i received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

interesting but denser than expected and more like multiple mini academic essays with some repetition.

Mr.Walsh presents here a fascinating look behind the curtain at how the photographic record of each presidency was accomplished. Each such record of course required a relationship between the president and the photographer of the time. The book gives context for the often iconic photos taken of each president and his household. This background material is the basis of the book and provides fascinating insight. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review of this book.

Iconic images from the various white houses have defined the different administrations throughout history. Everyone knows what the pictures represent, but not many people stop to think about just how those images came about. Ultimate Insiders shines the spotlight on those who have succeeded in their careers by being nearly invisible. Whether they saw themselves as reporters, storytellers, historians, or public relations people, the white house photographers played an undeniably vital role in how the rest of the world viewed the different presidents. The lengths they often had to go to to create their photographs makes for a fascinating story.

Ken Walsh's behind the scenes tour of the White House and resident Presidents is a fascinating read. Especially since the reader sees it all through the eyes of the photographers who capture those historical images we see over and over again.

The stories behind those iconic photos are revealing and provide perspective for that particular moment in time. Just to name a few: JFK & Ike discussing what went wrong at the Bay of Pigs; John Boy poking his head out of JFK's desk in the Oval Office; LBJ being sworn in with Jackie standing next to him; Bush 44 hearing about the 9/11 attack; Obama and Secretary Clinton watching the raid that killed Bin Laden.

Each chapter deals with a specific administration and the photographers appointed to the post of White House Photographer. Walsh combines personal interviews (when possible), with painstaking research into secondary sources to provide a rich and detailed narrative.

Walsh carefully describes the relationship between each President and his White House photographer(s) including the very important issue of access which varies from absolute to somewhat regimented. Then, there's Jimmy Carter who never appointed a White House photographer during his four-year administration and so the chapter on his term is very short and not many photos document his tenure.

Walsh also does interesting chapters on: 1.the photojournalists who cover the White House for specific publications 2. the evolving photography tools from the beginning of photography (big bulky cameras) to now with the digital tools that almost defy imagination 3. the future of White House photography.

For anyone who enjoys reading about U.S. Presidents, especially from those who work on the inside, this is a very informative and fun read. And the reader gets an up close look at how these leaders interact with professionals who can shape their visual image for history.

This is one of the most fascinating books I have read in a long, long time. It informs, it inspires and it humanizes the various presidents that Kenneth Walsh has been fortunate enough to work with. The stories and anecdotes will make you feel as if you too were standing next to history.