M E R I D I A N     M A G A Z I N E

Through the Camera Lens, Part 1
The Prophet Arrives in Moscow
A Photographic Essay by Scot Facer Proctor

We waited what seemed like a very long time for the Prophet and his party to get from the airport, through Moscow traffic and to the hotel. Mobile phone call after mobile phone call indicated their whereabouts. “Just passing Red Square” was one of the final reports. “Sometimes it can take 20 minutes to just turn left from where you are,” said one Russian hotel worker. The last call indicated they were less than five minutes out. Our hearts were pounding as we watched the cars arrive.

We had scouted out every angle to take pictures. What can make this shot look Russian? He’s pulling up to the obscure back entrance of a Moscow hotel. “Nothing back here looks different from Washington D.C. or L.A.” I thought. This was no small moment. Here was the Prophet of God arriving in Moscow, Russia.

The car came to a gentle stop. The driver and President Hinckley’s aids popped out of the car. The back door was opened and there indeed was the Prophet. I forgot all angles and just started shooting pictures of him. He got to the back of the car and looked at me as I was the only one standing there. “What are you doing here?” he quipped. We had just been with him in Freiberg and The Hague. I reached out and shook hands with him as he offered his. “We’re just trying to follow you, President,” I said with joy and double meaning. “How are you doing it?” he asked with a lilt in his voice. “Well, it’s pretty hard. You’re wearing us out,” I said breathlessly. He chuckled a little and went on around the car.

Those moments may look plain in the following few images of Part 1, but you must remember we are together in Moscow, Russia. It was a moment I shall never forget and I hope that the view Through the Camera Lens will help you live those moments we did.

Please follow us through all the parts of the photo essay as we will try to let you join us at the special meeting of President Gordon B. Hinckley with the Saints here in Moscow.

Here is the moment President Hinckley stepped out of the car on the ground in Moscow. There are all kinds of Russian items in this picture but you have to look for them.

President Hinckley stood for just a moment after he got out. Perhaps he was just waiting for the others. Perhaps he was contemplating the moment. I could scarcely take it in then, and can scarcely do so now.

This is right after President Hinckley talked to me for a moment. He is always full of joy and friendliness. He just has a warmth than can melt the coldest heart.

President Hinckley gets ready to walk in the hotel with President and Sister Callister and Don Stahle just behind. You can tell by the looks on the Callister’s faces that the Prophet had just blessed them with his warmth as well.

We are about as close to the Prophet as we can get without having to change to a macro lens. You can feel his spirit as he walks by. Our precious guide and translator, Olga, is there on the right. She has never seen the prophet in real life. This was that moment for her. She said she could feel it in her heart the rest of the day.

Click here to go to Part 2, The Place of Meeting in Moscow

Click here to sign up for Meridian's FREE email updates.