By Central Michigan University Photojournalism Students

Leah Erber

20130205leah_mug-60Bio: Leah Erber is a student at Central Michigan University majoring in Photojournalism. She will graduate in May 2013 after completing classes and a current internship with the Special Olympics of Michigan. At her internship, she loves planning and interacting with the athletes at the events. She is interested in all types of photography including studio and event. She hopes to one day be an event photographer for a non-profit organization.

Experience: Going to Washington D.C. to shoot the Presidential Inauguration was a once in a lifetime experience for me. When we were planning the trip, I knew that not going was not an option and I had to figure out a way to finance the trip. I felt it was very important for my experience as a photographer to be at such a large national news event. Previous to going, I was always a bit shy when it came to grabbing names and quotes for captions of photos. I lost that nervousness when I arrived. I was able to approach people without fear and found that a majority of the attendees were more then happy to provide information. Overall, it was great to add to my personal photography experience and it will make it easier for me to shoot large events in the future.

Jill Painter (left) and Kim LaDerek (right), of Highpoint, North Carolina and Buffalo, New York, respectively, are sisters who traveled to Washington D.C. just for the presidential inauguration. They are shown waving to the CNN camera as they watch the live broadcast that is occurring. This is the fourth inauguration that they have attended together.

Jill Painter, left, and Kim LaDerek of Highpoint, North Carolina and Buffalo, New York, respectively, wave to the CNN camera as they watch the live broadcast. They are sisters who traveled to Washington D.C. for the inauguration. This is their fourth inauguration they have attended together.

Many groups of students showed up bright and early Monday morning in order to reserve a good spot to watch the inauguration. They slept in large groups trying to keep warm in the freezing weather.

Many groups of students showed up bright and early January 21, 2013 in order to reserve a good spot to watch the inauguration. They slept in large groups trying to keep warm in the freezing weather.

Barack Obama supporters gathered early Monday morning for the President's Inauguration. Attendees braved freezing weather in order to reserve a spot to see the President be sworn in for his second term.

Barack Obama supporters gathered early monday morning for the Presidential Inauguration. Attendees braved freezing weather in order to reserve a spot to see the President sworn in for his second term.

Thousands gathered Monday morning for Barack Obama's presidential inauguration. In the section where admission was free, flags were handed out to the crowd so that everyone could express their excitement.

Thousands gathered Monday morning for Barack Obama’s Presidential Inauguration. Flags were handed out to the crowd so everyone could express their excitement.

Tara Bettis and Keyonte Collins of Georgia play around while waiting for the 2013 inauguration to begin on Monday, Jan. 21. They traveled with Parabise Bettis (pictured in background) just for the event. "It's important to be here to witness this kind of history," said Tara Bettis.

Tara Bettis, left, and Keyonte Collins of Georgia share a laugh while waiting for the 2013 inauguration to begin on January 21, 2013. They traveled with Parabise Bettis (background) just for the event. “It’s important to be here to witness this kind of history,” said Bettis.

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