The 17 Best Pictures of Barack Obama's Final Year in the White House

PHOTO: PETE SOUZA / THE WHITE HOUSE

The 17 Best Pictures of Barack Obama's Final Year in the White House

by Sarah-Jane Collins

Dec 30, 2016

Every year Pete Souza, Chief White House photographer, goes through the thousands of pictures he and other White House photographers have snapped on the job, and selects his favorites. Then, he shares them with us all.

"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," Souza wrote on Medium.

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

The pictures range from President Barack Obama prepping for meetings, attending global summits and golfing with staff, to Joe Biden chasing children around with a Super Soaker. There are also plenty of Michelle Obama, and the Obama's two teen daughters Malia and Sasha.

There are too many to choose one favorite. So we chose…17.

Enjoy.

The Commander-in-Chief bracket:

Barack and Michelle Obama hosted numerous state dinners over the years, like this one in March in honor of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Reason for official Top 17 selection: Those incredible ball gowns, plus bonus Trudeau in background.

March 10, 2016 “What an honor to watch these girls grow up. Malia, foreground, and Sasha were both invited guests for the State Dinner in honor of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada and Mrs. Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau. Following the actual sit-down dinner in the East Room, they made their way down the Great Hall to the State Dining Room for the musical entertainment.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) — March 10, 2016: "What an honor to watch these girls grow up. Malia, foreground, and Sasha were both invited guests for the State Dinner in honor of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada and Mrs. Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau. Following the actual sit-down dinner in the East Room, they made their way down the Great Hall to the State Dining Room for the musical entertainment." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Obama have a strong bond, she being one of the few world leaders who has been around for the whole of his presidency.

Reason for official Top 17 selection: The look of pure joy on Merkel's face proves world leaders just want to have fun, too.

July 9, 2016 “German Chancellor Angela Merkel reacts when she thought they were somehow going to squeeze the entire press corps into a small hallway in Warsaw, Poland, to do a group photo with all of the European leaders. Instead, they were just being lined up in the order that they were supposed to walk into the room where the press was already prepositioned.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) — July 9, 2016: "German Chancellor Angela Merkel reacts when she thought they were somehow going to squeeze the entire press corps into a small hallway in Warsaw, Poland, to do a group photo with all of the European leaders. Instead, they were just being lined up in the order that they were supposed to walk into the room where the press was already prepositioned." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

This year has not been a great one for U.S.—Russia relations, and this picture of Russian President Vladimir Putin bending the President's ear is fascinating because I really want to know what they're talking about.

Reason for official Top 17 selection: The endless caption comp opportunities.
Putin: "Barack, what was your mother's maiden name?"
Obama: "Really, Vlad—it's public record, so…not my iTunes security question."
Putin: "Ok, yes…What did you say was the first street you lived on?"
Obama: "No, Vlad."

Sept. 5, 2016 “President Obama talks with President Vladimir Putin of Russia following their meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) — Sept. 5, 2016: "President Obama talks with President Vladimir Putin of Russia following their meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The day after the presidential election, Obama gathered the communications staff in the Oval Office to discuss how to talk about the result.

Reason for official Top 17 selection: This is a leader, with a staff who need reassurance—and it looks like they're getting it.

Nov. 9, 2016 “It was the morning after the election and the President wanted to speak to Press Secretary Josh Earnest about how to characterize his thoughts to the press. When he heard Josh was meeting with his team, the President sent word to bring the team with him, thinking it was just a few others. But it turned out that Josh had the entire communications, speechwriting and research team in his office and they all filtered in to the Oval, some for the first time.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) — Nov. 9, 2016: "It was the morning after the election and the President wanted to speak to Press Secretary Josh Earnest about how to characterize his thoughts to the press. When he heard Josh was meeting with his team, the President sent word to bring the team with him, thinking it was just a few others. But it turned out that Josh had the entire communications, speechwriting and research team in his office and they all filtered in to the Oval, some for the first time." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

This picture could have been very different. It could have been the first black president of the United States chatting with the first female president-elect of the United States. It isn't.

Reason for official Top 17 selection: I really feel the President is showing a lot of restraint. For this reason alone, he gets points. Plus you know, history.

Nov. 10, 2016 “Two days after the election, the President meets with President-elect Donald Trump.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) — Nov. 10, 2016: "Two days after the election, the President meets with President-elect Donald Trump." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The goofing-off bracket:

One of the best things about the past eight years has been watching the genuine fun the Obamas inject into their day-to-day. These pictures are just the tip of a very fun iceberg.

Like this one, of Michelle Obama and Ellen…shopping?

Reason for official Top 17 selection: Michelle Obama is pushing Ellen DeGeneres around in a trolley at CVS. Do you need more? Do you?

Sept. 12, 2016 “The First Lady goes shopping at a CVS Pharmacy in preparation for life after the White House during a segment taping for the Ellen DeGeneres Show in Burbank, Calif.” (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson) — Sept. 12, 2016: "The First Lady goes shopping at a CVS Pharmacy in preparation for life after the White House during a segment taping for the Ellen DeGeneres Show in Burbank, Calif." (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Ever wonder who invented fun? It was Joe Biden with the Super Soaker on the lawn.

Reason for official Top 17 selection: Joe Biden. Oh sorry, did you need more? Joe Biden with a Super Soaker chasing kids around. The prosecution rests, Your Honor.

June 4, 2016 “The Vice President chases children and members of the press with a super soaker during the 2016 Biden Beach Boardwalk Bash held at the Naval Observatory Residence in Washington, D.C.” (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann) — June 4, 2016: "The Vice President chases children and members of the press with a super soaker during the 2016 Biden Beach Boardwalk Bash held at the Naval Observatory Residence in Washington, D.C." (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Barack Obama has moves. He can dance, and he likes to dance. Sometimes, he likes to dance with his staff in the middle of the afternoon. I am on board.

Reason for official Top 17 selection: The President of the United States gave his staffer dance lessons for her wedding. NO. YOU'RE CRYING.

March 16, 2016 “It just happened spontaneously one afternoon as the President began dancing in the Outer Oval with Personal Aide Ferial Govashiri. As I recall, he was helping her practice for her upcoming wedding.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) — March 16, 2016: "It just happened spontaneously one afternoon as the President began dancing in the Outer Oval with Personal Aide Ferial Govashiri. As I recall, he was helping her practice for her upcoming wedding." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Put the lime in the coconut and try not to spill it all over your shirt, you're the President of the United States for goodness' sakes.

Reason for official Top 17 selection: Sunglasses, coconut, Obama.

Sept. 7, 2016 “The President sips from a coconut during his visit in Luang Prabang, Laos. This was just after it was chopped open, splattering pieces of coconut on his shirt.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) — Sept. 7, 2016: "The President sips from a coconut during his visit in Luang Prabang, Laos. This was just after it was chopped open, splattering pieces of coconut on his shirt." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

If you are the President of the United States and you like playing basketball, why not invite George Clooney to play with you. Michelle and Amal can finally get some real work done without those guys hassling them.

Reason for official Top 17 selection: If you can't tell why I picked this picture, I am sorry. I cannot help you.

Sept. 12, 2016 “After a meeting with actor and human rights activist George Clooney, the President invited him and three of his colleagues to shoot hoops on the White House basketball court. This photo garnered a lot of attention when it was hung on the walls of the West Wing.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) — Sept. 12, 2016: "After a meeting with actor and human rights activist George Clooney, the President invited him and three of his colleagues to shoot hoops on the White House basketball court. This photo garnered a lot of attention when it was hung on the walls of the West Wing." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The Boss met the Big Boss, and it is really hard to tell which one is the bigger fan.

Reason for official Top 17 selection: Because I like to imagine that sometimes Biden and Obama prank call Trump in the middle of the night, and when he answers it's just 'Born in the USA' playing.

Nov. 22, 2016 “Bruuuuuce! The President reaches out to shake hands with Bruce Springsteen in the Blue Room of the White House prior to the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony. I’m so happy for Bruce, having been a fan of his for almost 30 years during which I’ve seen at least 35 of his concerts.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) — Nov. 22, 2016: "Bruuuuuce! The President reaches out to shake hands with Bruce Springsteen in the Blue Room of the White House prior to the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony. I’m so happy for Bruce, having been a fan of his for almost 30 years during which I’ve seen at least 35 of his concerts." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The children-doing-adorable-things bracket:

How could this not be a category? Obama's love of goofing off with kids is well-documented, and these pictures show the love is mutual.

Like this one of Superman and the President, consulting on important world-saving things, I assume.

Reason for official Top 17 selection: Do you have a heart?

Oct. 31, 2016 “The President was about to welcome local children for Halloween trick-or-treating when he ran into Superman Walker Earnest, son of Press Secretary Josh Earnest, in the Ground Floor Corridor of the White House. ‘Flex those muscles,’ he said to Walker.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) — Oct. 31, 2016: "The President was about to welcome local children for Halloween trick-or-treating when he ran into Superman Walker Earnest, son of Press Secretary Josh Earnest, in the Ground Floor Corridor of the White House. 'Flex those muscles,' he said to Walker." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Michelle Obama is not about to let Barack have all the fun, mind you.

Reason for official Top 17 selection: FOMO.

June 22, 2016 “A nice moment captured by Amanda Lucidon as the First Lady interacted with, left to right, Emma Belle Gaskins, Jill McCormick, Zoe Abigail Rogers and Avery Parlier during ‘Cosmopolitan Couch Talk’ in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House.” (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon) — June 22, 2016: "A nice moment captured by Amanda Lucidon as the First Lady interacted with, left to right, Emma Belle Gaskins, Jill McCormick, Zoe Abigail Rogers and Avery Parlier during ‘Cosmopolitan Couch Talk’ in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House." (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

One of the legacies of the Obama years will be the example Obama set as a role model, for Black children who aspire to be the President one day, or just even all the children who aspire to be tall.

Reason for official Top 17 selection: This kid probably doesn't even know who Obama is, but he is mesmerized and it is adorable. Also there is some serious craft at work in this picture—the anticipation of the shot, getting it, and that perfect framing—just gorgeous.

Feb. 18, 2016 “I had my eye on this youngster while President Barack Obama spoke during a reception at the White House celebrating African American History Month. When the President starting greeting audience members along the rope line, I bent down in front of the young man and captured this moment of the President touching his face before he too bent down to greet him. Afterwards, I tracked down his name — Clark Reynolds — and had the President sign a copy for him.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) — Feb. 18, 2016: "I had my eye on this youngster while President Barack Obama spoke during a reception at the White House celebrating African American History Month. When the President starting greeting audience members along the rope line, I bent down in front of the young man and captured this moment of the President touching his face before he too bent down to greet him. Afterwards, I tracked down his name—Clark Reynolds—and had the President sign a copy for him."
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Sometimes kids will decide it's time for them to be in charge. So they will simply step into the Vice Presidency without being asked. Or you know, climb into the Vice President's chair, because toddlers don't respect people calling dibs on chairs.

Reason for official Top 17 selection: Everything. The composition, the moment between them, the look on her teeny tiny face.

June 22, 2016 “The great thing about children is you just don’t know what they will do in the presence of the President. So when David Axelrod stopped by the Oval Office with one of his sons’ family, Axe’s granddaughter, Maelin, crawled onto the Vice President’s seat while the President continued his conversation with the adults. Then at one point, Maelin glanced over just as the President was looking back at her.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) — June 22, 2016: "The great thing about children is you just don’t know what they will do in the presence of the President. So when David Axelrod stopped by the Oval Office with one of his sons’ family, Axe’s granddaughter, Maelin, crawled onto the Vice President’s seat while the President continued his conversation with the adults. Then at one point, Maelin glanced over just as the President was looking back at her." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Children can care passionately about issues, and it's refreshing when adults respect that and take them seriously. Obama was so impressed by this New York boy, he invited him to the White House.

Reason for official Top 17 selection: Respecting the opinions and passions of children who can't vote for you is a sign you are a thoughtful and classy person.

Nov. 10, 2016 “A good respite from the day after the election was the visit of Alex Myteberi. The six-year-old boy from New York had written a letter to President Obama after seeing a heart-breaking photograph of Syrian refugee Omran Daqneesh sitting silently in an ambulance, covered in blood and dust, after an air strike on Aleppo. In his letter, Alex wrote to the President: ‘Can you please go get him and bring him to my home. We’ll be waiting for you guys with flags, flowers, and balloons. We will give him a family and he will be our brother. The President was so touched by the letter that he read excerpts from it at the United Nations in September. Alex and his family were invited to the Oval Office so the President could tell him in person how much the letter had meant to him.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) — Nov. 10, 2016: "A good respite from the day after the election was the visit of Alex Myteberi. The six-year-old boy from New York had written a letter to President Obama after seeing a heart-breaking photograph of Syrian refugee Omran Daqneesh sitting silently in an ambulance, covered in blood and dust, after an air strike on Aleppo. In his letter, Alex wrote to the President: ‘Can you please go get him and bring him to my home. We’ll be waiting for you guys with flags, flowers, and balloons. We will give him a family and he will be our brother. The President was so touched by the letter that he read excerpts from it at the United Nations in September. Alex and his family were invited to the Oval Office so the President could tell him in person how much the letter had meant to him." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The Dad-in-Chief bracket:

I just have one more to add to this curation of a curation. This adorable photo of Malia and Barack Obama, talking to a chef in Cuba. The Obama years have been filled with gorgeous family moments, and this is just one more.

Reason for official Top 17 selection: In the caption, Souza says Obama tells him he loves every photo with one or both of his daughters in it. Which is just peak dad and makes my heart burst.

“‘I love that picture,’ the President said to me when he saw this one hanging on the walls of the West Wing. Truth be told, he says that about every picture that features Malia or Sasha. The President and Malia were sharing a laugh as Malia interpreted in Spanish for a restauranteur in Havana, Cuba.” (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) — March 20, 2016: "'I love that picture,' the President said to me when he saw this one hanging on the walls of the West Wing. Truth be told, he says that about every picture that features Malia or Sasha. The President and Malia were sharing a laugh as Malia interpreted in Spanish for a restauranteur in Havana, Cuba." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

You can see every single one of Souza's year in review pictures right here.