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The latest portrait of the First Presidency presents the leaders of the Church with dignity and decorum. But to the casual observer, the simple setting may belie the technical complexity of the photo.
Viewer attention is instantly attracted to the center of the photo where President Hinckley sits in a comfortable blue leather chair, his hands resting gently on a walking cane.
The kindness that characterizes his nearly 50 years of Church leadership is captured in his pleasant smile.
President Thomas S. Monson stands stately behind him, with a supporting hand gracing the back of the chair. President Henry B. Eyring, newly called second counselor, is partially seated to the side.
A crew from the Church's photo services department worked the better part of a day preparing the staging and lighting for the portrait. There was a certain eagerness in the air when President Hinckley and his counselors entered the room that morning for the photo.
A comical quip from President Hinckley quickly put everyone at ease. He examined the elaborate setting and mused that such a fuss was not necessary, when a casually composed photo from his secretary's point-and-shoot camera would have been sufficient.
This portrait becomes a significant historical record, the first taken of the First Presidency with its new second counselor.
This recent First Presidency portrait is featured on the cover of the Deseret Morning News 2008 Church Almanac.
For the first time, the 2008 almanac contains full-color photos of major news, making this issue the first color-illustrated almanac of the Church.
Thumbing through the first 32 pages, readers will find coverage of President Hinckley becoming the longest-living president of the Church, and an overview of the Tabernacle reconstruction and dedication.
In the 2008 edition, readers will find the most comprehensive statistics of the worldwide Church, including membership totals by country, or states in the U.S.
There is no news like news of the Church, and for those detailing the growth of the Church throughout the world, the 2008 Church Almanac contains the latest and most complete information.
HOW TO ORDER
The Deseret Morning News 2008 Church Almanac is available for $14.95, plus shipping, through Deseret Book.
Orders may be placed online at: Deseretbook.com, or by calling toll free: 1-800-453-4532, or (801) 517-3369.
