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Personnel Profile: Jana Saastad

Jana Saastad is the Republican Caucus photographer. Her work often makes the pages of Capitol Weekly. She spoke with us of her love for photography, a love that began at the tender age of 10, when her artistic eye first began to manifest itself through pictures.

What is your favorite aspect of being a photographer?
I would say kind of getting a backstage pass into people’s lives. Also, just capturing the moment.

Do you have a favorite picture, and of what?
I have lots of favorite pictures; I could never narrow it down. I prefer photojournalism, that’s my favorite: capturing people.

Why is that?
I think it’s real, and it’s up to the photographer to snap that camera at the right moment.

So then are you not a fan of posed pictures?
Posed pictures are just a necessity, but no I’m not a fan of posed photos at all, they’re just something we have to do. Professionals need head-shots, families need to capture their moments, that sort of thing.

Who are some of the most notable people you’ve shot?
The governor, Presidente Fox, Hal Holbrook. Holbrook, he’s an actor that was in my reporting days.

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