauguration as a member of the crowd. A few years later, I was surprised by a phone call from the Chief White House Photographer, Pete Souza, who invited me to become an official White House photographer covering President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. I felt so honored to have the opportunity to document the important personal and public moments of our first African American First Family!

John F. Kennedy was the first president to have a White House photographer. Since then, every president except Jimmy Carter has chosen a photographer to share important moments of the presidency.

Meeting Mrs. Obama for the first time was a blur. I was so excited and nervous. And as I watched other people meet her, some of them laughed, some cried, and some just covered their mouths in awe. Mrs. Obama met so many people all the time, but they were not used to meeting her. Witnessing these interactions made me realize that if I was going to do my job effectively, Id have to find a way to get comfortable in Mrs. Obamas presence.

This was the first time I met Mrs. Obama, in the Lower Cross Hall of the White House. Its not often that I find myself on the other side of the camera. I was so grateful that my fellow White House photographer Chuck Kennedy took a photo of this special moment. June 5, 2013

There was no routine day for a White House photographer. I covered meetings, speeches, performances, tapings, state visits, and travel, in the United States and abroad. It could be busy and exciting or slow and routinebut slow days could become busy at any minute. Even though I spent most of my time photographing Mrs. Obama, I also covered events with the President.

A certain phrase always stayed with me: The motorcade only waits for one personand its not you. Missing the motorcade or plane was my biggest fear. It could mean there would be no official photographs of an event. So I always made sure to be early.

Being a White House photographer allowed me to witness history in the making. I learned so much from the President and First Lady. I found inspiration in their leadership and humanity. It was an experience that changed my life.

My fellow White House photographer Lawrence Jackson photographed me waiting with the press pool for the arrival of President Xi Jinping of China and Madame Peng Liyuan during the State Arrival Ceremony. September 25, 2015