Carter Family Photographer: A 30-Year Journey of Cherished Memories in Every Click

LEESBURG, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – For more than thirty years, Charles Plant documented occasions in the Carter family’s life seldom witnessed by the public.

Plant, although not the official White House photographer for the family, concentrated his photographic work on the Carters’ life in their cherished hometown of Plains. He captured nuptials, family reunions, visits from dignitaries to their residence and illustrated faces and landscapes that became synonymous with Carter’s campaigns and heritage.

“My intention was to preserve history,” expressed Plant at his residence in Leesburg. “(Carter) was an exceptional person. Despite being the president of the United States, conversing with him and Rosalyn, you would never know that.”

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Plant’s connection with the family began when he illustrated a portrayal of downtown Plains, prompted by a friend who encouraged him to design postcards of the small town.

The Carters subsequently used the illustration as their family Christmas card and frequently presented prints of Plant’s sketch to visitors in town or during their time at the White House. This initiated a friendship lasting over three decades that yielded some of the most personal and intimate moments of the Carters’ lives.

Like everyone else, Plant learned on Sunday that Carter had passed after an extended period in hospice care.

“I was simply saddened to see him go,” he remarked. “I think people will come to realize in the history books that many of the things he accomplished post-presidency were even more significant than during his presidency.”

Plant also collaborated closely with the Carters through their efforts with Habitat for Humanity, one of the numerous humanitarian initiatives embraced by the former president and first lady after their time in the White House.

HONORING JIMMY CARTER

Plant and Carter also shared a passion for photography, and the two connected over this craft throughout their friendship. Carter would often reach out to Plant for advice on lenses and gear.

Indeed, frequent calls to Plant became a routine, creating humorous moments when his mother-in-law visited.

“About five seconds after the phone rang, she’d be knocking on our bedroom door, somewhat nervously saying, Charles, the president’s on the line and wants to speak with you,” Plant recounted with a laugh. “So after that incident, whenever the phone rang at home, my wife would glance at me and I’d look at her, thinking it could be the president.”

Plant’s photos and sketches are featured on Carter campaign merchandise, on postcards sold in Plains and Sumter County, and even in Time Magazine. He was the official photographer for first daughter Amy Carter’s wedding.

“They were simply down-to-earth individuals just like everyone else,” he commented.

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As reports on Carter’s passing take over news cycles, viewers will surely come across some of Plant’s visuals. He couldn’t quantify how many he had taken of the family, only able to state it was well into the thousands.

Plant hopes that people perceive them and acknowledge that Carter’s legacy and influence extended far beyond his tenure as the nation’s 39th president.

“The essence that he was a really good, honest man and a commendable president who did his utmost is what people ought to remember about him,” stated Plant.

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