America’s leading men.
As 2015 comes to a close, take a look back at some of our most memorable photos of the year as selected by Chief Official White House Photographer Pete Souza.
“My approach to my Instagram feed continues to be all square photos are taken with an iPhone, and full-frame horizontals and verticals are taken with a DSLR (usually a Canon 5DMark3, but I’ve also posted some from Sony, Nikon and Leica cameras). Many followers have also asked if I post the photographs and captions myself. Yes, I do — and I try to read as many of your comments as I can and answer your questions.” —Pete Souza in his “Behind The Lens: My Year on Instagram 2015.” See more at go.wh.gov/BehindTheLens
🎶 Let it Bo! ❄
“I remarked to the President that I had shaken hands with Cory and was surprised at how firm his handshake was. But I guess I shouldn’t have been. It was a handshake befitting a Sergeant First Class Army Ranger.” —White House Photographer Pete Souza. Throughout his recovery, Army Ranger Cory Remsburg met with President Obama at the 2014 State of the Union, for the 70th anniversary of D-Day, and finally at his new home in Arizona. His handshake got stronger each time. Go behind the lens with Pete as he tells the story of an American hero.
“As part of my recovery, this picture depicted the seriousness of injuries sustained during both wars.” —Army Ranger Cory Remsburg. Cory allowed White House Photographer Pete Souza to release the photo of his second meeting with President Obama at the National Naval Medical Center in Maryland. His story of recovery is an inspiration to many wounded warriors.
“I had seen many wounded warriors injured in Iraq or Afghanistan during my many visits with the President. Some had suffered severe head or eye injuries. Others had lost an arm or leg. But I had never photographed any of these patients before their injuries. That changed with Cory.” —White House Photographer Pete Souza. The first time Pete took a photo of Army Ranger Cory Remsburg, he captured Cory shaking hands with President Obama in Normandy to celebrate the 65th anniversary of D-Day in 2009.
Behind the Lens: Photographing the President in 50 States
by Pete Souza, Chief Official White House Photographer
This week, the President will visit South Dakota, marking the 50th state he has visited during his administration (as such, it’s also my 50th state with him). To mark the occasion, I chose one photograph from each state that we’ve visited. This was not as easy as I thought it would be. With help from photo editor Phaedra Singelis, I tried to depict a variety of situations. Some are more lighthearted; some are sad, and some are poignant. Some are with the Vice President; some are with the First Lady, and a couple are with the entire family. A selection of photos are centered on policy, and others on politics. Some focus on the President as Commander-in-Chief – others on his role as consoler for the nation.
I hope you enjoy this gallery. And stay tuned – we’ll be adding a photograph from South Dakota following his visit there on Friday.
Alabama, 2015
Alabama, March 7, 2015. Marching at the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Alaska, 2009
Alaska. Nov 12, 2009. Air Force One refueling at Elmendorf Air Force Base. (Official White House photo by Pete Souza)
Arizona, 2009
Arizona, Aug. 16, 2009. Viewing the Grand Canyon. (Official White House photo by Pete Souza)
Arkansas, 2014
Arkansas. May 7, 2014. Touring tornado damage in Vilonia. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
California, 2014
California, July 23, 2014. Viewing the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Colorado, 2014
Colorado, July 8, 2014. Playing pool with Gov. John Hickenlooper in Denver. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Connecticut, 2012
Connecticut, Dec. 16, 2012. Making last-minute edits to his speech in Newtown, before a vigil for those killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Delaware, 2009
Delaware, Oct. 29, 2009. Honoring fallen soldiers from Afghanistan at Dover Air Force Base. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Florida, 2015
Florida, April 22, 2015. Keeping his distance from a baby alligator on Earth Day at Everglades National Park. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Georgia, 2013
Georgia, May 19, 2013. Graduates cheering the President during a heavy downpour at Morehouse College in Atlanta. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
“Some are serious and some are humorous. And of course, some are with babies (since the President loves babies). I hope you enjoy this year’s album of photographs.” —Pete Souza, Chief Official White House Photographer. Check out his year in photos.
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