Photoessay #2057 - Potent photo

This picture appeared in today's Seattle Times. Taken three years ago, it shows President Obama bending down to let a young boy feel his hair. The boy's father, a White House staff member was leaving the Administration. By tradition, departing White House staffers can ask for a family photo with the President. Here, the family, all dressed up, visit the President's office for the picture taken by White House photographer Pete Souza.  The father told President Obama that each of his sons had a question to ask him and added that he didn't know the question. His older son(11) asked why the President had eliminated the F22 fighter jet .  The five year old also had a question.

"I want to know if my hair is just like yours," he told Obama, so quietly that the president asked him to speak again.

Jacob did, and Obama replied, "Why don't you touch it and see for yourself?"

He brought his head level with Jacob, who hesitated
.
"Touch it, dude!" Obama said.

As Jacob patted the presidential crown, Souza snapped.

"So, what do you think?" Obama asked.

"Yes, it does feel the same," Jacob said.

 The article pointed out that the photo is a favorite despite its awkward composition, the parents' heads are cut off, the boy's hand obscures his face and the older son is blurry.

Doesn't matter, the photographer captured the image which continues to be a favorite.

Sometimes, a picture just jumps out of the camera, sometimes in a surprising manner.

Photo by Pete Souza from the Seattle Times used without permission