Images from Obama presidency: Around the White House

Dec. 12, 2014
"The President walks through the Ground Floor Corridor of the White House as he heads back to the Oval Office following a holiday reception." 
(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.
On Dec. 12, 2014, the president walks through the Ground Floor Corridor of the White House as he heads back to the Oval Office following a holiday reception. (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)
Oct. 15, 2014
"When the skies opened up one fall afternoon, I ventured outside the Outer Oval Office with my iPhone to try and capture a good Instagram of the rainstorm. The President saw me standing out on the White House colonnade and stepped outside himself. Fortunately, I also had my DSLR with me to capture this photograph as the President reached out to feel the raindrops."
(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.
On Oct. 15, 2014, the skies opened up and the president reached out to feel the raindrops. White House Photographer Pete Souza said he ventured outside the Outer Oval Office with my iPhone to try and capture a good Instagram of the rainstorm. The president saw him standing out on the White House colonnade and stepped outside himself. Fortunately, Souza said he also had his DSLR with him to capture this photograph. (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)
Nov. 6, 2013
"Bo was just hanging out in the Outer Oval Office when the President walked in to begin his day. Each morning, the President always enters through this door rather than the direct outside door 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.
On Nov. 6, 2013, Bo was just hanging out in the Outer Oval Office when the president walked in to begin his day. Each morning, the president always entered through this door rather than the direct outside door to the Oval Office, said Official 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)
Oct. 8, 2009
“The President jockeys for a rebound with Congressmen during a basketball game at the White House. I think opponents are always surprised at how tough and competitive he can be.”
(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.
On Oct. 8, 2009, the president jockeys for a rebound with Congressmen during a basketball game at the White House. White House Photographer Pete Souza said “I think opponents are always surprised at how tough and competitive he can be.” (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)
First Lady Michelle Obama joins students for the spring garden planting in the White House Kitchen Garden, April 15, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

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.
First lady Michelle Obama joins students for the spring garden planting in the White House Kitchen Garden, April 15, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson) 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/Lawrence Jackson)
President Barack Obama reads "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak to children during the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House, April 6, 2015. (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.
President Barack Obama reads “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak to children during the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House, April 6, 2015. (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)
May 13, 2016
“A star at the South Portico entrance is featured as the President and Chief of Staff Denis McDonough walk along the South Lawn driveway.” (Official White House Photo By Chuck Kennedy)
On May 13, 2016, a star at the South Portico entrance is featured as the President and Chief of Staff Denis McDonough walk along the South Lawn driveway. (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.
Nov. 8, 2016
“Perfect light balance as Chuck Kennedy made this exquisite picture of the North Portico of the White House and fall foliage as the foreground was lit by television lighting.” (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
The North Portico of the White House on Nov. 8, 2016. (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.
A team of volunteers decorate the official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room of the White House, Nov. 30, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

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.
A team of volunteers decorate the official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room of the White House, Nov. 30, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson) 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/Lawrence Jackson)
Aug. 24, 2016
“President Obama watches a virtual reality film captured during his trip to Yosemite National Park earlier this summer as Personal Aide Ferial Govashiri continues working at her computer.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
On Aug. 24, 2016, President Obama watches a virtual reality film captured during his trip to Yosemite National Park earlier this summer as personal aide Ferial Govashiri continues working at her computer. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
On Dec. 16, 2016, a snowman seems to observe the president working in the Oval Office. White House Photographer Pete Souza said, “when I first posted this photograph and told the story about the prank in moving four snowmen so they were peeking into the Oval Office, some took this to mean that I had been the one to execute the prank. But it was not me, and as I previously wrote, the staff that pulled this off will remain nameless, unless Brian decides he wants to come forward with saying who helped him. Whoops.” (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 blanketed in snow after a snowstorm on the morning of Feb. 3, 2010. (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 blanketed in snow after a snowstorm on the morning of Feb. 3, 2010. (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)
Oct. 3, 2016
“I’m a big fan of The Lumineers but had never seen them perform live. So I was excited when I heard they were the headliners during the South by South Lawn (SXSL) event at the White House. Before their performance, I asked them if I could go on the stage so I could line up the White House in the background. What I didn’t expect was guitarist Stelth Ulvang to jump on top of one of the speakers during their set. And though my composition wasn’t perfect, I was able to catch the moment when he leapt off.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
On Oct. 3, 2016, The Lumineers headline the South by South Lawn (SXSL) event at the White House. White House Photographer Pete Souza said “before their performance, I asked them if I could go on the stage so I could line up the White House in the background. What I didn’t expect was guitarist Stelth Ulvang to jump on top of one of the speakers during their set. And though my composition wasn’t perfect, I was able to catch the moment when he leapt off.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
After greeting children and officials of the Children's Miracle Network at the White House, March 24, 2009, the President invited the children to try out his daughtersÕ new swing set on the edge of the Rose Garden. The Oval Office can be seen in the background.  (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)This official White House photograph is being made available 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 or used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
After greeting children and officials of the Children’s Miracle Network at the White House, March 24, 2009, the president invited the children to try out his daughters’ new swing set on the edge of the Rose Garden. The Oval Office can be seen in the background. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)This official White House photograph is being made available 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 or used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House. (The White House/Lawrence Jackson)
President Barack Obama enters the South Portico of the White House following his arrival aboard Marine One on the South Lawn, March 30, 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.Ê
President Barack Obama enters the South Portico of the White House following his arrival aboard Marine One on the South Lawn, March 30, 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.Ê (The White House/Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama's place-setting while he hosts the Historians Dinner in the Old Family Dining Room of the White House on June 24, 2009. 

(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

This official White House photograph is being made available 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 or used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
President Barack Obama’s place-setting while he hosts the Historians Dinner in the Old Family Dining Room of the White House on June 24, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available 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 or used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House. (The White House/Pete Souza)
June 9, 2014
"The President sits for a 3D portrait being produced by the Smithsonian Institution. There were so many cameras and strobe lights flashing but the end result was kind of cool. See the video at this link: http://1.usa.gov/1zhPtAf."
(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.
On June 9, 2014, the president sits for a 3D portrait being produced by the Smithsonian Institution. (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)
Nov. 24, 2016
“President Obama leads a prayer before hosting Thanksgiving dinner for family and friends on the State Floor of the White House.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama leads a prayer before hosting Thanksgiving dinner for family and friends on the State Floor of the White House Nov. 24, 2016. (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.
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Dec. 12, 2014
"The President walks through the Ground Floor Corridor of the White House as he heads back to the Oval Office following a holiday reception." 
(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.
Oct. 15, 2014
"When the skies opened up one fall afternoon, I ventured outside the Outer Oval Office with my iPhone to try and capture a good Instagram of the rainstorm. The President saw me standing out on the White House colonnade and stepped outside himself. Fortunately, I also had my DSLR with me to capture this photograph as the President reached out to feel the raindrops."
(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.
Nov. 6, 2013
"Bo was just hanging out in the Outer Oval Office when the President walked in to begin his day. Each morning, the President always enters through this door rather than the direct outside door 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.
Oct. 8, 2009
“The President jockeys for a rebound with Congressmen during a basketball game at the White House. I think opponents are always surprised at how tough and competitive he can be.”
(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.
First Lady Michelle Obama joins students for the spring garden planting in the White House Kitchen Garden, April 15, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

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.
President Barack Obama reads "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak to children during the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House, April 6, 2015. (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.
May 13, 2016
“A star at the South Portico entrance is featured as the President and Chief of Staff Denis McDonough walk along the South Lawn driveway.” (Official White House Photo By Chuck Kennedy)
Nov. 8, 2016
“Perfect light balance as Chuck Kennedy made this exquisite picture of the North Portico of the White House and fall foliage as the foreground was lit by television lighting.” (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
A team of volunteers decorate the official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room of the White House, Nov. 30, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

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.
Aug. 24, 2016
“President Obama watches a virtual reality film captured during his trip to Yosemite National Park earlier this summer as Personal Aide Ferial Govashiri continues working at her computer.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
The White House blanketed in snow after a snowstorm on the morning of Feb. 3, 2010. (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.
Oct. 3, 2016
“I’m a big fan of The Lumineers but had never seen them perform live. So I was excited when I heard they were the headliners during the South by South Lawn (SXSL) event at the White House. Before their performance, I asked them if I could go on the stage so I could line up the White House in the background. What I didn’t expect was guitarist Stelth Ulvang to jump on top of one of the speakers during their set. And though my composition wasn’t perfect, I was able to catch the moment when he leapt off.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
After greeting children and officials of the Children's Miracle Network at the White House, March 24, 2009, the President invited the children to try out his daughtersÕ new swing set on the edge of the Rose Garden. The Oval Office can be seen in the background.  (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)This official White House photograph is being made available 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 or used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
President Barack Obama enters the South Portico of the White House following his arrival aboard Marine One on the South Lawn, March 30, 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.Ê
President Barack Obama's place-setting while he hosts the Historians Dinner in the Old Family Dining Room of the White House on June 24, 2009. 

(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

This official White House photograph is being made available 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 or used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
June 9, 2014
"The President sits for a 3D portrait being produced by the Smithsonian Institution. There were so many cameras and strobe lights flashing but the end result was kind of cool. See the video at this link: http://1.usa.gov/1zhPtAf."
(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.
Nov. 24, 2016
“President Obama leads a prayer before hosting Thanksgiving dinner for family and friends on the State Floor of the White House.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

WASHINGTON – The White House is always bustling with activity.

Whether its an Easter Egg Roll, holiday celebration or a concert, the official residence of the Obama family is busy. Check out some of the memorable photos from around the White House captured by White House Photographer Pete Souza and his staff.

Sarah Beth Hensley

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.

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