Matthew Cavanaugh

Veteran White House Photographer Captures Wedding Moments

I am a Western Mass. based freelance photographer, specializing in weddings, events and editorial work. Prior to coming home to “The Valley” in 2010, I lived in Washington, DC. I spent 6 years as a member of the White House press corps . I was lucky enough to document a lot of historic events, including the election and inauguration of President Obama. My work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, TIME magazine, and The Atlantic.

A few possibly interesting facts about me:
I’ve photographed many U.S. presidents, but my wife wants me to tell you that I’ve also photographed Brittney Spears, Rhianna, Elton John, Nicole Kidman, Norman Mailer, and Angelina Jolie.

My first full-time job in photography was at The Cape Codder newspaper in Orleans, Massachusetts. I shot mostly B&W film in those days.

I got a C in photography at West Springfield High School (and my uncle taught the class.)

I once got a bird to land in my hand, on camera, inside the U.S. Capitol. CNN got the footage and interviewed me about the bird.

I was pranked by the Air Force One crew the first (and only) time I flew on it.