Legendary Times photographer George Tames poignantly captures President Kennedy in the Oval Office, seemingly bearing the weight of the world on his shoulders, just three weeks after his inauguration. This photo’s original caption said, “‘Awaiting the arrival of French Ambassador Hervé Alphand, the President — as is his habit — snatches a moment to read an official document, leaning over the table.’”
Tames spent a full day in and around the White House on Feb. 10, 1961, and 22 of his images appeared nine days later in The Times Magazine in a photo essay titled, “A Day With John F. Kennedy.” “The Loneliest Job” is one of Tames's most widely known photographs and was the result of his unique vantage point.
"With startling informality and rapid tempo the Chief Executive moved through formal appointments, informal and unannounced meetings, staff conferences, sheaves of paperwork and numerous telephone calls," The Times Magazine reported.
George Tames (1919-1994) chronicled 10 Presidents, from Franklin D. Roosevelt to George Bush. He had a deep affection for Kennedy and he would write in his memoir, "Eye on Washington," published in 1990, "Mine was an unofficial role in his political kingdom, that of jokester and bringer of news, rumors and spicy Capitol Hill gossip as I photographed Kennedy and an inner court peopled by a young, eager, efficient, starry-eyed and loyal staff. They and I and millions of other Americans believed in the magic of a man blessed with a special grace of mind and action. He gave us hope. And to this very day, whenever I hear a tune from "Camelot," I feel a special loss from a dream and for a friend."
