The photograph was taken on May 8, 2009, in the Oval Office of the White House by Souza, who was the chief official White House photographer. Philadelphia's father, Carlton Philadelphia, had worked as a staff member of the United States National Security Council for two years. He was leaving the job and had been invited to bring his family to the Oval Office for a "departure photo" with Obama. Jacob Philadelphia quietly asked the president: "I want to know if your hair is like mine." Obama asked him to repeat it, then replied, "Why don't you touch it and see for yourself?" and lowered his head. Souza's photograph captures the moment that Philadelphia touches Obama's head.
