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Inauguration NightNational Geographic’s The President’s Photographer explores the perspective of the visual historians who capture both public and intimate moments in the lives of Presidents. Browse this gallery of the work of some of the photographers—and their subjects—featured in the program. Here, President Obama and the First Lady share a private moment on a freight elevator in Washington’s convention center on the night of his inauguration in 2009. The photograph is considered by many to be one of photographer Pete Souza’s iconic images—so far.   The President’s Photographer premieres Wednesday, November 24, on PBS (check local listings for times). Enjoy more photos and buy the book The President’s Photographer: 50 Years Inside the Oval Office .
Photograph by Pete Souza

The President’s Photographer

See photos of U.S. Presidents (including Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and John F. Kennedy) in this photo gallery, from National Geographic.