The photographer who took the shot of President Obama and David Cameron posing for a ‘sefie’ at Nelson Mandela’s memorial service says they were only acting naturally.
Downing Street has played down criticisms of Mr Cameron for posing for the photo during Tuesday’s service.
The Prime Minister was pictured with Mr Obama and Danish PM Helle Thorning-Schmidt, as the three bunched together and smiled for a cameraphone snap in the FNB Stadium in Soweto.
Some reports suggested that Mr Obama’s wife Michelle was unimpressed by their behaviour, judging by her stern expression as she sat by her husband’s side.
And many Twitter users were scathing about the light-hearted snap, as it went viral.
The photographer who took the picture of the three leaders posing for the selfie, Roberto Schmidt of news agency AFP, said that he felt the trio were “simply acting like human beings”.
Writing on the AFP correspondent blog, Mr Schmidt said: “I took these photos totally spontaneously, without thinking about what impact they might have.
“At the time, I thought the world leaders were simply acting like human beings, like me and you. I doubt anyone could have remained totally stony-faced for the duration of the ceremony, while tens of thousands of people were celebrating in the stadium.
“For me, the behaviour of these leaders in snapping a selfie seems perfectly natural.”
At a daily Westminster media briefing, Mr Cameron’s official spokesman was asked whether the PM felt his actions were appropriate to the occasion.
The spokesman said: “I think what the PM would say about yesterday is it was very much a celebration of Nelson Mandela and his life and his achievements.
“I am sure many of us were watching the pictures from it and I think it did come across, and rightly so, as a marking and a celebration of Mr Mandela’s life. You had plenty of words from the Prime Minister and leaders from around the world that attest to that.”
Asked if the PM regretted distracting attention away from the tributes to Mr Mandela, the spokesman said: “What the media may choose to report is a matter for yourselves and your colleagues.”