The world was today afforded an unprecedented glimpse behind the scenes of a presidential victory as Barack Obama allowed personal photographs to be posted on his Flickr account from Tuesday night’s historic election.

The series of 82 pictures begins in a Chicago hotel room as the Obama family waits anxiously for the results to come in. A declaration of his election as the 44th President of the United States is then captured as it flashes up on the television. The next shots show jubilant relatives pouring in, along with the Bidens, to share their congratulations.

The photographs capture a number of intimate moments between family members and colleagues as they celebrate: Joe Biden cupping seven-year-old Sasha’s chin, Mr Obama and Mr Biden sharing a moment of contemplation, Mr Obama holding his mother-in-law’s hand as they watch John McCain’s concession speech, Sasha and Malia playing with their cousins.

The shots then follow the Obamas through the backstage area at Grant Park and out onto the stage; several show Mr Obama delivering his victory speech from alternative vantages, such as from behind as he looks out over a sea of waving flags. The onstage celebrations are shown before the photographer follows the team off for a few snaps backstage: Mr Biden inspecting something on a laptop, Mr Obama and family watching the pundits on CNN; an unguarded moment of tenderness between the soon-to-be first couple.

In the final shot, the president-elect is seen getting into a black limousine before the family drive off, and their world changes forever.

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