Throughout President Obama’s eight years in office, one photographer captured it all. He followed the President around, capturing pure moments for all the world to see. The Guardian just came out with a great article that tells us more about the man behind the camera, Pete Souza. We learn that Souza is familiar with the Oval Office because he was also the photographer for President Reagan. As the article states, “There may be more connecting Reagan and Obama than at first appears – and Souza can see it all. Both are great communicators. Neither let the pomp of office turn them into a stuffed shirt. Reagan, like Obama, had a human touch, a capacity to relate to people. Simply being human is a rare gift among modern politicians. Seeming relaxed in office is even rarer.”
More than anything, Souza’s able to capture the human side of the “most powerful man in the world.” He’s not just our leader, he’s a father and he’s a husband. The way President Obama plays with children, lovingly touching them or playing their games makes you appreciate his softer side. I’ll miss this President because he wasn’t just a great leader, he was an inspiring human being.
For the photo above: “There is a great image of the president pretending to be caught in an invisible web, thrown by a boy in a Spider-Man costume.”
“In a moving monochrome image, Souza showed three-year-old Clark Reynolds looking up in awe as Obama touches him on the cheek. The photograph is taken from child height and brilliantly captures a child’s-eye view of the president. We only see Obama’s hand caressing Clark’s face. Unlike the ones in all paintings and photographs of all previous presidents, it is not a white hand. How can anyone say that means nothing? Young Clark Reynolds evidently thinks it means something, and so does Souza, whose photography has perhaps become more lyrical, more poignant over Obama’s final year in office.”
“July 2012 – For one small child, the Oval Office becomes a playground and the president a playmate.”
“June 2013 – Obama hugs his daughter Sasha during a visit to Nelson Mandela’s former prison cell in South Africa.”
“In 2012, he photographed Obama bowing to let five-year-old Jacob Philadelphia feel his head. The boy had told Obama: “I want to know if my hair is just like yours.” The president had replied: ‘Touch it, dude!'”
“March 2008 – Running down the White House’s East Colonnade with Bo, the family dog.”
“Jan 2009 – Humour, love and friendship – the Obamas share a joke in a lift on inauguration night.”
“March 2015 – The Obamas share an intimate moment as they mark the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery civil rights marches.”
“A more reflective portrait captures the tensions and secrets of power, as Obama is reflected in a White House mirror, finger to his lips, deep in a conspiratorial conversation.”
“May 2016 – The president waits pensively before a public speech.”
