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We’ve just posted a new series of behind-the-scenes photographs from the last two weeks of April. Many elements go into the making of a successful photograph. A good moment, interesting composition, nice light, etc.
This photograph (below) was unusual in that I framed the composition ahead of time and waited for the President to walk into the frame. After the President’s helicopter had landed in Los Angeles, I anticipated the direction he would walk to his car in the motorcade. Lighting sometimes is the key element in a successful photograph.
This photograph (below) was taken in a hallway at a Chicago hotel. The President had a briefing with Press Secretary Jay Carney and Senior Advisor David Plouffe. The hallway was very dimly lit, but the President happened to sit underneath the overhead light, illuminating just his face.
Pete Souza is Chief Official White House Photographer and Director of the White House Photography Office.