Doug Mills Brings Pulitzer Prestige to Isle of Palms as LENS Banquet Keynote Speaker

When Pulitzer Prize–winning photojournalist Doug Mills takes the stage at the LENS Foundation’s 2026 Banquet, The Cheese Ball – taking place at Wild Dunes Resort’s Osprey Ballroom on May 14, 2026 – attendees won’t just be hearing a keynote — they’ll be witnessing history told by the man who’s been standing at its front lines for over four decades.

Mills, a decorated photojournalist for The New York Times, has photographed every U.S. president since Ronald Reagan. He’s been embedded on campaign trails, inside Air Force One, and steps away from history-defining moments. A longtime board member of the White House Correspondents’ Association, Mills most recently earned the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography for capturing the exact moment a bullet streaked past President Donald Trump during an assassination attempt — a chilling, sharply focused image that instantly became one of the most iconic political photographs in modern history.

“This is by far the most dangerous situation I’ve ever been in,” Mills told Business Insider after receiving the award. “I didn’t take my finger off the shutter. I didn’t flinch.”

His resume is a masterclass in visual storytelling. His camera has been present for history’s most consequential moments — from the Clinton/Gore campaign trail (for which he earned a Pulitzer) to capturing intimate moments aboard Air Force One, on international summits, and during high-stakes political debates. Mills’ eye for detail, storytelling, and truth has earned him praise not only from the journalism community but also from political leaders and fellow photojournalists alike. 

“Doug is one of Trump’s favorite photographers and Trump has publicly called him ‘my genius photographer,’” noted former Obama White House photographer Pete Souza. 

For Mills, photography is not performance — it's presence. And this spring, he’ll bring his stories, images, and insight to Isle of Palms.

The LENS Banquet is the community’s annual opportunity to come together in support of the Isle of Palms Police and Fire Departments. Attendees will hear Mills speak on leadership, resilience, and bearing witness through the lens — and for a limited group, there’s an exclusive luncheon and meet-and-greet with Mills earlier in the day at Wild Dunes Resort (available with a separate donation).

The banquet, while boasting a world-class keynote speaker and elegant setting, remains grounded in its true purpose: to recognize and celebrate the dedicated employees of the Isle of Palms Police and Fire Departments. Their service, sacrifice, and spirit will be at the heart of this year’s event — and your attendance helps make that tribute possible.

Whether you're a political junkie, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone who believes in the power of community, this event is one you won’t want to miss.

Follow him on Instagram at @nytmills, where his audience of 100,000+ gets a behind-the-scenes look at the presidency, the press, and pivotal world events.

Paired with wine, cheese, live music, and a heartfelt mission, the evening promises to deliver not just insight — but inspiration.

To attend the banquet or luncheon, visit www.LENSIOP.org/cheese-ball