Weight is the word which comes to mind when turning the pages of this amazing book.

Weight in the sense that the subject matter is historic, and also that it’s a brute - over 350 pages of pure photographic gold.

Put simply; Obama: An Intimate Portrait, is probably the best example of important, historic reportage that I’ve ever seen. The architect of this content is Pete Souza, for 8 years President Barack Obama’s official photographer, and an observer of virtually every meaningful moment of his amazing time in office.

From the technical viewpoint, what came across for me was Souza’s mastery of many different focal lengths. I especially like his eye with what feels like a fast 35mm lens. There isn't a bum note across the whole story. I found myself lingering over certain images with the enthusiasm of a student, being fired-up to go out and do better.

Whether you’re a pro, an amateur, or just somebody who wants to feel a little piece of history in your hands - buy it. You’ll go back to it again and again…

(Below is a link to the first part of a 4 part doc shadowing Souza as he goes about his day-day business. Like the book, it's a must see.)