The nine most touching photos from Barack Obama's eight years as president

Official White House photographer Pete Souza is charged with documenting Barack Obama's two terms in office.

Thanks to the rise of social media networks since Obama became president, people around the world have been privy to some of the funniest and most intimate moments of life in the Oval Office and beyond.

Souza's Instagram feed has been a joy to behold. His photos manage to capture the president acting, well, like a human being, rather than posing for official pictures.

Just looking at a few of his recent shots, the president's goofier side shines through:

For our money, though, here are nine of the most special moments Souza has preserved a record of. NB, the president is really good with kids:

1.

Picture: Pete Souza/The White House

2.

Picture: Pete Souza/The White House

3.

Picture: Pete Souza/The White House

4.

Picture: Pete Souza/The White House

5.

Picture: Pete Souza/The White House

6.

Picture: Pete Souza/The White House

7.

Picture: Pete Souza/The White House

8.

Picture: Pete Souza/The White House

9.

Picture: Pete Souza/The White House

Our favourite, though? Gotta be this one from May 2009. This little boy couldn't believe that someone who looked like him was the president - so Obama bent down to let him touch his hair and prove it.

Picture: Pete Souza/The White House

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