Photographer Lawrence Jackson’s top photos from Vice President Kamala Harris’ first 100 days in office

_V20210121LJ-0032_3000x1688 — Vice President Kamala Harris (left), joined by second gentleman Doug Emhoff (right), arrives at her office on Jan. 21, her first full day at the White House. Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson

By Parker Owens

April 29, 2021

Photographer Lawrence Jackson has covered huge events from the Scripps National Spelling Bee to the Super Bowl, and he even served as the only Black photographer under the Barack Obama administration. He is adding another major moment to his portfolio with a front-row seat to history as the official White House photographer for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Jackson captured the first 100 days of Harris in office and shared his top images with The Undefeated.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, Jackson got his start at James Madison University, where he was introduced to photojournalism by his professor Tommy Thompson. He started shooting pictures for James Madison’s The Breeze newspaper and is now in the spotlight as the photographer for the first woman, and the first Black woman and South Asian American, to serve as vice president of the United States.

“These pictures will be a part of history – her story – in history books and libraries,” Jackson told The Undefeated via email. “So I keep my head down and do the work and hope after four years I’ve done her vice presidency a service.”

Jackson’s biggest goal is to make sure that he gets it right and that he captures the full story behind Harris’ tenure as vice president. He makes sure that his approach remains consistent and that he stays true to the moment.

“I always try and get to the emotion of the event or story,” Jackson said. “If there’s no emotion, I look for the information of the story or event. If there’s no emotion or information, I try to make an aesthetically pleasing picture – something that catches the eye for a moment.”

Here are Jackson’s top images from Harris’ first 100 days in office as vice president, captioned in his voice.

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I was relegated to a seat on the platform for the inauguration, which prevented me from seeing her face for the swearing-in. It bummed me out. But there's no such thing as small assignments – only small photographers. Afterward, as I was editing the day's pictures, I kept getting drawn back to this one, which includes her husband Doug Emhoff (left). It has great light with beautiful colors. And it’s historic: The first time a woman was being sworn in as vice president of the United States. Plus, I don't think anyone else quite got this angle, so it feels unique. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)

I was relegated to a seat on the platform for the inauguration, which prevented me from seeing her face for the swearing-in. It bummed me out. But there's no such thing as small assignments – only small photographers. Afterward, as I was editing the day's pictures, I kept getting drawn back to this one, which includes her husband Doug Emhoff (left). It has great light with beautiful colors. And it’s historic: The first time a woman was being sworn in as vice president of the United States. Plus, I don't think anyone else quite got this angle, so it feels unique. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)
This is the moment that the American Rescue Plan, the administration’s first big priority, was passed by legislation. In politics, nothing is ever assured until the final vote on a bill. The president, vice president and senior staff were waiting in the Roosevelt Room for the final gavel – and then the vote was called. The bill passed! What I love about this picture is the energy and joy captured in this instant. It's been nice to watch President Joe Biden (left) and Vice President Kamala Harris (right) work together. She supports him very much the same way Biden supported President Barack Obama. She's the last person to leave the room after a big meeting to share her opinion with the president or get feedback on how it went. And, I think, his perspective of being a vice president for eight years helps her be a better partner because he knows that role inside and out. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)

This is the moment that the American Rescue Plan, the administration’s first big priority, was passed by legislation. In politics, nothing is ever assured until the final vote on a bill. The president, vice president and senior staff were waiting in the Roosevelt Room for the final gavel – and then the vote was called. The bill passed! What I love about this picture is the energy and joy captured in this instant. It's been nice to watch President Joe Biden (left) and Vice President Kamala Harris (right) work together. She supports him very much the same way Biden supported President Barack Obama. She's the last person to leave the room after a big meeting to share her opinion with the president or get feedback on how it went. And, I think, his perspective of being a vice president for eight years helps her be a better partner because he knows that role inside and out. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)
What I love about this photo is how boss she looks. I'd have to look up what meeting it was, but I knew when I saw the reflection – along with the hand and feet gestures – I had to try and make a picture out of this. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)

What I love about this photo is how boss she looks. I'd have to look up what meeting it was, but I knew when I saw the reflection – along with the hand and feet gestures – I had to try and make a picture out of this. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)
We are headed down to Florida for a day trip touring a vaccination site run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency on March 22. When comparing things between the president and vice president, everything is a bit smaller – the plane, the housing – as it should be. It also includes the staff. I chose this photo because it represents the staff doing its job to keep the vice president briefed and ready for what's coming next. I work with a great bunch of people who take on the challenge of "small but mighty." (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)

We are headed down to Florida for a day trip touring a vaccination site run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency on March 22. When comparing things between the president and vice president, everything is a bit smaller – the plane, the housing – as it should be. It also includes the staff. I chose this photo because it represents the staff doing its job to keep the vice president briefed and ready for what's coming next. I work with a great bunch of people who take on the challenge of "small but mighty." (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)
Tender moments! The best part of this job is that the vice president ignores me 99% of the time. There have been moments where the second gentleman (Doug Emhoff, right) stops by and they have a moment alone. I always try and get something quick before giving them their space. This one in her office seemed to be especially tender and felt like no one else was in the room except the two of them. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)

Tender moments! The best part of this job is that the vice president ignores me 99% of the time. There have been moments where the second gentleman (Doug Emhoff, right) stops by and they have a moment alone. I always try and get something quick before giving them their space. This one in her office seemed to be especially tender and felt like no one else was in the room except the two of them. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)
When Vice President Kamala Harris (right) swore in Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg (left) – the first openly gay Cabinet secretary – it was the tender moment shared by him and his husband, Chasten Buttigieg (center). You can tell how much the historic moment meant to her. The vice president is a hugger, but because of the pandemic, she has had to practice social distancing. So in place of a hug, she put her hand over her heart. I've seen a lot of people say to her, "You're making history. I'm so proud of you." She quickly reminds them that she didn't get here on her own and that "we are all doing this together." (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)

When Vice President Kamala Harris (right) swore in Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg (left) – the first openly gay Cabinet secretary – it was the tender moment shared by him and his husband, Chasten Buttigieg (center). You can tell how much the historic moment meant to her. The vice president is a hugger, but because of the pandemic, she has had to practice social distancing. So in place of a hug, she put her hand over her heart. I've seen a lot of people say to her, "You're making history. I'm so proud of you." She quickly reminds them that she didn't get here on her own and that "we are all doing this together." (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)
President Joe Biden jokes that when Vice President Kamala Harris (right) votes, "We win." Such is the duty of the vice president – the tiebreaker vote in the Senate. She's cast more votes in her three months in office than former Vice President Mike Pence and Biden combined. But she's right at home in the Senate because of her time representing the state of California for four years. What I love about this picture is it’s two historymakers – the vice president and Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock (left) – in her ceremonial office just off the Senate floor. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)

President Joe Biden jokes that when Vice President Kamala Harris (right) votes, "We win." Such is the duty of the vice president – the tiebreaker vote in the Senate. She's cast more votes in her three months in office than former Vice President Mike Pence and Biden combined. But she's right at home in the Senate because of her time representing the state of California for four years. What I love about this picture is it’s two historymakers – the vice president and Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock (left) – in her ceremonial office just off the Senate floor. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)
There are a lot of firsts for Kamala Harris as vice president. Some of the simple ones I find are the best. Like seeing her office for the first time or riding on Marine Two from Joint Base Andrews, where the government planes reside, to her residence at the Naval Observatory. In this picture, the pilot surprised her by flying over her alma mater, Howard University, the place where she says "it all began.” There's genuine excitement and novelty in these moments because she appreciates them knowing she may be the first but "will not be the last." (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)

There are a lot of firsts for Kamala Harris as vice president. Some of the simple ones I find are the best. Like seeing her office for the first time or riding on Marine Two from Joint Base Andrews, where the government planes reside, to her residence at the Naval Observatory. In this picture, the pilot surprised her by flying over her alma mater, Howard University, the place where she says "it all began.” There's genuine excitement and novelty in these moments because she appreciates them knowing she may be the first but "will not be the last." (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)
The vice president (left) visited a day care center in Connecticut, where she spent time with the most adorable 5- to 7-year-olds on March 26. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona (right) and U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (center) joined her at the event. The vice president loves people, but kids especially. There was one young girl she glommed on to. When she asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, she shouted, “Everything!” One staffer joked after the visit that he was going to try and put kids in all of her meetings going forward. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)

The vice president (left) visited a day care center in Connecticut, where she spent time with the most adorable 5- to 7-year-olds on March 26. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona (right) and U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (center) joined her at the event. The vice president loves people, but kids especially. There was one young girl she glommed on to. When she asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, she shouted, “Everything!” One staffer joked after the visit that he was going to try and put kids in all of her meetings going forward. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)
Vice President Kamala Harris (center) celebrates, as much as possible, the milestones with her staff. Birthdays, engagements and childbirths. She knows they are sacrificing their time with family and wants them to know how much they are appreciated. The vice president has inspired us to form a work family of our own. Here she's surprising Symone Sanders (left) on Air Force Two with cake after she announced her engagement on April 6. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)

Vice President Kamala Harris (center) celebrates, as much as possible, the milestones with her staff. Birthdays, engagements and childbirths. She knows they are sacrificing their time with family and wants them to know how much they are appreciated. The vice president has inspired us to form a work family of our own. Here she's surprising Symone Sanders (left) on Air Force Two with cake after she announced her engagement on April 6. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)
The toe mark wouldn't really be a picture if it were the shoes of a male vice president, would it? But looking for the details like this, which tell the story along the way, will be fun. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)

The toe mark wouldn't really be a picture if it were the shoes of a male vice president, would it? But looking for the details like this, which tell the story along the way, will be fun. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)
Watching the verdict come down for the Minnesota police officer in the president's private dining room was an incredibly powerful moment. Once it came down, there were some tears and hugs shared among staffers. This one between Vice President Kamala Harris (right) and former Ambassador Susan Rice (center) was one of them. Before leaving the Senate, the vice president sponsored the George Floyd Justice in Policing bill, which would ensure police are held accountable. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)

Watching the verdict come down for the Minnesota police officer in the president's private dining room was an incredibly powerful moment. Once it came down, there were some tears and hugs shared among staffers. This one between Vice President Kamala Harris (right) and former Ambassador Susan Rice (center) was one of them. Before leaving the Senate, the vice president sponsored the George Floyd Justice in Policing bill, which would ensure police are held accountable. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)
Vice President Kamala Harris speaking at a Black History event at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The No. 1 power of a politician is the power to listen. If your colleagues or constituents feel like they are being heard, then they've established a sense of trust. The second-most important power is to communicate. If you can communicate your ideas or beliefs in an effective way, then you're that much closer to the change you're striving for. I chose this picture because of the sense of mystery – in the shapes, shadows and gestures in the moment. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)

Vice President Kamala Harris speaking at a Black History event at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The No. 1 power of a politician is the power to listen. If your colleagues or constituents feel like they are being heard, then they've established a sense of trust. The second-most important power is to communicate. If you can communicate your ideas or beliefs in an effective way, then you're that much closer to the change you're striving for. I chose this picture because of the sense of mystery – in the shapes, shadows and gestures in the moment. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)
Vice President Kamala Harris walks out of the west wing of the White House to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building for an event or meeting on Jan. 22. This was an early favorite, taken her second full day in office. This image has over 2 million likes on Instagram, which is one the highest yet on her account, @vp. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)

Vice President Kamala Harris walks out of the west wing of the White House to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building for an event or meeting on Jan. 22. This was an early favorite, taken her second full day in office. This image has over 2 million likes on Instagram, which is one the highest yet on her account, @vp. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)
What a way to cap the first 100 days in office. I think everyone recognizes the significance of this moment, having two women (Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and first lady Jill Biden, right) standing behind the president of the United States for the first time in our country’s history. This picture was taken as President Joe Biden was announced into the House Chamber on April 28. The significance of this night is still too early for me to fully appreciate. But knowing pictures like this will be in the history books in the years to come is a nice feeling. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)

What a way to cap the first 100 days in office. I think everyone recognizes the significance of this moment, having two women (Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and first lady Jill Biden, right) standing behind the president of the United States for the first time in our country’s history. This picture was taken as President Joe Biden was announced into the House Chamber on April 28. The significance of this night is still too early for me to fully appreciate. But knowing pictures like this will be in the history books in the years to come is a nice feeling. (Official White House photo, Lawrence Jackson)