A Virginia Family’s Unexpected Encounter with Barack Obama During Their Cherry Blossom Photo Shoot in Washington, D.C.
In the heart of Washington, D.C., where the iconic cherry blossoms bloom every spring, a Virginia family experienced a memorable moment that will undoubtedly be a cherished memory for years to come. What started as a simple family photo shoot in the picturesque Tidal Basin turned into an unforgettable encounter when former President Barack Obama accidentally stepped into the background of their photo. This unexpected cameo captured the hearts of many and sparked a wave of viral attention on social media.
The family, consisting of parents Portia Moore and Damien Thomas, along with their two children, Belle, 4, and Preston, 1, had come to the Tidal Basin to take advantage of the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Little did they know, their photo would not only capture their children’s smiles but also the presence of a former president in the background. The spontaneous moment was perfectly timed, and the result was a photo that will forever hold a special place in their memories.
The Unexpected Moment
It all began when the Moore-Thomas family set up for a family photo shoot beneath the breathtaking cherry blossoms. The two children, Belle and Preston, stood under the delicate pink petals, flashing smiles while the Washington Monument loomed majestically in the background. The iconic setting, with its beautiful display of nature, was the perfect place for a springtime family portrait.
As the photographer, Briana Inell, snapped the pictures, the family was completely unaware that they were about to have a brush with history. As the final moments of the photo session unfolded, former President Barack Obama, who was also enjoying the cherry blossoms that morning, walked by in the background. Unintentionally, he stepped right in front of the photo, becoming an unexpected and surprising addition to the family’s shot.
Obama, who was walking through the Tidal Basin at the same time as the photo shoot, was captured casually strolling in the background. Sporting a cap, sunglasses, and a relaxed demeanor, he was seen walking behind the children with his hands in his pockets. The moment was serendipitous, capturing the former president in a simple yet striking manner, creating a photo that was far from ordinary.
OBAMA PHOTOBOMB!
A local mom & dad took their kids on a cherry blossom photo shoot @ the Tidal Basin yesterday morning… and look who walked right by! @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/nB9UMtDvRq— Joseph Olmo (@ReporterJoseph) April 1, 2025
Obama’s Apology and Social Media Response
Once the family realized what had happened, it didn’t take long for the moment to gain traction on social media. Moore immediately shared the image and her story on Instagram, delighting her followers with the amusing tale. But the family wasn’t the only one to take notice. Former President Obama himself responded to the situation in the most gracious way possible.
On social media, Obama apologized to the family, acknowledging the unintentional intrusion into their photo. “Preston and Belle, hope you enjoyed peak bloom. My bad for stepping into the shot,” Obama wrote, adding a lighthearted and humorous touch to his response. His apology, coupled with his warm and genuine demeanor, quickly resonated with people all over the world.
The incident was widely shared online, with many commenting on the perfect timing and the unexpected, yet charming, cameo of the former president. His social media followers responded with humor, admiration, and appreciation for his humble acknowledgment of the moment. Obama’s interaction with the family, including his apology, demonstrated his down-to-earth personality and willingness to embrace moments like these with good humor.
A Family’s Reaction: Surprised but Grateful
For Portia Moore and Damien Thomas, the moment was surreal. Moore, a mother who was focused on keeping her young children safe during the photo session, never expected their family picture to include such an unexpected guest. As Moore recounted the event, she shared the humorous exchange between her and her partner, Damien, as they realized who had just walked by. “I’m just focused on Preston not running towards the water (peak mom moment). After that shoot was done I pick Preston up and asked Damien ‘what were you saying’? He goes ‘that was President Obama who just walked by’ and looks his direction. I was like whaaaaat?!”
Moore quickly ran to the photographer to ask if she had captured the moment, and sure enough, the perfect shot was taken. The photograph, which initially seemed like a simple family portrait, turned out to be a priceless memory. Moore shared the image on Instagram, writing, “Look who strolled by in our picture for our family Cherry Blossom photo shoot!”
The humor and excitement of the unexpected situation quickly spread across social media. The family, while initially surprised by the appearance of Obama in their photo, expressed their gratitude and joy at the unplanned but unforgettable moment.
The Photographer’s Perspective
Briana Inell, the photographer responsible for capturing the family’s special moment, has been taking photos of families and babies for over a decade. She is no stranger to the occasional disruption from tourists or other visitors in the background of her photos. However, nothing quite prepared her for the moment when a former president walked into her shot.
Inell told the Washington Post that while it’s not uncommon for people to walk through her photos during cherry blossom season, this particular incident was unique. “I go to the Tidal Basin every single year,” she said. “I’m very used to people walking in on my pictures. I tell my clients ‘don’t worry, they will be Photoshopped out.’” But in this case, there was no need for editing. The inclusion of Obama in the background turned out to be an unexpected bonus for the family and made the photo even more memorable.
Inell’s experience capturing family photos in such a popular and iconic location made her well-versed in handling these situations. However, she acknowledged that this particular moment would go down as one of her most memorable shoots.
The Popularity of Cherry Blossoms and the Tidal Basin
Each year, the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., attracts thousands of visitors who come to see the cherry blossom trees in full bloom. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, held in the spring, celebrates the beautiful trees that line the Tidal Basin and marks the beginning of the season with vibrant displays of color. Visitors from all over the world flock to the area to experience the breathtaking scenery and take in the natural beauty of the blossoms.
The cherry blossoms hold special significance in Washington, D.C., as they were gifted to the United States by Japan in 1912. Since then, the trees have become a symbol of the friendship between the two nations, and their annual bloom is celebrated with festivals, cultural events, and photo opportunities.
The Moore-Thomas family’s photo shoot was just one of many taking place at the Tidal Basin during this peak season. However, their experience was made extraordinary by the unexpected appearance of Barack Obama, adding an unforgettable moment to the backdrop of the cherry blossoms.
Obama’s Personal Reflection on the Moment
In addition to the apology he posted on social media, Obama shared his thoughts about the cherry blossoms on his own Instagram account. “It’s fun to be able to play tourist once in a while. The cherry blossoms were beautiful this morning!” Obama wrote, reflecting on his appreciation for the beauty of the day. His lighthearted comment resonated with his followers, who enjoyed seeing a more personal side of the former president.
Obama’s response, paired with the photograph of the family and the serendipitous timing, added a sense of warmth and authenticity to the moment. The interaction demonstrated that even in the midst of the busy and often unpredictable nature of public life, moments of connection, humor, and humility still stand out.
Conclusion: A Moment to Remember
The unexpected cameo of former President Barack Obama in a family photo at the Tidal Basin has become a delightful story of chance, humor, and unforgettable memories. For the Moore-Thomas family, it will be a story they tell for years to come—a reminder of the time they accidentally shared a moment with a beloved figure from American history.
The incident also highlights the power of social media in turning everyday moments into viral stories that resonate with people around the world. What started as a simple family photo shoot became a global sensation, illustrating how sometimes the most memorable moments come from the most unexpected circumstances.
As for Barack Obama, his graciousness in acknowledging the accidental intrusion and his lighthearted approach to the situation only reinforced his reputation as a leader who values connection and humility. For the Moore-Thomas family, their cherry blossom photo will forever be a reminder of an unexpected and serendipitous encounter that turned a special moment into an unforgettable memory.
Adrian Hawthorne is a celebrated author and dedicated archivist who finds inspiration in the hidden stories of the past. Educated at Oxford, he now works at the National Archives, where preserving history fuels his evocative writing. Balancing archival precision with creative storytelling, Adrian founded the Hawthorne Institute of Literary Arts to mentor emerging writers and honor the timeless art of narrative.