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Barack Obama's official photographer shares '2016 Year in Photographs' from the White House

Olivia Blair
Saturday 31 December 2016 18:15 GMT
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(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

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As 2016 draws to a close, it signifies the final year in office for President Barack Obama.

Pete Souza, the White House’s chief photographer, has closely followed Mr Obama and his family’s every movement for the past eight years. Each year, he compiles a selection of the estimated 1000 photos he takes every day which make the 'year in review' cut.

“Editing for this project is both subjective and personal,” he wrote on Medium. “Yes, there are some historic moments included but mostly I was looking for behind-the-scenes moments that give people a more personal look at the President and First Lady. And I’ve included a few that I thought were just cool photos.

“I hope you enjoy this final Year in Photographs of the Obama administration. It’s been the honour of a lifetime to be a witness to history these past eight years.”

The collection, which were either taken by Mr Souza or a member of his White House photography team, ranges from historical moments such as Mr Obama’s address to his staff the morning after Donald Trump’s victory in November and his visit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Pearl Harbour.

Others show a more personal side of the outgoing president, including candid moments with his wife Michelle, daughters Malia and Sasha as well as him interacting with children and dancing.

Similarly to when the Obamas sent out their final family Christmas card, the photos have only fuelled a further outpouring of grief from the outgoing president’s supporters who do not want to see him exit the White House in January.

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