Bootson theGround.

This project is not about politics, policy positions, recent events, or legislation. It is not commentary, advocacy, or reaction. It is art, storytelling, and introduction. The goal is to share a human story — to introduce someone many of us know of, but far fewer truly know.

I kindly ask that comments remain focused on the work, the process, and the story itself, rather than political opinions or debate. This space is intentional.

This project is rooted in a simple idea: documenting a true “day in the life” of a public leader, from start to finish. It began last year with fifteen hours alongside Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken — no staging, no direction, just real moments and real responsibility as the day unfolded.

On Paul’s recommendation, that same approach carried one level higher this year, following South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden through an entire day of leadership.

If you’re familiar with my work, you know I gravitate toward mood, contrast, shallow depth, and emotion. I live in fast apertures and quiet moments. That style doesn’t naturally overlap with political spaces, and it rarely leads to opportunities like this.

I’m not a political photographer, and I don’t chase access through alignment or influence. That’s what made this meaningful. The trust wasn’t about power — it was about process, restraint, and letting a day unfold without interference.

The day began at the Governor’s Mansion with breakfast, getting ready, and reviewing memos before the pace picked up quickly. The first official stop was meeting the legislative pages, welcoming them into their role and setting the tone for their time at the Capitol.

From there, the schedule moved through meetings with South Dakota healthcare leaders, an all-staff meeting, and visitor and guest photo opportunities throughout the day. We spent time rounding through the House and Senate ahead of session, greeting legislators and staff before the gavel dropped.

Later came the unveiling of Governor Rhoden’s official portrait from his time as Lieutenant Governor and President of the Senate, followed by speaking at an AARP event and an evening filled with social engagements that extended well beyond business hours. The day didn’t slow — it simply shifted.

A quick search will tell you the basics about Governor Rhoden — a lifelong rancher, decades of public service, deep South Dakota roots, and a clear sense of responsibility. You’ll find the résumé easily. What you won’t find online is the cadence of the day, or the way humor quietly carries so much of the load.

His sense of humor surfaced in nearly every meeting — not as a distraction, not as performance, but as a way to connect, to reset a room, to remind people they’re human before they’re titles. It’s dry, well-timed, and instinctive, and it consistently lowers walls without lowering expectations.

There’s a steady presence to him that’s hard to describe unless you’re around it. His demeanor elevates the people in the room — conversations slow down just enough to become thoughtful, listening becomes more intentional, and moments that could feel transactional instead feel personal.

His smile is genuine and disarming, the kind that immediately puts people at ease, and it’s backed by an obvious care for the individuals in front of him. Whether addressing staff, welcoming legislative pages on their first day, or greeting visitors passing briefly through his schedule, the throughline never changed: people mattered. Not as roles to manage or optics to consider, but as individuals deserving of attention, respect, and presence.

These aren’t things that show up in press releases or official bios. They live in the in-between moments — the pause before a meeting starts, the comment made as a room clears, the quick exchange that happens once the formalities end.

They’re easy to miss unless you’re close enough, quiet enough, and willing to pay attention.

This project exists because people said yes, and I’m deeply grateful. Thank you to Mayor Paul TenHaken for knocking over the first domino last year and setting this entire process in motion.

Thank you to Governor Larry Rhoden and First Lady Sandy Rhoden for the remarkable and unprecedented access into both your work and your lives. Thank you to South Dakota Press Secretary Josie Harms — “Wunderkind” feels appropriate — for the organization, coordination, and steady problem-solving that made a day like this possible.

Thank you to the South Dakota Highway Patrol security team for safe transport, great conversations, and professionalism throughout the day. And thank you to Brad, Laura, Mac, and so many others who helped, guided, and welcomed me along the way.

This story isn’t finished yet. A short documentary video from the day is coming soon, bringing motion, sound, and pacing to everything you see here.

If the photos capture the moments between decisions, the video lets you feel the rhythm of the day itself.