Photographing FDR

Roosevelt's presidency coincided with two key technical advancements in photography. The development of higher speed films and smaller
Thomas McAvoy / Time Life Pictures / Getty

Intimate View
Roosevelt's presidency coincided with two key technical advancements in photography. The development of higher speed films and smaller, easier-to-carry cameras like the Leica allowed White House photographers to capture the president in intimate moments like this one, captured by Life photographer Thomas McAvoy, showing FDR at a Jackson Day Dinner in 1937.

Get the Latest Photos from Time.com
Get TIME photos and pictures of the week delivered directly to your inbox.