Private Album
A digital slide show by Sergeant Serge Gouin, official photographer (2007–2010)
Being an official photographer at Rideau Hall, following all our activities, is no small task. It requires good technical training and an excellent understanding of capturing the appropriate image, whether at a public event, a meeting with heads of State, the presentation of decorations to extraordinary people, ceremonies at Rideau Hall for the Order of Canada or artists receiving prestigious awards, or when greeting the people we welcome to Rideau Hall or meet across the country. It also requires unfailing physical stamina to accompany us non-stop in a variety of situations, from the most festive to the most tragic, around the world during our State visits, sharing our enthusiasm, fatigue and strongest emotions.
The official photographer is there, closest to us and to all those we go out to meet. He shares our joys and our sorrows, and our most private moments. In general, the requirements of official photography leave very little or no space for the personal expression of the photographer, who is required to be as objective and neutral as possible. The photographs in Sergeant Serge Gouin’s personal album have not been seen on the Governor General’s official Website; they speak of us, they reveal the emotions we feel behind appearances, they show a smile, a moment of happiness, a tear, despair, a moment of doubt, a worry, a hope.
Thank you, Serge, for sharing this private album. And thank you to all the other Canadian Forces photographers who have supported and accompanied us during these past five years at Rideau Hall.
Michaëlle Jean and Jean-Daniel Lafond
Rideau Hall
June 15, 2010