Johannesburg – Even the president enjoys a “selfie” or two.
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As reported by the NY Daily News (http://nydn.us/1kzubp2) AFP photographer Roberto Schmidt, who captured the photo of world leaders snapping a selfie at Nelson Mandela’s memorial service, is now speaking out about the image and insists Michelle Obama wasn’t really upset, despite the disapproving look in the photo.
Schmidt, who took the picture of President Obama posing for a selfie with Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt and British Prime Minister David Cameron, said “Photos can lie” and explained the background of the photo in a blog post, “The story behind that selfie.”
Based on the First Lady’s stern look in the photo, social media critiques ran rampant, judging Michelle Obama for her unimpressed look, and also the world leaders for partaking in a seemingly silly action at such an important event.
Schmidt says Michelle Obama had actually been joking and laughing with other dignitaries seated around her right before the picture was taken.
Schmidt admitted even he was surprised at how much attention his picture received, saying, “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.”
Despite the worldwide attention the one picture has garnered, he does regret the fact that the selfie scandal has garnered more attention than his colleagues’ work who were also photographing the historic event, and feels it has taken focus away from the real story – the importance of Mandela’s memorial.
What’s the fuss? Doesn’t everyone take selfies at a levaya?
she looks surprised how world leaders can engage in such child plays.
I’m if your a world leader in 2013 you should expect every single moment your being watched and should act accordingly. For everyone else we have the NSA!!