THE WAY I SEE IT - PETE SOUZA and DAWN PORTER INTERVIEW

Former White House Photographer, Pete Souza

Grace and dignity in the White House is at the forefront in the new documentary, The Way I See it.

The  touching and sometimes emotional film focuses on Pete Souza. Souza was the Chief Official White House Photographer to both President Obama and President Reagan.

Souza had complete access to President Obama and his family while they were in the White House for eight years. There are so many wonderful and memorable pictures here. But one of the most iconic photos is of Obama bending over for a 5-year-old boy. The boy asked him, “Is my haircut just like yours?” Obama let the young boy feel his hair, and Souza got a shot of this precious moment.

Taking the role of White House photographer, Souza had unprecedented access behind-the-scenes to both presidents' administrations. He documented those administrations in his books Obama: An Intimate Portrait and Shade: A Tale of Two Presidents. In the latter, he compares Obama to President Donald Trump. In The Way I See It, you’ll get access to see the Obama and Reagan administrations through the eyes of Souza.

Souza’s once objective lens switched to that of an outspoken critic after Donald Trump took office. Souza used his personal Instagram to post photos from Obama’s terms. He contrasts Obama with the rhetoric, policies, and tweets coming from Trump and his administration.

Souza’s shady posts earned him internet acclaim, a second book deal, and now this new documentary.

The Way I See It is directed by Dawn Porter, who also made the inspiring documentary John Lewis: Good Trouble.

While the documentary had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and is now playing in select theatres. It makes its TV debut on MSNBC Friday, October 16, at 10 p.m.

I spoke to both Pete Souza and Dawn Porter about working on the film.