Former President Barack Obama unintentionally photobombed a family’s cherry blossom photo shoot in Washington, D.C., in a touching moment that swiftly went viral on social media, giving the family a treasured memory and delighting people all over the world.
An Unexpected Meeting at the Tidal Basin
Portia Moore and Damien Thomas took their kids, Belle, age 4, and Preston, age 1, to the Tidal Basin for a professional photo shoot during the height of the cherry blossoms in early April 2025. Photographer Briana Inell was photographing the siblings under the famous pink blossoms with the Washington Monument in the backdrop when Barack Obama, wearing sunglasses and a cap, walked into the frame.
Moore shared a video of the incident on Instagram, expressing her astonishment and joy at discovering the former president had passed by while they were meeting. She shared the coincidental photo of Obama in the background, writing, “Look who walked by in our picture for our family CherryBlossom photo shoot…”
Obama’s Jovial Reaction
Obama humorously apologized on social media after learning about the photobomb, writing, “I hope you enjoyed peak bloom, Preston and Belle. I apologize for entering the frame. He added, “It’s fun to be able to play tourist once in a while,” to express his personal admiration for the cherry blossoms. This morning’s cherry blossoms were stunning!
A Moment to Remember for Everyone
Although tourists frequently show up in the background of pictures taken at the Tidal Basin, this was the first time, according to photographer Briana Inell, who has more than ten years of experience photographing families and infants. Inell declared, “I visit the Tidal Basin each and every year.” “I’m used to people snooping around in my photos. “Don’t worry, they will be Photoshopped out,” I assure my clients. But in this instance, the unannounced visitor gave the family’s pictures a special touch.
The Moore-Thomas family has a story—and a picture—to cherish for years to come as a result of the delightful incident, which serves as a reminder of the unanticipated delights that can arise during ordinary moments.
