See images of the first family over the years through the lens of White House Photographer Pete Souza and his staff.
First lady Michelle Obama snuggles against President Barack Obama before a videotaping for the 2015 World Expo, in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, March 27, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Amanda Lucidon)
The White House/Amanda Lucidon
On June 29, 2014, President Barack Obama shares a quiet moment with his daughter Sasha during a father and daughter hike at Great Falls, Virginia. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
The president and first lady board the Air Force One on March 7, 2014. White House Photographer Pete Souza said he is always looking for new ways to frame the president boarding the plane. “I hadn’t thought about including this one of the president and first lady until Netflix released a video promotion of Season 3 with a video clip eerily similar to this photograph,” he said. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
On Nov. 26, 2014, President Barack Obama and his daughters Malia and Sasha look at “Mac” the turkey in the East Room prior to the annual National Thanksgiving Turkey pardon ceremony at the White House. The president pardoned “Cheese” publicly, though both “Mac” and “Cheese” were spared to live out their life at a farm in Ohio. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
On Sept. 14, 2016, the Obama family tours the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk from Marine One on the South Lawn upon arrival at the White House following a trip to California, June 16, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, joined by family pets Sunny and Bo, wait to greet visitors in the Blue Room during a White House tour, Nov. 5, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
On Aug. 15, 2012, the president hugs the first lady after she had introduced him at a campaign event in Davenport, Iowa. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
President Barack Obama walks with Kaye Wilson, left, and daughters Malia, center, and Sasha as they return to the White House from St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama wave goodbye to President Shimon Peres of Israel on the North Portico of the White House following the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony and dinner in his honor, June 13, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama share a private moment in a freight elevator at an Inaugural Ball. Washington, D.C. on Jan. 20, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(Pete Souza)
Pete Souza
On March 10, 2016, Malia, foreground, and Sasha were both invited guests for the State Dinner in honor of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada and Mrs. Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau. Following the actual sit-down dinner in the East Room, they made their way down the Great Hall to the State Dining Room for the musical entertainment.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
On Sept. 14, 2014, the president, first lady and daughter Malia view a portrait of Abraham Lincoln while visiting the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
On Dec. 3, 2014, the first lady spotted the president standing under the mistletoe and she moved in to grab a kiss from him following a dinner for Combatant Commanders and military leadership at Blair House in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
On April 11, 2013, the first lady as she takes a “selfie” with Bo, the Obama family dog, for National Geographic. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Chuck Kennedy)
The White House/Chuck Kennedy
On July 16, 2012, the president and first lady were attending the game between the U.S. Men’s Olympic basketball and Brazil in Washington, D.C. During the first half, the jumbotron flashed couples on their “Kiss Cam,” where they are then induced by the crowd to kiss each other. But neither the president or first lady saw themselves when they were flashed on “Kiss Cam,” and some in the audience booed when they didn’t kiss. At halftime, as we walked to the locker room to visit the U.S. team, daughters Malia and Sasha were asking their parents why they hadn’t kissed during their “Kiss Cam” moment. Both the president and first lady said they hadn’t even realized what had happened and didn’t know why people were booing. So in the second half, when they appeared again on the “Kiss Cam,” the president leaned over to kiss the first lady amongst audience cheers as Malia and the vice president watched overhead on the jumbotron. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
While the President was waiting anxiously backstage before his speech at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., daughters Malia and Sasha came in to wish him well on Sept. 6, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
On July 4, 2009, the president and first lady watch the Fourth of July fireworks from the roof of the White House. It was a great vantage point to not only see the fireworks, but also watch the Foo Fighters who were performing on the South Lawn, said White House Photographer Pete Souza. (Official White House photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
On Feb. 1, 2009, during a Super Bowl watching party in the White House theatre, the president and first lady join their guests in watching one of the TV commercials in 3D. (Official White House photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(White House Photo/Pete Souza)
White House Photo/Pete Souza
The president was leaving the State Floor after an event on May 19, 2009, and found Sasha in the elevator ready to head upstairs to the private residence. He decided to ride upstairs with her before returning to the Oval Office. (Official White House photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
First lady Michelle Obama participates in a filming for the Animal Planet Puppy Bowl on the South Lawn of the White House on Oct. 28, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Amanda Lucidon)
The White House/Amanda Lucidon
The Obama family was scheduled to tour the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio before dinner one night, but when heavy fog rolled in, they canceled the visit. After dinner on March 20, 2011, they the fog had dissipated somewhat so they decided to make the drive up the mountain. “It was quite clear when they arrived and then the fog started to roll back in. I managed to capture this silhouette as they viewed the statute one last time just before departure,” said White House Photographer Pete Souza. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
On Dec. 19, 2009, the first lady, Malia and Sasha were outside in the midst of the snowstorm playing with the family dog, Bo. (Official White House photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(Pete Souza)
Pete Souza
On March 15, 2009, the Obama family was introduced to a prospective family dog at a secret greet on a Sunday. After spending about an hour with him, the family decided he was the one. Here, the dog ran alongside the president in an East Wing hallway. The dog returned to his trainer while the Obama’s embarked on their first international trip. “I had to keep these photos secret until a few weeks later, when the dog was brought ‘home’ to the White House and introduced to the world as Bo,” said White House Photographer Pete Souza. (Official White House photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Pete Souza)
The White House/Pete Souza
First lady Michelle Obama hugs daughters Sasha, left, and Malia as they visit the Great Wall of China in Mutianyu, China, March 23, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
(The White House/Amanda Lucidon)
Sarah Beth Hensley is the Digital News Director at WTOP. She has worked several different roles since she began with WTOP in 2013 and has contributed to award-winning stories and coverage on the website.
