Obama's White House Photographer Breaks Down His Photojournalism Career | Vanity Fair

Pete Souza, American photojournalist and former Chief Official White House Photographer for U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Ronald Reagan, takes us through his illustrious career. From capturing Reagan's reaction to Space Shuttle Challenger's explosion to photographing President Obama's Cabinet in the situation room during the raid on Bin Laden, Pete breaks down some of his most iconic images.
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Obama's White House Photographer Breaks Down His Photojournalism Career | Vanity Fair

[@rileytaylor3833]

Why am I crying at a Vanity Fair timeline video?

[@rydastyle9875]

Same here

[@ryf3658]

Because you are happy to see a good person. Good Luck.

[@BlackDragonJazz]

Because some of us realize what we have lost. 😪😪

[@smithsmith5290]

Ugh! same sis, same.

[@aprilann6011]

Same here 😢

[@leiajiang7877]

Remember when president had dignity and wasnt throwing paper towels around during national tragedy?

[@atlantabrooklyngal]

Throwing paper towels almost seems civil compared to everything else that has taken place since then. 😔 God please help us and this country come November.

[@janinecox256]

Amen

[@stephj9378]

@@atlantabrooklyngal if you want God to help us, you've got to be open to the truth. The chaos of the last 4 years is due to the unholy activities of the Dems and their supporters. Meanwhile POTUS works tirelessly to lower our tax burden, increase our security and make peace deals in the Middle East. We are blessed to have him at the helm. Even if i didnt like him, i wouldnt be likely to vote for a party with no decent policies .And awful candidates with a murky criminal history. Add to that they have NO respect for God. Socialism does not allow for God. Only government.

[@noxlovr2121]

@@stephj9378 AHAHAHAHAH OKAY 😂

[@alwaysdisputin9930]

@@stephj9378 Would Jesus have cut taxes on the rich like Trump did?

[@wieldwords]

Pete is a phenomenal photographer “in the line,” but the images that hit me hardest are the ones like Jacob in the Oval, Spider-Man and the one of President Obama crawling on the floor with a staffer ‘s baby girl. They just encompass the kindness, humanity and decency of who he is and what a president should be. How far we’ve fallen.

[@strawberry1025]

Oh America, when you had a President of integrity and intelligence...... Lovely to hear and see this gentleman's career through some of the photographs he took.

[@TheNecromPlay]

Snowden says hi

[@chayamichla3032]

a true paragon of integrity he was... something so brave and honest about taking out 90% innocent civilians overseas

[@justsaying3729]

Now we've got a Monster.

[@Puddlef1sh]

I was 17 in Chicago in 2008 and saw his election night speech. Brought me to tears. I hope for our nation we can get back to being Americans.

[@mark-ish]

*united

[@tanyacole4921]

So well said ❤️

[@rondarobinson2799]

WITHOUT THE (RACISM) PUT BACK THE WORD OF GOD IN PEOPLE'S HEARTS NOT MAKE THE CHURCH'S A BUSINESS TO FILL THE POCKETS OF GREEDINESS OF MAN. BUT TO HELP THE PEOPLE THAT ARE LOST, HOMELESS, THE SICK, SINGLE PARENTS. LET'S TAKE GODS COUNTRY BACK!!! BE BLESS AND STAY SAFE.

[@deeee777]

I was there too with 3 of my best friends and it was such a joyfull experience. We cried, we danced, we hugged total strangers of all races. It was a beautiful night ❤

[@brandielee7971]

Seeing the pictures of Obama made me cry. It's so nice to be reminded that at one point we had a good leader.

[@justsaying3729]

And against all odds, all the Racism, all the criticism, inheriting a mess: He still prevailed and at least tried for the American people to get Universal Healthcare which is so desperately needed in this country & here we are four years later with the Supreme Court deciding to get rid of the Pre existing conditions portion....We've gone backwards with Trump. He's set this country back far more than 8 years. I'd say almost 50, easy with what he's been doing. He's a Mad-man. Vote people, vote Blue in a landslide.

[@susanhudson9070]

I along with many others cried at some of these Images. Happy tears, sad tears, but mainly tears of pride to have been alive during President Obama’s Administration.

[@em9274]

It wasn't just me then.. These are such beautiful photos of the beloved president and the first family.

[@diewilden80er73]

He represented the USA the perfect way. We also miss him in Europe very much.

[@Marlowekay]

ME TOO!!!

[@nana_delilah]

It’s nice to be able to put a name to the person behind very important photographs. 🙂 love this guy, his energy reminds me of a very kind uncle. 💗

[@phatqt3522]

Obama reminds me of my dad... My father was so kind, strong, and always gave time to us kids individually making sure we knew our importance... I too miss knowing our government worked for us well.

[@Paykwee]

I stopped watching the 2020 debate today because it was so frustrating. This is exactly what I needed. If only he was still president...

[@SiyabongaAfrica]

This is a great palette cleanser after that sh**show

[@surferdjnj]

Check out Pete's Insta, he's a master POTUS cheeto troll.

[@surffishermanandcrossbowki9457]

Then we would all be poor again

[@pengwin_]

that debate boiled my blood. So many people saying "It was so entertaining!" Made me even madder.

[@MartijnPennings]

Try to imagine Donald Trump in stead of Reagan or Obama in ANY of those pictures. I really can't.

[@hijack69]

There are plenty...the media just doesn't want to show you

[@danskehans]

One simple reason you can't is that there, to the best of my knowledge, is no official White House photographer. Trump is simply too vain to allow someone to shadow him the way Souza did with Obama and Reagan.

[@helenpatterson3858]

@@danskehans For Trump there are no candid moments. Every thing is staged. Like the one in front of the church after the Lafette park attack.

[@justsaying3729]

He loves himself. Portraits of himself and in the public's eye everyday...all day when he's not watching TV or playing golf. He has a son that you never see him or his wife with. In fact where is the wife....you don't see her either. She's done "Nothing " as the First Lady except complain. Complaining about Christmas, she said, "who give a F___ about Christmas and Christmas decorations....where are the Christians now on this?? MIA

[@Vizible21]

@@hijack69 Trump id actually photogenic.. remember how Photographers like Orange and teal colors.

[@pdias8469]

Barack Obama is my favourite human being. He has endured so much and yet he has been the best president ever. I am an Australian. So far nobody has come close to his humanness. He is an inspiration to millions in this world.

[@LindaMitchell]

He's my favorite president that America has had. He doesn't get enough credit for all he did and tried to do under his administration.

[@lynnwilhoite6194]

@NoLaJoe Michelle and I are the exact same age. I like to imagine that we would’ve been friends had we grown up together. She is one of a kind, just like her husband.

[@gillianc592]

Im a proud Scottish woman and I adore Barack Obama and his whole family. I wish we could have leaders like that over here. We usually end up they are either corrupt or Public School boy muppets who couldn't run a Minogue. The best prime minister in my time made the biggest mistake that is still being paid for, getting involved with the Iraq war. Boris Johnson is an absolute joke and cant/shouldn't be taken seriously. The only other decent leader in my time was gotten rid of because hes Scottish and England doesn't like Scots in charge. Gordon Brown didn't get a decent chance. I do have to say we've had no one as bad as Trump he was nothing but a joke.

[@MegaHariboboy]

Barack Obama by FAR has not been the best American president. What he did to Edward Snowden and followed with the NSA and spying on millions of Americans, to his drone strikes. Yes, he was an incredible human being that had the humility to be president, but he was by far not the best president ever.

[@jannygonzalez8]

So many stories and emotions. He is a great storyteller through his lens...

[@julierogers1155]

... and verbally too.

[@KC-cd6iv]

Mr. Souza is a true gem. His Instagram page is phenomenal.

[@passiveagressive4983]

You can see Peter adored the Obamas❤️🙏😂

[@justsaying3729]

He said he saw Genuine loving people....that seems to be a rarity these days.

[@taylortot666]

literally just a room with a man and book of Obama lol its so cute I love it

[@Pranav-rp8wi]

I miss it when presidents didn't need 70,000$ for a weirdass haircut

[@stacymagnusson5683]

Imagine the cost of all that bronzer ... although buying in massive quantities may provide a discount.

[@talkindurinthemovie]

Or 130000 for hookers

[@stephaniemurria5534]

Absolutely

[@kimperry4068]

Lmao

[@robkemp7291]

2020 is officially weird news for US..good luck in the upcoming election. Pls vote.

[@Pranav-rp8wi]

and today we have a bankrupt adaroll addict silver-spooned TV celeb with his mail order bride laundering money for 4 years

[@leiajiang7877]

Who throws paper towels around in a national tragedy, refused to help states that did not support him, racist, sexist and ignorant.

[@GnomaticReverie]

He would never sit for a diagnosis of ADD. He would refuse medication then proclaim he knows more than the specialists and that they proclaim him to have the best attention and concentration they had ever seen.

[@Sugarskulls_forever]

Perfectly said. I heard it all in Tyrion’s voice lol

[@GnomaticReverie]

@@Sugarskulls_forever nauseating isn’t it.

[@alicecullenrulez]

I saw Pete speak at K-State twice while I was in school there, once before Trump was elected, and again during Trump's presidency. His candor and resolve while speaking about his professional career was admirable. His tone and message changed immensely between the two speaking engagements, and while Pete didn't dive into the political mess too much, he made it clear how much respect he had for the Obama family, and how he felt about the current First family.

[@angelm.bouchard3722]

Ignore the polls and trolls! Vote too big to rig! Vote country over party! Vote too save America! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸Biden/Harris 2020🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@annettepayne822]

Amen to that. Biden will make America great again. Obama greatest President ever! And Biden was his choice so he has my vote . If I was American xx

[@welcometotheshadow2628]

@@annettepayne822 Wouldn't say greatest ever, but definitely a fantastic one in modern history. Certainly the most progressive. Greatest would have to go to Lincoln or FDR in my opinion.

[@annettepayne822]

@Melanin Queen honestly Trump is a Global problem.

[@naturalNstylish]

Oh my goodness! I'm dying right now. We had it so good! I can't believe how much trouble we are in now. I really wish he (a real President) could come back and serve another 8 years!! Well done, Mr. Souza. You really captured him.

[@stacymagnusson5683]

@Since_2012 Anything would be better than the orange one for another four years. The last term

[@harvestmoon_autumnsky]

I remember so well when he gave his speech as a senator at the Democratic National Convention, and when he was done I was crying and yelling, "There he is!! This man is going to be president someday!" And he was. And I miss him.

[@lillianwright3668]

Can you imagine a kid wanting to touch Trump's 💇? LOL

[@nanalele117]

Every picture are all soooooo iconic

[@666Susie]

I felt as if I'd somehow taken a time machine back to when our country was a great place, with leaders that actually cared about we, the citizens. These photos and videos, as well as the narration, were a real "tonic" for this weary woman.

[@purijogarcia3244]

Thank you Pete Souza for catching these precious moments of Pres. Obama’s presidency. He and the FLOTUS and their daughters were decent people we or I looked up to for a president, including Pres. Reagan and Pres. G. W. Bush. I had always been a Democrat, but once or twice I voted Republican because of their honesty and dedication to their wives and families.

[@jesi7842]

Got his Obama book. Stunning pictures and the details/stories behind some of the pictures tells a beautiful story behind the Obama Presidency.

[@benshaer6335]

Oh America, when you had a President of integrity and intelligence...... Lovely to hear and see this gentleman's career through some of the photographs he took.

[@z.deutch1334]

I'm Australian and even I miss Obama. Heck even Bush or Clinton is better than Trump

[@dawnoceanside7300]

Bush? Who sent 4,486 of our sons and daughters to their deaths? Aussies too!

[@666Susie]

I'm and American and I miss Australia!

[@carringtonlefayette8644]

I also reside in Australia. I concur with your sentiment.

[@nellwilliams6310]

Z. Deutch Yes! It’s rough over here! We really need someone who cares about as a people

[@jkim1316]

Amen! I feel so dirty having him as my country's leader. UGH!

[@patriciablagrove206]

You did well Mr Souza. Fantastic photographs.

[@KCsFunHouse]

Pete’s pics are stunning history

[@cellnic55]

Jesus Christ I miss Obama😭💔

[@sherrytriplett4851]

Dont curse Jesus' name. I do miss Obama, too.

[@margaretself6854]

Pete is a phenomenal photographer “in the line,” but the images that hit me hardest are the ones like Jacob in the Oval, Spider-Man and the one of President Obama crawling on the floor with a staffer ‘s baby girl. They just encompass the kindness, humanity and decency of who he is and what a president should be. How far we’ve fallen.

[@gisela1122]

I adore this human. Thank you for capturing these moments in history.

[@bestcrossroad]

Thank you for this post. For 25 mins & 32 secs. my mind was enveloped in gratefulness and respect for the Office of the Presidency, it reminded me how beautiful that Office can be when a genuine & kind human being is elected to that post. Thank you President Obama & First Lady Michelle for being exemplary human beings. All the while that I was watching this, my heart aches because of our current status. What a difference a person can make in the lives of so many! May God have mercy on all of us and may all of us come out stronger, more humble and wiser when this tribulation is over. God bless the USA. 🇺🇸

[@mljones655]

Fast forward to May 3, 2021 - decency, love & class have returned to the WH. Obama's VP won & America is back!

[@LeBeautiful]

Oh wow, he really photographed the true 44th president.

[@crystalelk]

Fantastic Episode! What a great man this photographers is! Had me in tears wishing President Obama could have stayed in office about 40years! I'm not American!

[@DEATHxD3ALER]

I wish that too but that's not how it work's here and he had the Grace and Dignity to respect the office and the Constitution and step aside and allow the Peaceful Transfer of Power to a man he didn't think was able to handle the job and 4 year's later he was right but he had the Respect for Democracy..............Something I'm sad to say trump will never have or understand.

[@cesararias2165]

Seems like decades ago. How I miss normal 😕

[@virgogirl91753]

You nailed it. I MISS NORMAL SO MUCH!!!!

[@lolacookie453]

Same! 🙏🌈

[@fermarva2229]

I'm not crying, you are crying!

[@aAQEeprov]

It's OK. Neither am I. 😔

[@LadyMorgaine1976]

We're all crying

[@spacecase7566]

Wrong. Someone chopped onions.... 😭

[@B_Ella1269]

Yup.

[@shannabuxton6901]

Love Pete Souza and his amazing photos that he's given to history!

[@jaquii77]

His photographies remind me of the ones you see in history books, one photo can tell so much without any texts necessary. I find that fascinating and amazing.

[@lumiere7216]

*LOVE* hearing these Obama stories

[@judychandler8485]

I'm in awe of you, Pete Souza. Your gifted eye is extraordinary. I purchased your coffee table book of Obama photos which is so comforting. He was a real president who unlike the fool in the WhiteHouse today, I know #PBO actually cared deeply for our country which is revealed through each beautiful photo you shared. Thank you so much .

[@jwollman9475]

Such a wonderful man. So humble. Beautiful photos. I miss the Obamas.

[@talkindurinthemovie]

The Obamas increase my serotonin

[@caket4530]

Thank you for sharing these special moments at this difficult time. He is definitely missed.

[@stephaniemurria5534]

We absolutely need this now.

[@danielebarros7703]

Pete looks like such a nice guy!!

[@yekyahuwa]

Why am I crying? is anyone else crying looking at Obama's photos?

[@aAQEeprov]

You're not alone. We all are.

[@mljones655]

Thank God we have Biden now! The past 4 years were torture!

[@laames1599]

Can you imagine Trump playing basketball? 🤣 They’d probably confuse him with the orange basketball 🏀😅

[@blackwidow1417]

What an amazing career! Your photos are amazing and powerful beyond words. Thank you for cataloging history.

[@Timi7007]

Highly recommend his book!

[@nellwilliams6310]

I so miss Presidents who care for us a people! Thank you Mr. Souza for these breathtaking pictures and kind words

[@christinacuzzi3763]

can yall start putting these people's names in the title of these videos? they deserve that

[@aAQEeprov]

Goosebumps! Just pure adoration! And the comments are not helping me! Everything is just so touching! Gosh! So emotional! 😢😭😭

[@guineveredawn]

I love that Pete became so emotional with some of these photographs! What a life he’s lived and we are fortunate to be able to see his wonderful photos!

[@U2haveaniceday20]

Absolutely loved and enjoyed I see so much more as well and love how tasteful this was done very proud to have seen this.Not to mention the walk down memory lane.absolutely Beautiful Thanks so much for sharing Deb.👌✌️❤️

[@ta4890]

I was his Pete Souza Hairstylist since 1996 to 2019 last year October was the last time I cut his hair,she he retired.I miss Pete 🙏🏻❤️

[@luckyone563]

So beautiful and meaningful. Thank you vanity fair☺💕

[@Greenbirdz2]

Pete's the man

[@fallen6667]

Great stories. Great photos. I enjoyed this a lot.

[@ryf3658]

When America offers the best it has. Obama 💕💕💕💕

[@MyConfessions]

Thank you so much for capturing these moments for years to come. ❤❤

[@synthiamiller5990]

Thank you Mr Souza for taking such incredible photographs!!! Seeing these made me miss the Obamas that much more!!!

[@HR-re6mr]

Pete Souza is a national treasure! He showed President Obama's humanity and compassion. This was amazing!

[@ImThatJennay]

Thank you, Pete for your artistry, memories and magic! Totally miss the Obama administration now 😩

[@SiyabongaAfrica]

Ok. Now I miss the Obamas a lot more 😭😭

[@tristris3421]

I saw this on TV.... such an awesome show well done.... I cried happy tears of what America should be🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@marywoods4258]

Great job Pete...you capture beauty, class and grace. Thank you for your serves. I

[@rebeccabee4718]

What a fascinating career!

[@queenempress2541]

What an AMAZING CAREER AND CONTRIBUTION TO HISTORY AND THE WORLD.

[@HMSkillBuilders]

Love, respect and miss that President Obama.

[@TheJolanda01]

I miss him,and he is not even my President xx

[@Karabintree3]

Can I tell you that he is one of my favorite photographers of all time. He captures so much emotion in his photographs that it almost make me want to cry, laugh and feel every single one of the photos.

[@benarokiria]

Presidency of Obama is like fine wine. It's aged really well.

[@avajara5352]

Pete is a phenomenal photographer “in the line,” but the images that hit me hardest are the ones like Jacob in the Oval, Spider-Man and the one of President Obama crawling on the floor with a staffer ‘s baby girl. They just encompass the kindness, humanity and decency of who he is and what a president should be. How far we’ve fallen.

[@mariagitto1397]

Thank you, so much Pete for sharing these memories.

[@bonnyverduzco3310]

Absolutely loved this video and his stories. What an amazing career. He was always humble and so aware of those amazing moments that he was able to be a part of and capture.

[@folarinosibodu]

I've seen. the spiderman photo so many times, but I am just noticing the reflection in the mirror for the first time. wow.

[@lisalynnn]

I smiled throughout this entire video. The way he speaks about the presidents and their families is so loving and personal. I really appreciate how much of a blessing his job has been for him.

[@kaemincha]

Loved the way he gave context for these photos and also described how they were symbolic to their characters. Many of these photos will definitely be cemented in history.

[@adelaideorupabo8586]

Very good job sir

[@nkjassal]

MARVELOUS! Such a dedicated photographer. Thank you, Pete.

[@Native-Kitty]

Pete Souza needs to have a masterclass. I would sign up!

[@jensmith7331]

I love hearing the back stories of these iconic photographs taken of a President with dignity & class.

[@camimarezshorts]

I love him so much! Been following him on IG for a while now!

[@nanalele117]

This man is a legend!

[@pault.mccain6637]

Wonderful, thanks.

[@stevenmoore4078]

Thank you so much, Mr. Souza, for capturing history.

[@Aliikeva]

Thank you, this one was truly a joy to watch ❤️

[@tashaglam4824]

You never really appreciate them until you lose them and they're replaced with someone much, much, MUCH worse. America has downgraded BIG TIME!

[@DivineIntervention]

I miss President Obama😢our gov't right now is just sad

[@mikecolts21]

I really enjoyed this!

[@genevieve7775]

Wowwww how can I not Cry for these True Men. Obama is The Best good memory. A paradise dream. A sweetheart ❤️

[@chmg7185]

Beautifully done, how he described the events made me so emotional

[@ximenavera1799]

i love this content guys ❤️

[@arkadeyellow2931]

Thanks, Mr DeSouza, for reminding us of much happier, more decent times.

[@jbaker24]

Amazing video, more like this please.

[@Curly_479]

I really want this guy back as the White House photographer. He did such a good job at capturing the relationship between the president and the people, along with translating the emotion within the job.

[@JV-ym6qy]

I’m crying I miss President Obama,I’m trying to find one good thing about Donald Trump 😂still searching.

[@laflower6082]

You won’t 😩

[@AboveAndBeyond360]

Very good piece.

[@Chrispy9393]

My wife and I watched his movie The Way I See It. We both cried constantly. It's amazing we used to have leaders of dignity and such.

[@bodeankit]

We must take America back vote blue November 3rd 2020 Biden Harris

[@citronm1405]

We did! :)

[@classical7]

😊💙

[@Kasafadie]

Wow! That’s fantastic.

[@jean6370]

Such a contrast to deficient orange 🍊 in the WH. Obama is such a cool dude 😎

[@Glibber777]

There is so much warmth in his voice it's giving me goosebumps.

[@jackb1969]

Obeezy really is the GOAT

[@juliewood823]

Awesome wow thanks for sharing