Prior to 1963, peacetime Presidents of the United States travelled freely through American cities. Such visits and crowd contact was especially useful during the run-up to a presidential election. During the 1960 election, JFK often campaigned atop the rear seats of open convertibles driven slowly through major cities. But with the next election — and the prestige of the Presidency now on his shoulders — Kennedy had taken a more subdued approach in what would be his last motorcades.
Still, even if JFK never sat atop the rear seat anymore, there would be plenty of fine photo opportunities for amateurs who turned out for an early campaign-swing through Texas in late November of 1963. Not to mention the appeal of First Lady Jackie, enjoying her first campaign trip since 1960.
In Dallas, many, including professional AP photographer Jim Altgens, considered the open area of Dealey Plaza to offer the best photo opportunities. By time the motorcade reached Dallas' most historic juncture, there were some three dozen photographers in position. But only one was filming from the President's side as the shots rang out.
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