In the Press Pit

I couldn't believe that I managed to get this shot, it was almost impossible to follow them through the crowd. I was being jostled by the proper Press (I was support staff with Access All Areas), and the entire of conference was rushing towards Gordon Brown to try to shake his hand. It was incredible.

Such a great day but hugely stressful. I shot the speech but also had to shoot the PM with all of the newly selected Parliamentary candidates, whilst being told to hurry up because the PM was running late. It all turned out good though, and he is a really nice man. I haven't met him before but I know from friends in the Party that he is lovely. And he really is. He's kind too.

Going through my photos it struck me how much the press take advantage of his sight impairment to get shots of him looking dark and dour to paint the 'Doom is Gordon Brown' picture. He is blind in one eye which makes that eye look a little flat for want of a better word, and he obviously has trouble seeing what is around him, causing him to squint to try to see better. Shots of him doing that make him look like he's plotting something nasty and those are the shots that end up in the press. When he smiles he actually really genuine and looks like a decent bloke. He gave a great speech. It's been such a great conference.

More backblips as I catch up.