News editor Jacob Leverett was given the potentially career-defining opportunity of interviewing the minister, with a clean-slate interview (i.e. we weren't proscribed any questions), and Jacob, after the inevitable nervousness, handled the task with aplomb. At one point I thought there was going to be a punch-up - you'll be able to see what I mean in the video - but overall, the interview, which we video'd and recorded - went very well indeed.

Throughout the interview, I was sat off behind camera and, as the grilling drew to a close, and realising the need to get a photo of the occasion, I grabbed the only camera to hand: Jacob's Nikon D-something-or-other (D40 perhaps? I dunno...). I managed to turn it on and ask, in my best "meeja-related-person" voice, "ehhm, could I ask you gents to pose for a very quick photo please?".

Both Mr Denham and Mr Leverett agreed and, putting on their best grins/grimaces, turned to the camera. Yes, I managed to take a photo... But no, I hadn't got as far as figuring out how Jacob's damned flash worked.

Bugger.

Of course, I bravely soldiered on and did my best to give the impression that I knew exactly what I was doing, and that my command of the camera's manual configuration meant I didn't need such paltry technological aids as a flashgun... Until Jacob shattered my carefully-crafted illusion with "You have no idea how to operate my camera, do you Alex?"

"Err, no... Not exactly" I replied.

Bugger. Again.

Still, I think you'll agree the photo below is singularly one of the most impressive pieces of photography this year:

... ahem. You can read the University's more coherent take on the visit here, or read our teaser article-thing here. Or you could check back on Monday to see the video of the MP's interview, in our news section. 

Cheers! /al 

p.s. As I type this, a massive fight's kicking off outside (i.e. outside Portsmouth's fabled Scandals). I'm off to watch... Or, more likely, hide under my bed...

Comments have been closed for this article

 

 

I'm actually laughing so hard I don't know what to type 
 
its a d200 by the way. The thing is i still have no idea how to use it

Jacob Leverett - Sun, 30 Mar 2008

 

 

And there I was constantly impressed by your technical prowess... no more sir, no more. Glad to hear that Jacob got the chance to ask Denham anything he wanted, I can't think of anyone better to unleash on the Secretary of state. I hope Denham has recovered.

Ben - Sun, 30 Mar 2008

 

 

Biggest scoop pugwash news has had well done Jacob. 
 
Very funny take on it though

Luke Simmonds - Sun, 30 Mar 2008

 

 

HA HA HA!  
O hai, I was so pleased with the outcome of this interview, and the 'Question Time' style talk me, Elle, Morys and Shaun had was constructive too. He occasionally succumbed to our grilling by laughing but then giving that 'Oh God I wish you'd all go away' smile. Altogether, really good turn-out, and I agree Ben, I can think of no one better to grill him in his Breville claws...

Mon, 31 Mar 2008