The Williams J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University hosted a conversation with White House photojournalist and author, Christy Bowe, on February 28, 2025 at 6 p.m.

Bowe just celebrated the release of her latest book, “History in the Making: A Focus on Five U.S. Presidents,” which captures her images working for the White House during the presidencies of Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden. The conversation began with the acknowledgement and appreciation for Stockton’s own photojournalist, Susan Allen, who made the event possible.

The Dean for the School of Arts and Humanities, Dr. Ian Marshall, extended his gratitude for Allen and Bowe, as he described their work to be vital, especially in a male dominated field. As described by Dr. Marshall, their work has the “ability to bring us into the moment.” He recognized that photojournalism is a job that requires a precise ability to observe and predict the photo that will define the story. Following his acknowledgements, he then handed the stage over to Bowe, who began with a welcoming speech. 

“News is history in the making,” she described, as her photos have the ability to both the capture history of and humanize the presidents. She emphasized these human moments, concentrating on what made each of the five presidents she has been able to work for unique and grounded. Some of these moments were of President Obama after he learned he was the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, and former President Biden during one his last bill signings. She described the meaningfulness of this moment, as he handed the one and only pen during a gun control bill to Kamala Harris, stating, “here kid, keep this going.”

Bowe explained how she loves photographing presidents together because no one else in the world except them know what being the leader of the United States is like except for one another. “You can really see the personalities of the presidents when they’re joking around or having tender moments,” she described. 

Following her speech, a video presentation of her photos premiered, displaying highlights from inaugurations, several Medal of Honor ceremonies including the one for Muhammad Ali as he battled Parkinson’s disease, and even vulnerable moments like President Obama crying for the families of Sandy Hook victims.

These photos transitioned into a conversation with the moderator and Head of Research at the William J. Hughes Center, Alyssa Maurice. She asked Bowe several questions, such as what jumpstarted her pursuit in her career. She described a cross country trip that she took with friends, where she captured pictures on film.

“Nothing looked like what I saw” she described, “I wanted people to be able to see what I see.” Ever since this moment, not only has her career been incredibly successful, but also dangerous. She experienced events where it was dangerous to work for the media, such as the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Cameras were smashed and set on fire, and rioters targeted her. She then presented photographs from this day before she was forced to flee, stop photographing, and continue to safety. 

Bowe believes in a push for comprehensive action regarding the restriction of media reporters, journalists, and photographers, suggesting for anyone who wants to start out in the field to begin with smaller independent papers or even just starting to take pictures of candidacy. Her work allows for documentation of moments that define the nation and provides access to moments that may change our lives.