In the early 1920s, when motion and still photographers started covering Washington newsmakers, the coverage was restricted and access to the business of government was limited. Even the speaker of the House of Representatives, Frederick Gillett, issued an order "denying photographers entry without written permission of the building superintendent." As a result, 17 camera and motion-picture photographers who covered the daily activities of the president and the White House organized the White House News Photographers Association on June 13, 1921. Recognition of the organization came immediately as President Warren Harding set aside the first pressroom for photographers. The rest of official Washington soon followed and permitted access to events. The WHNPA's main goal is to protect and promote photographers' interests in pursuing their mission. Since the beginning of the association, our members have been covering events and activities of major world importance, traveling with presidents, photographing royalty, diplomats and newsmakers. They have been at the forefront of video and photographic technology, and they have recorded some of the world's greatest moments. Through the years, many of these images have become part of history. We may not know the historic significance of the images captured today, but history will. We know that history can be forever changed in the split second that a photographer decides to press the shutter or start the camera rolling; it is the defining moment that blends art with information.
