Barack Obama apologizes after photobombing family's cherry blossom pictures in DC park: 'My bad'

Portia Moore's two children, Preston and Belle, were posing in a Washington, DC, park when Barack Obama strolled by, unexpectedly photobombing them
UPDATED APR 3, 2025
Barack Obama photobombed a family's photoshoot while taking a stroll along Washington, DC's Tidal Basin on Monday, March 31 (@brianainellphotography/Instagram)
Barack Obama photobombed a family's photoshoot while taking a stroll along Washington, DC's Tidal Basin on Monday, March 31 (@brianainellphotography/Instagram)

WASHINGTON, DC: A family was in for a once-in-a-lifetime surprise when former President Barack Obama unknowingly walked into the background of their cherry blossom photoshoot along Washington, DC's Tidal Basin on Monday, March 31. 

What started as a simple spring outing quickly became an unforgettable story and a viral sensation.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Portia Moore (@portiaportiaportia)


 

Barack Obama accidentally crashes family's cherry blossom photoshoot

Portia Moore, a mother of two, shared the incredible moment on Instagram, revealing how her children, Preston and Belle, ended up with one of the most unexpected photo guests.

"Look who strolled by in our picture for our family cherry blossom photoshoot!" Moore wrote in excitement. She recalled being so focused on keeping her son from running toward the water that she didn’t even realize who had passed by. It was her husband, Damien, who pointed it out.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 03: Former President Barack Obama speaks to attendees at the Obama Foundation Democracy Forum on November 03, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Obama spoke about economic inclusion is fundamental to safeguarding and expanding democracies in countries around the world. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Former President Barack Obama speaks to attendees at the Obama Foundation Democracy Forum on November 3, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

"He goes, 'That was President Obama who just walked by,'" Moore recounted. "I ran to the photographer and asked her if she got the picture. She scrolls through and BOOM there is it! The perfect shot!"

She reflected on the significance of capturing a moment with Obama alongside her children, calling it a memory for the ages.

"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. We were featured on the news today. Such an epic core memory formed for our entire family," Moore shared.

As Moore’s post spread online, it even caught the attention of the former president himself. Obama reposted the image on his Instagram Story and left a playful comment, "Preston and Belle, I hope you enjoyed peak bloom! My bad for stepping into the shot."

(@portiaportiaportia/Instagram)
Barack Obama commented on Portia Moore's Instagram post (@portiaportiaportia/Instagram)

The Moore family, now semi-famous for their presidential photobomb, plans to use the image for their next Christmas card. They even extended an invitation to Obama for next year’s photoshoot. "Same place, same time, same date. We’ll be here," the mother joked, as per NBC Washington

Internet gushes over Barack Obama's photobomb moment

Netizens took to the comments section of Portia Moore's Instagram post to gush over the wholesome moment, with one cleverly dubbing it, "It’s photObama." Another excitedly wrote, "Epic!!! Not our President getting active in the comments."

Former U.S. President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign event for Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris at the University of Pittsburgh on October 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
Former President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign event for former Vice President Kamala Harris at the University of Pittsburgh on October 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)

"I love this for your sweet family… what a moment!" one person wrote, while another marveled, "Omg, and he commented on the pic! This is an amazing memory!"

For some, the moment was a nostalgic reminder of Obama’s time in office. "President Obama is one of the best presidents the USA has ever had. He is humble, cool, and intelligent," one gushed. Another reflected, "This is perfect in so many ways, and the way he commented—OMG, I miss him! I miss how we were as a nation!! We were normal back then."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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