Michelle Obama photos to Sphere

Sphere Non-fiction is publishing a new book of photographs of Michelle Obama by former White House photographer Amanda Lucidon.

Entitled Chasing Light: Michelle Obama Through the Lens of a White House Photographer, the intimate collection - dubbed a "candid celebration" of the former First Lady - will comprise 150 colour photographs. Alongside the photos will also be personal reflections and stories from Lucidon, who was the official White House Photographer from 2013 to 2017 and the only female photographer during her time in the Obama White House.

Sphere non-fiction editorial director Hannah Boursnell acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to Chasing Light from Rachel Clements at Abner Stein, in association with Rachel Vogel at Waxman Leavell Literary Agency, to publish on 2nd November 2017. In the US, the book will be published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House. 

As one of the White House photographers responsible for documenting the First Family, Lucidon spent four years traveling to 20 countries. During this time, Michelle Obama became a role model to Lucidon, who has since been inspired to share her own life story when she speaks with students about the power of art, education and mentorship.

Lucidon, documentarian, filmmaker and former freelance New York Times photographer, said: "Mrs Obama is a source of light and inspiration in my life. She was a mentor to me and so many people around the world. The work she has done with young people, especially girls and underserved youth, has helped me realise that I want to spend my life helping others reach their fullest potential."

Michelle Obama is currently writing a book for Penguin Random House, which earlier this year scooped world rights to publish both her and her husband, former US president Barack Obama, in two separate titles. It is understood Michelle Obama plans to write an inspirational work for young people that will draw upon her life story.