via POLITICO: https://www.politico.com/newsletters/west-wing-playbook/2023/11/17/the-drama-around-a-photogs-firing-00127843
Ernst, the pool photographer on duty that day, pushed back. He had already set up his equipment. And while he could have operated it remotely, as he saw it, there were enormous risks involved with leaving. The Oval Office was packed with staff, reporters and teleprompter and TV equipment. If his camera were to get knocked over or bumped off angle, the entire press corps would be left without a still shot.