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White House lifts ban on photos during tours — see the first pics!

The White House on Wednesday lifted a 40-year camera and photo ban on public tours and TODAY was there to photograph the event.
/ Source: TODAY

Picture your selfie at the White House. Until this week, you couldn't.

But on Wednesday, the White House lifted a 40-year camera and photo ban on public tours. Michelle Obama revealed the policy change in an Instagram post where she rips apart a sign that says: "No photos or social media allowed."

TODAY's Anthony Quintano was on Wednesday morning's tour — the first public showing following the policy change.

White House tour now allows photos
White House tour now allows photosAnthony Quintano / TODAY
White House tour now allows photos
White House tour now allows photosAnthony Quintano / TODAY
Sunny chewing a stuffed animal Bo
Sunny chewing a stuffed Bo.Anthony Quintano / TODAY

Check out TODAY on Instagram for more photos.

“Effective today, guests are now welcome to take photos throughout the White House tour route and keep those memories for a lifetime,” the White House said in a statement that encouraged visitors to share their experience using the hashtag #WhiteHouseTour.

Visitors are now permitted to bring phones and compact still cameras with a lens three inches or less. However, video cameras, flash photography and live streaming continue to be prohibited.