Former President Barack Obama has become an unexpected star of a family photo, playfully photobombing a snapshot taken during a cherry blossom outing in Washington, D.C. The now-viral image features Obama casually strolling in the background as two children, Preston and Belle, posed under the blooms.
The moment unfolded on Monday, March 31, 2025, when Portia Moore, the children's mother, was capturing a family photoshoot at the Tidal Basin. The picture was later shared on social media on Tuesday, April 1, and quickly gained traction online.
In the comments of the photo, Obama wrote, "Preston and Belle, I hope you enjoyed peak bloom! My bad for stepping into the shot." His lighthearted apology resonated with many, adding a charming layer to the already delightful scene.
Portia Moore recounted the experience, explaining that during the shoot, her husband, Damien, had been trying to get her attention while she was focused on keeping Preston from running toward the water. "After the shoot was done, I picked Preston up and asked Damien, 'What were you saying?' He goes, 'That was President Obama who just walked by,' and looks in his direction," she shared on Instagram. "I was like, 'Whaaat?!' I ran to the photographer and asked her if she got the picture. She scrolls through and BOOM, there it is! The perfect shot!"
The photographer, Briana Inell, who was hired for the family photoshoot, also reflected on the amusing incident. She noted that she hadn’t even realized Obama had entered the frame as she was focused on capturing the cherry blossoms and the Washington Monument. "It’s the best photobomb ever! This is why you get to the Tidal Basin at sunrise on a weekday! You never know who you’re going to see!" she said on her Instagram.
Inell described the moment as a serendipitous surprise. "I’ve always wanted to see Obama, and I am so shocked and surprised that it actually happened to me," she remarked, adding that the image would hold a special place in the family's home, right at the center of a six-by-two grid frame.
As the photo spread across social media, it caught the attention of Obama himself. He reshared Moore's post on his Instagram Stories, further amplifying the moment's charm. Later that Monday, he shared his own photos of the cherry blossoms, writing, "It’s fun to be able to play tourist once in a while. The cherry blossoms were beautiful this morning!"
The scene at the Tidal Basin is a popular destination for cherry blossom viewing, attracting visitors from around the world each spring. The trees, a gift from Japan in 1912, typically bloom between late March and early April, drawing crowds eager to witness their beauty.
Damien Thomas, the children's father, expressed his surprise at the encounter, stating, "In the act of it, or as it transpired, you’re not realizing because you don’t even think that you’re going to see President Obama, right? So you don’t put two and two together until after the fact, and you realize, OK, that really is President Obama."
For the Moore family, the photobomb has turned into a cherished family heirloom. Portia emphasized, "This story is one to remember, and the picture is a family heirloom (literally). And nope, we did not bother him on his much-needed peaceful stroll."
As the story continues to circulate, it highlights not only a delightful moment but also the joy of unexpected encounters in everyday life. The viral photo serves as a reminder of the lightheartedness that can emerge from chance meetings, especially in a city as rich with history and culture as Washington, D.C.
In a world often filled with serious news, this lighthearted incident has provided a refreshing moment of joy and connection, reminding us that sometimes, the best memories come from the most unexpected places.
