Peter Joseph Souza
- Born:
- December 31, 1954, New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Photojournalist, Government Official, Author, Filmmaker
Early Life and Education
- Graduated from Dartmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in government in 1976.
- Received a Master's degree in journalism from Kansas State University in 1980.
- Started his career as a photographer for small newspapers in Kansas.
Career and Major Achievements
- Official White House Photographer for President Ronald Reagan (1983-1989).
- Freelance photographer for publications including National Geographic and Life.
- Official White House Photographer for President Barack Obama (2009-2017). He documented nearly two million photographs during Obama's presidency. This extensive documentation is a crucial part of what makes the 'pete souza white house photographer bio biography' so interesting to historians.
- Professor of Visual Communication at Ohio University.
- Directed the documentary film Obama: An Intimate Portrait (2017).
- Known for his use of social media, particularly Instagram, to comment on current events and politics.
Notable Works
- Photographic book: Obama: An Intimate Portrait (2017).
- Photographic book: The Rise of Barack Obama (2008).
- Photographic book: Unguarded Moments: Behind-the-Scenes Photographs of President Ronald Reagan (2010).
- Documentary film: Obama: An Intimate Portrait (2017).
Legacy and Impact
Peter Souza's work as a White House photographer for two presidents has provided invaluable historical documentation of American political life. His photographs offer a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on the presidency and have shaped public understanding of these administrations.