Private peek at a family making history: The intimate backstage scenes of Obama's election night vigil

As one man prepares to fulfil his destiny, the tension is overwhelming, the sense of expectation immense.



These fascinating behind-the- scenes pictures show the historic moment Barack Obama learned he had been elected as America's first black president.



Fateful viewing: Barack Obama leans forward and wrings his hands as he watches John McCain give his concession speech on television during election night

Down time: Perhaps conserving his energy for his acceptance speech, Mr Obama leans his head back with his feet up on the table next to wife Michelle

Patience: He listens intently as John McCain gives his concession speech on Wednesday morning.

Cloistered in a stark Chicago hotel room, and living up to his nickname 'No Drama Obama', he appears contemplative and often serious as he watches a giant TV screen showing John McCain delivering his concession speech.



With his feet up on the coffee table and clearly exhausted, Mr Obama is shown watching with his family as the results rolled in during the last hours of a 22-month campaign journey that was on the brink of triumphant conclusion.



Moment before the speech that made history: Obama embraces wife Michelle as they walk out to make his acceptance speech in Chicago's Grant Park

Mr Obama and his vice president Joe Biden shake hands as they romp to victory

Support: Mr Obama holds his mother-in-law Marian Robinson's hand

Wringing his hands and his brow creased in a frown, some nerves are still visible to see on Mr Obama, 47, and his whole family.



There's little sign of jubilation - just a sober realisation of the challenge ahead.



Past presidents had their election night vigils charted in powerful photo essays in journalism heavyweights such as Life magazine or Time.



Family affair: Michelle shares a tender moment with their daughters

Mr Obama keeps his eyes glued to the television as he talks on the phone surrounded by his equally intent family

Mr Obama takes a rare break from the television to concentrate on his phone call

But, true to his message of change, Mr Obama simply posted his pictures - taken by his official photographer David Katz, and entitled simple Scenes on Election Night - on Flickr, a popular website mostly used by families to post their holiday snaps.

Those viewing the snapshots are able to leave comments, with most expressing their joy at Mr Obama's victory. The photos - some showing daughters Malia, ten, and seven-year-old Sasha looking tired and slightly bored at being up way past their bedtimes - give an extraordinary glimpse into the private life of Mr Obama on the most momentous night of his life.

There is also a shot of him having a quiet word with his vice president-elect Joe Biden. Mrs Obama, 44, is pictured wearing her red and black dress by designer Narciso Rodriguez. It was later criticised by one fashionista as looking like a 'lava lamp'.