Family's impromptu photo shoot turns into iconic Obama encounter

WASHINGTON — Portia Moore and her family had planned to take photos at the Tidal Basin Monday around 1 p.m. But they ended up going much earlier than planned and arriving at 7 a.m. The last-minute change led to the surprise of a lifetime.

Moore told WUSA9 that she was focused on getting the perfect shot of her two kids, 4 year-old Belle and 21-month-old Preston. As they were snapping away, she said her husband noticed a familiar face. Former president Barack Obama was casually taking a morning walk. 

“I was like what happened?" Moore laughed. "He’s like, 'it’s President Obama.' I’m like what!”

Moore said she and her photographer, Briana Inell, quickly checked the camera and there he was: Obama unintentionally photobombing Belle and Preston. Moore said the photo is now a family heirloom.

“It means so much to me, and to them as they grow older," Moore said. "It builds confidence, like, look I have something to share.”

The photo quickly went viral. Obama even reposted the picture to his Instagram story with the caption, “Preston, Belle, I hope you enjoyed peak bloom. My bad for stepping into the shot.”

The family said they hope the special moment is a reminder that magical things can happen anywhere, anytime.

“To see the beauty in life, in people, nature," Moore said. "It can be crazy, what is going around us. Let’s appreciate the little thing. This is little but, also monumental.”

Moore said the photo will sit next to their other family portraits and they have a message for the former president. 

“Anytime you want to see us, we’re here, right down street," Moore chuckled as she extended the invitation.