With US President Barack Obama stepping down from office on January 20, 2017 will come a huge change not just for America, but for the world. Before that pivotal moment, though, let's take a look back at Obama's eight years in office, through the powerful lens of Pete Souza, the chief photographer of the White House. Souza has accumulated around two million photos, documenting countless key moments during the Obama administration.
Souza’s Instagram account gives us a unique view of the behind-the-scenes at Obama's life, light and candid moments aplenty. Here are some of our top picks from the more recent photos from his collection:
1. Obama’s meeting with the Dalai Lama, and them being cordial with one another, amidst threats the US was getting from China:
2. Obama’s appearance on Tonight with Jimmy Fallon, where he had a “slow jam” session with the talk show host:
3. Obama and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shaking hands at the Hiroshima Place Memorial:
4. Obama trying out the rocking chair gifted to him by the University of Connecticut Women’s Basketball Team:
5. Saudi Arabia’s King Salman accompanying Obama in a motorcade, pretty much a symbol of how they are working together for world peace in spite of religious differences:
6. Obama and Golden State Warriors star player Stephen Curry bringing out their inner scientists:
7. Obama’s historical meeting with Cuban President Raul Castro, marking the first time the US president visited Cuba in 88 years:
8. Obama serving food to visitors on Thanksgiving Day:
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Banner photograph from The White House Flickr account