The ultimate insider's view of politics: Unique pictures captured by top senator who is a keen amateur photographer
For nearly four decades, Patrick Leahy has been providing a unique insider's look at the heart of the U.S. government.
As the longest-serving member of the Senate, he is well-placed to document the workings of American politics - and as a keen amateur photographer, he has always been keen to share his perspective with others.
The Vermont Democrat has published unusual photographs of many of the most significant historical events from the past 38 years.
Mr Leahy, 73, is often seen hovering in the background of important events with a camera, waiting to take pictures.
He stood near Barack Obama and Joe Biden during the presidential inauguration in January, and captured some uniquely intimate snaps from the grandiose national occasion.
In addition, he has photographed the President signing a number of major acts into law, including the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the America Invents Act, which Mr Leahy himself co-sponsored.
The senator was first elected in 1975, and became President pro tempore of the Senate in December last year.
He has been snapping away
throughout that time, but the rise of the internet has allowed him to
share his pictures with constituents more easily than ever before.
Mr Leahy distributes his photographs via Twitter and posts them all on his official website.
Although he has proven himself a natural at the art of photography, he did not have the most promising start - the senator is blind in one eye, but has not let his disability hold him back.
However, Mr Leahy is fairly modest about his talents - he insists his photography skills 'can't begin to match' those of his son-in-law Lawrence Jackson, who happens to be an official White House photographer.
The senator's hobby has become
famous among his fellow politicians, who often rely on him to capture
candid moments from high-profile gatherings.
At a White House party during the 2000s, George W. Bush was sipping from a cocktail while wearing a wacky Donald Duck hat - and Laura Bush turned to Mr Leahy saying, 'Pat, you must have a camera - take the picture!'
The veteran statesman also uses his photography for more practical purposes, capturing pictures of national disasters and landmine victims in a bid to urge his fellow senators to action.
Mr Leahy told USA Today: 'We have some members who would do anything to get in a picture. I'd rather take them. That's why I've gotten some very unique pictures.'
As the longest-serving member of the Senate, he is well-placed to document the workings of American politics - and as a keen amateur photographer, he has always been keen to share his perspective with others.
The Vermont Democrat has published unusual photographs of many of the most significant historical events from the past 38 years.
Over the shoulder: A picture by Patrick Leahy of Barack Obama signing the America Invents Act of 2011
Insider: The long-running statesman's image of Barack Obama's second inauguration this year
He stood near Barack Obama and Joe Biden during the presidential inauguration in January, and captured some uniquely intimate snaps from the grandiose national occasion.
In addition, he has photographed the President signing a number of major acts into law, including the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the America Invents Act, which Mr Leahy himself co-sponsored.
The senator was first elected in 1975, and became President pro tempore of the Senate in December last year.
Lining up: Mr Obama chuckles as he waits to be sworn in for a second time with Mr Leahy hovering behind
Positions: Markings showing where Mr Obama, Joe Biden and their wives should stand at the inauguration
Joke: America's top two leaders share a laugh ahead of taking their oaths of office during the inauguration
Mr Leahy distributes his photographs via Twitter and posts them all on his official website.
Although he has proven himself a natural at the art of photography, he did not have the most promising start - the senator is blind in one eye, but has not let his disability hold him back.
However, Mr Leahy is fairly modest about his talents - he insists his photography skills 'can't begin to match' those of his son-in-law Lawrence Jackson, who happens to be an official White House photographer.
Ceremony: The conductor leads the band in playing patriotic tunes at the inauguration
Reputation: Mr Leahy, the Senate's President pro tempore, is known by other politicians for his photography
Close: The senator once took a photo of Mr Biden which his wife Jill used as an anniversary present
At a White House party during the 2000s, George W. Bush was sipping from a cocktail while wearing a wacky Donald Duck hat - and Laura Bush turned to Mr Leahy saying, 'Pat, you must have a camera - take the picture!'
The veteran statesman also uses his photography for more practical purposes, capturing pictures of national disasters and landmine victims in a bid to urge his fellow senators to action.
Mr Leahy told USA Today: 'We have some members who would do anything to get in a picture. I'd rather take them. That's why I've gotten some very unique pictures.'
Experience: Mr Leahy has witnessed many of the past 38 years' major events close-up