Obama: An Intimate Portrait - Hardcover

Pete Souza was the Chief Official White House Photographer for President Obama and the Director of the White House Photo Office. Previously Souza was an Assistant Professor of Photojournalism at Ohio University, the national photographer for the Chicago Tribune, a freelancer for National Geographic, and an Official White House Photographer for President Reagan. His books include the New York Times bestseller The Rise of Barack Obama, which documents the president's meteoric ascent from his first day in the United States Senate through the 2008 Pennsylvania presidential primary. Souza is currently a freelance photographer based in Washington, D.C. and is a Professor Emeritus at Ohio University's School of Visual Communication.

One of the Best Books of the Year - Today, Los Angeles Times, People, Bustle

"The book, which distills the 1.9 million photographs that Souza took of Obama's eight years in the White House down to about 300 images, it as once warm and nostalgic, worshipful and respectful, sad and wistful-in a sense, not so different from the framed JFK portraits that everyday Americans hung in living rooms, right through the Nixon administration. Less than 12 months since Obama left office (indeed, the very moment he left his office is included), it also reads like a lesson in how fast things can change."―Chicago Tribune

"Here are the qualities that radiate from these photos of the former President and his family, all taken by Souza during his eight years as official White House photographer: intelligence, kindness, warmth, integrity. Drink it in."―People

"For all its exuberant glimpses of the president at play, the dominant mood of this 'intimate portrait' remains earnest. In conveying both the weight of the office and President Obama's full engagement with its demands, Souza fuels our admiration--and stokes our regret."―The Chicago Tribune

"Souza, chief official White House photographer for Obama's two terms, was on hand for history--documenting our first black president, and a pretty photogenic one at that. Souza's book, an instant best seller, includes many iconic images we've seen before, but its most poignant moments are the least public--like one of the president and his daughters frolicking in the snow at the White House."―USA Today

"Mr. Souza has honed an ability to crouch and shrink to capture the details no one else sees...With Mr. Obama giving few public statements since leaving office, Mr. Souza's words and images will have to work as a conduit for now."―The New York Times

"Obama: An Intimate Portrait reminds us of how... glamour functioned in the previous Administration... However glamorous, this man has more power than seems human."―The New Yorker

"Perfect for gifting... lets readers into Obama's life in the White House, around the world, and into the spirit of his chapter in American history."―Travel + Leisure

"This book will appeal to any fan of history."―ABC7 Eyewitness News

"The 300 photographs in the book are a remarkable account of President Obama's eight years in the White House, from events of historic significance to quiet moments with his wife and daughters and the family dogs. They feature world leaders, diplomats, celebrities and everyday people. You see the President in times of contemplation, worry and sorrow. You see him, too, in high spirits, joy and playfulness."―New Orleans Times-Picayune