OH BOY! Critiquing President Donald Trump’s NEW Official Portrait… (2025)

[@froknowsphoto]

I wanted to add a few thoughts to the critique video. Do I think it's the most perfectly, softly lit, well-edited portrait ever, no. The choice of lighting is overhanded and makes sense since the photographer mentioned they've never shot studio lighting before. That right there's an interesting thing as well I saw a few people bring up. Someone with no studio lighting experience was tasked with capturing a portrait of this magnitude. That inexperience does show in the heavy-handed lighting and editing. On the flip side that doesn't make the photo inherently bad, it just brings some of the choices to the forefront. I think it's an off choice to have one tighter portrait and one further away for the VP. This feels like a deliberate choice of, "look at me, I'm more important, fill the frame with my face". I can say an image is trying to portray strength and convey it, but that doesn't mean the person actually does. Someone said I was "licking boots" because I said Trump has a smile that lights up a room. I think he does have a great smile, but that doesn't mean anything beyond he has a great smile. You can say something like that but still understand that it's a show for him. The scowl, the false bravado, it's a thing. But it's one thing to "portray and convey" a look in a photo, but a person's actions speak louder than the person's manufactured image. My goal with this video was to share. my thoughts about the photo. The fact that I was able to get answers from the photographer directly to share with you is a big deal. Instead of guessing why a choice was made, I asked why a choice was made and shared the answers with you. I kind of felt like I was a journalist asking questions and then listening to the answers....as that's what a journalist does. You ask questions, you listen for answers, you verify the answers and if needed, you push back. The choices in the portrait were deliberate, it's a manufactured moment. The photographer had 20 minutes, which honestly is plenty of time to get the photo right. In reality, if you have 20 minutes to capture the image, you probably had a few hours to play around with lighting and a stand-in to test it out. You can tweak a little when the subject comes in, but you should be ready to go within a few seconds of the subject stepping in to frame. Like I said at the beginning of the video, the look and lighting choice equals a menacing and maniacal portrayal of a president. That seems to be what they were going for. If that's what they were gong for they succeeded. I personally don't see "power" when I see the image, I see the desire to be portrayed as powerful. My goal was to discuss the image and share direct quotes from the photographer. We could analyze and over-analyze ever subtle detail, but we don't have to. Thank you for watching.

[@q5rwi1]

Why did he choose to highlight his face and leave the flag so dark? It's so grim to me.

[@jeffellis6544]

Reflects the subjects priorities. Remember who we’re talking about. The flag is not as important to him.

[@rodneyreeves9434]

That shot reminds me of the Six Million Dollar Man, lol

[@Rabbit00766]

Your edit of JD Vance's eyes does look alot better.

[@danieltorok8589]

It does and it was changed=)

[@bradcofo]

Everything about JD Vance is fake, so his official portrait might as well look like a fake vampire too.

[@GoHerping]

its pretty sick you had an actual influence on the portrait that easily a billion people will see in no time

[@tenns]

Dude that's amazing! he used the critiques previous to the one we are watching right now to make the photo. This is like when jared comments on watcher's photos lol

[@gmarchand]

@@GoHerping it reminds me of history and the power of a photograph. We live now in a technological age where it can instantly impact the world in seconds. Just look at the LA fires. Wow! Go herping good call on that one👌

[@danieltorok8589]

@@GoHerping a billion sounds like a lot lol. But we were at 3B reached on X after 12 hours yesterday morning. Roughly 200,000 accounts shared it on X alone. Crazy how technology has made things instantaneous. I will say that 3B likely has many of the same viewers. There is no way to tell how many when seeing an overall reach. One account may reach 35 and another may reach 15M, of that all 35 saw it twice. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@danieltorok8589]

@@tenns I used all your comments to make final edits too. Centered Vance better and darkened, along with darkened eyes. For 47, lightened the shadow on shirt and tie, and darkened the face slightly. I obv can’t change it drastically, but the small edits I do feel really helped. Thanks to everyone here with legit feedback.

[@christophermastino3229]

Photos should convey a story or they are just a snapshot. His official portrait definitely conveys a story.

[@hfvhf987]

100% agree with that statement!

[@michaelmiller7928]

Hint, the opposite of a protagonist hero.

[@rolandrick]

That’s most probably exactly the inspiration behind it.

[@Saber_Nico]

you see all of the portraits, one looking like the last, until you hit #47. you'll be asking yourself "wtf happened here?" alot of stuff happened, that's what lol

[@Henry_Churches]

A story of a president that wants to lean into a mugshot because it was ‘wildly popular’ and sold him a bunch of t-shirts at campaign rallies…disgusting.

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

Trump's portrait looks like a movie poster for a political thriller. Not just the lighting, but also the facial expression.

[@notarealperson2001]

Make that "political horror show"...

[@JohnDoukasPhotography]

I agree. It makes him look cross eyed

[@TheTechnoPilot]

It’s the House of Cards spinoff where we go darker, stupider, and more corrupt.

[@erikalpizar]

It is a photograph full of intentions, challenge, and warning that can be read in the image. If that was the intention, it was perfectly achieved.

[@hang10wannabe]

It also looks like he poo'd himself...

[@DavidDatura]

Indeed

[@kaneclements7761]

Vance looks like he's about to fire laser beams from his eyes.

[@tenns]

yeah it's giving face filter app gone wrong

[@amhtxc2960]

Homelander!

[@nico37]

haha, now that you mention it he does remind me a bit of General Zod from Superman 2!

[@mrphoto]

I love the comments. But as a portrait photographer, it is the client who makes the final choice. Yes, we bring our expertise to the set, but the client will tell you what they do and don't like. While I'm not a fan of this photo, Daniel did his job and satisfied his client. After all, we are here to help our clients tell their story in as little as ONE photo. "Mission Accomplished", Daniel.

[@SP-te2il]

As a fellow government photographer who does portraits for government the lighting setup is not something I would go for. If Daniel used the mugshot for inspiration I understand that. I just wouldn’t use a horror movie type lighting setup for official portraits. I will also say I appreciate him for trying things and to think outside the box.

[@danieltorok8589]

Thanks, SP. I used beauty lighting (clamshell) but dodged and burned the raw image to stylize it more for the look we wanted.

[@SP-te2il]

@ I applaud you for trying something new like studio lighting. It is not the easiest for sure as someone that took very difficult college classes in studio lighting haha keep up your work and I look forward to seeing what you do coming up!

[@SP-te2il]

@ I appreciate for sure. I get the look that was wanted. With a newspaper background myself I always try to bring that look into my images for the government so I like seeing someone bringing in a style that most in our field don't haha

[@Chris_Wolfgram]

​@@danieltorok8589 you freaking nailed it 🙂 I'm not a portrait photographer, but I can appreciate a great one 🙂👍

[@MichaelPLibby]

@@danieltorok8589 it is a very strong image. It stands out and will stand out for a long time. There is so much in this one image. You did a very good job. Love the image!!! I see strength, confidence and peace in one image. Wow!!!

[@ralegade7710]

The photo from his first term is the photo you take during new hire orientation. The one he took now looks like after you’ve been at work for three months.

[@christinegage449]

YES!!!!!!

[@MBIRIJAMES]

I think the president wanted to reproduce the famous mugshot, I think it was brilliantly done.

[@furonwarrior]

Yeah, it looks like a villainous portrait.

[@hautehussey]

@@furonwarrioryep. And that’s worrisome honestly.

[@gscheuing]

Any great portrait photographer will capture the essence of his subject, revealing an individual's character and personality, opening a window into who they are. Therefore I would say he succeeded greatly here.

[@connerfreeman9609]

The dodging and burning is fuckin weird though. Much like the president

[@TB-ni4ur]

He's ready to knock heads and this portrays that intention pretty well, so yeah, sooner he gets to work the better. I hope you're ready to start winning again...

[@joeyslaptop]

IMO, the lighting is extremely upwards shining because it's a technique to hide sags and wrinkles on old people. I think the other psychological effect was secondary. He's also supposed to look mean (not evil, but a little scary) like he's not messing around. His shot ear is the one showing - reinforcing the determination in his eyes. I completely agree that you improved the photo of JD Vance with the eye thingy.

[@tsptl152]

Looks like he's holding a flashlight and about to go all evil laugh at trick-or-treaters.

[@derbagger22]

I'M THE LEPRECHAUN!

[@lesdanser489]

That's perfect!😅

[@angelamaloney4871]

My first thought was it looked truly evil. Like a cartoon villain or something.

[@bratsdelight]

Only here to see you do a sniff test on Donal Trump

[@yankee12312]

That's Biden's job

[@Matt.2024]

@@yankee12312 He's going to do it at the inauguration.

[@veivoli]

@bratsdelight Before or after he changes his diaper?

[@RyoHazuki224]

I'd rather see if he fails the wind test...hopefully with hurricane level 6 winds.

[@FinalLugiaGuardian]

He smells like money.

[@DrWasim]

He looks angry and vengeful.

[@SyntheticFuture]

Because he is.

[@WilliamJenks]

As Jared says, I think that's a deliberate choice.

[@unclefart5527]

Duh, after being shot at twice and spending the year in the courts what do you think Einstein?

[@SyntheticFuture]

@@unclefart5527 he was like that 20+ years ago. It is who he is as a person.

[@whosyabobby]

Bruh you are just trying to not offend that guy. The photo look like the exact first time he used studio lighting.

[@stephen.]

Politics aside, I hate these portraits. I agree it does convey a message but I’m not a fan in this style portrait. I much prefer his first term portraits, as it’ll be in govt buildings. Don’t like that he recreated his mugshot (for an official presidential portrait!) and the lighting is unsettling in my opinion

[@theplettz4569]

That was going to be my question. Are these the portraits that will hang in federal buildings? If so, then yeah, the style is not fitting. They should conform to a certain style throughout each presidential term

[@elram2649]

Agree with both of you. These portraits don't convey stability in the office but rather instability. 😮

[@stevenjenson]

I think when you look at the 1st and second term photos what is being conveyed is the change of mood to more serious. I agree it might be a little much for being in government building but if you are a world leader and see that 2nd term photo it looks like he mean business and it sends a message to the world! I agree with a lot of what you say in a general way. I just feel that it’s probably a lot more meaningful then we think or at least they might believe so.

[@TB-ni4ur]

He's an agent of change and left wing extremists tried to kill him twice, so yeah, it's a different message than telling some senile old man to look at the green light and smile...

[@furonwarrior]

Congrats. That’s the message he is conveying.

[@dbefore7165]

“The “Kubrick Stare” is one of Stanley Kubrick‘s most recognizable directorial techniques, a method of shot composition where a character stares at the camera with a forward tilt, to convey to the audience that the character in question is at the peak of their derangement.”

[@hautehussey]

Yep. And that is super worrisome as well. For the state of the world the next few years!

[@Delaunay23]

The messaging of the image achieved what they wanted. For me, the shadow line across his chest is so stark and distracting

[@anthonyc1883]

"Now Mr. President, hang on for just a second while I run the pose you like through Skittles."

[@Starbuck8888888]

Another great Presidential Portrait critique video! So impressed that you helped inspire Daniel Torok. Just hope he takes your advice for JD Vance's eye edits. Your choices were spot on!

[@Izakokomarixyz]

I also believe the style of the portrait isn’t what most people would expect for an official presidential portrait; however it’s a solid photo.

[@RISE-327]

Love it, no false smile hiding agenda . I totally agree with you on Vance's eyes.

[@MichaelSangirardi]

Should've used skittles.

[@nickjmuzik]

😂

[@marcmascot9962]

Politics aside. The presidential image is supposed to represent the United States to the world. This is not the way we should be represented. The image is ghastly.

[@pinkflamingos69]

Sadly, I think it conveys where the United States is at very well, and the message that it sends to the world is accurate.

[@greatwhiteevox1008]

I disagree, America had been walked over for a while now, and when you look at Emirati or Some other European leader portraits they convey strength and look like a leader of the powerful. We have that here. Embraced all the adversity on the way in and will have made changes quickly without looking back.

[@billymayshere.o]

the president gets to pick.

[@zakdelgado3054]

Yeah this is exactly how we should represent ourselves to the world. We’ve been seen as a joke the last 4 years so I think it’s a great photograph to represent what’s coming in the next 4 years.

[@nilbogllort]

​@@zakdelgado3054 Hell yeah!!

[@davideographer4410]

This is the most intense "don't mess with me" expression I've seen him make ~ I think this photo conveys that message quite boldly.

[@haroldf3385]

A real life horror look. On brand

[@nilbogllort]

You like coconuts?

[@haroldf3385]

@nilbogllort no. I like potatos

[@wheelswheels9199]

Coconuts are used for travel by land, commonly found in early Anglosaxon history.

[@mmuegel]

The Vance screams Photoshop and green screen. Holy cow horrible.

[@TheNewMexicoMan]

I am not a fan of the lighting on Trump. The lighting and expression to me does not convey strength. To me it conveys menacing and sinister.

[@producerbenford]

The lighting on Trump’s face gives the impression of a large tablet casting a glow next to him, as if he’s looking up from it after being interrupted. It almost feels futuristic, adding a unique and unexpected vibe to the photo. Definitely conveying strong emotions

[@FernandoSanz-xj4wl]

I think it's a great portrait that will not work just with anyone. When people say that you need to tell a story with your photograph this is what they mean. I'd probably have gotten a more familiar portrait that you might end up hanging in your house, but nothing as powerful as this one. I'd probably just give a little more light for the background, just a touch. JD Vance's eyes are way over edited. It looks like when you apply one of the presents that comes with Lightroom and forget to adjust it (ending up for example with extremely white teeth or shiny eyes in this case).

[@johnannovisuals]

They both look creepy AF

[@nikonchic9275]

Thank you someone with some sense who agrees. It doesn’t say presidential portrait at all.

[@hyprz]

@@nikonchic9275 HERES JOHNNY!!

[@mikeschuetze8188]

I'd go with demonic

[@ks_portraits]

The best comment ​@@mikeschuetze8188

[@adamstrachn]

​@@mikeschuetze8188😂

[@richalexander1138]

Whitewalker would make a good Fropack name 😆

[@blackflagimages5436]

Right when I saw this I thought the lighting was weird, just odd. But I immediately went to the eyes and that's exactly what the intent was! Overall, it's a great photo, and portrays him perfectly. Good job to the photographer and a great critique as always!

[@EH-pm1ke]

I can't believe a pro photographer would try experimenting with studio flash on a photo of the President...

[@CustomConceptMotor]

Balls, not everyone has them. Seems like there was time to plan and prepare, and like you said pro photographer. He obviously knows the art, had a vision and made it happen.

[@brianmuir9059]

My first thought was WTF!

[@jimgsewell]

I think that it is perfect that he mimicked the mugshot look. It reminds us all that Trump is a convicted felon

[@Ronny999x]

Yup a wrongly convicted felon. A Political party should not weaponise the DOJ. Else it would become like George Orwell 1984 in real life..

[@h.d.h]

For many, this is the point. Many people rile in the fact that he was convicted, his prosecution was validation that he is persecuted.

[@MrRich4449]

As you stated so very well, the photograph conveys exactly what he in the photographer wanted to, and I loved your critique. Keep it up.

[@hmainy6184]

I like that they went for the melodramatic underlighting on Donny

[@rolanddangelo1]

JD Vance looks like Homelander

[@StarLightDotPhotos]

As much as I hate Donald Trump and hate seeing his stupid face, I love this image. The lighting is dramatic and that scowl is infamous from the mug shot. Combined they make an image that easily make the historical record.

[@ktg6506]

Yes! The photographer took a little bit of the stupid off of his face 😂

[@JEDINITE30]

Sometimes ghoul lighting is appropriate and in this case it is perfect (yes it is a usable lighting pattern in the right circumstance). We don't always have to light from above. Conveying a message is the most important thing in a photo and lighting is part of the way to do it.

[@jrperezphotography]

Thank you for your thought. Gutsy photoshoot for a first time studio portrait by the photographer. 20 minute to take the photo and the Preasure of photographing a President. Lighting from the bottom is usually around anon, but he made I work. The Bush portrait may be what's expected but I believe it's a photo that all Presidents should have because it's perfectly lit.

[@jimsmith556]

Well his portrait will surely stand out from the pack whenever all the presidents' photos are viewed together in future; that is, it'll stand out like there's a spotlight on it. I think it conveys DJT's character and intentions very well. It's all there for the world to see. As a portrait of a world leader though, it just plain sucks. Ridiculous, but again, we speak of his character. PS. The quick edit you did on Vance's portrait was amazing. Fixed that bizarre stare in seconds.

[@Certified_Art_Teacher]

My critique on this portrait is because he's such an outstanding figure in politics and culture, as so his portrait should be - outside the norms of photography follows suit of Donald Trump's personality. There's nothing plain about his portrait. I can understand the photographer's choices of lighting and pose in that sense.

[@cynthiaemerson307]

My first thought was it was a composite. I like the light but think if I would have done that light on a headshot I would have thought it was wrong and needed redone. I think it made me realize I've gotten stuck thinking in the box recently...

[@danieltorok8589]

Trump's was shot/edited as is. JD's was composited slightly to fix a flag issue--just the flag. That is the big challenge, though... How can we think outside the box for something that is historical and, by its very nature, rinse and repeat? Every little change to something the public expects will be analyzed under a microscope. I think we achieved something nice here =).

[@furonwarrior]

A weak man’s idea of a strong man.

[@bjoernoswald2473]

"keep it about photography... from a technical standpoint..." see what I did there? Quoted what Jared ACTUALLY SAID at the ending.

[@furonwarrior]

@ Ok, fine. It technically looks like the portrait is portraying a weak man’s idea of a strong man.

[@ACourduff]

I did think the lighting angle was a bit odd, but it fit in what the subject wanted to convey. The lighting could have been toned down just a but, but that may have limited the effect of being up to what challenge lies ahead.

[@gaxiola1701]

I've seen side-by-sides of Trump's new portrait with the portrait of Vigo from Ghostbusters 2. Similar glaring look.

[@00Skyfox]

Funny you should release this video right now. Just a few minutes ago I saw that portrait and was thinking, why the hell would they light him from below? That's never a flattering lighting angle for a portrait. That's something more reserved for noir, horror, Halloween, and movie villain type pictures. I'd really have expected something better from someone who's supposed to be a presidential photographer. And no, he doesn't have one of the best smiles. It's a smile like a kid being forced to smile for his grade school photo.

[@pinkflamingos69]

"That's something more reserved for noir, horror, Halloween, and movie villain type pictures" well... I'd say the photographer used it correctly, then.

[@TheTechnoPilot]

Agreed, I see that smile he gives as one of a psychopath, someone who’s learned to try to show warmth to fit in but is dead and demonic behind the eyes and in his thoughts. I can’t see any radiance or apparent warmth Jared claims in it at anytime I’ve ever seen Trump smile, now or even back to the 1980s.

[@mrrcassidy]

I think the Trump lighting is a teeny bit hard - even if it was deliberate. Vance's portrait could do with a crop, sacrificing his elbows to get tighter in to his face.

[@EdKrisiak]

What were they thinking about JD Vance's eyes? TERRIBLE. I like Trump's lighting and his look. Even the low lighting works for me.

[@RichardFraser-y9t]

It's just missing the little tooth brush mustache

[@kkehoe5]

I want to add a gradient to the bottom of the photo and bring that exposure up. Feels weird to be able to see the falloff of the flash that didn’t illuminate the subject.

[@ClownRoyal5]

This edit reminds me of a video by glyn Dewis titled "how I made these portraits" and I think it's phenomenal. It's very rugged, detailed and powerful. Check it out and see if it seems like that's what he did here with the lighting and editing.

[@kprox1994]

I feel like a portrait of a government official should be pretty boring and standard with the lighting and composition. Not an art project.

[@winconline]

He looks like he had a stroke ... the horrible lighting makes the side of his face droop.

[@denisnicholson2528]

I wouldn't have done the lighting under the eyes, giving the look more serious to sinister, but I do like his choice of the mugshot. His image looks like he's saying, "I'm back and I'm not playing games". I don't think it's the pose I would've done, but I get why Trump chose that pose. It definitely portrays seriousness and power. The JD eyes is totally correct. The blues have to come down to his more natural hue.

[@Charlotte_Photographer]

Completely agree. Underlighting reminds me of THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT. With that said, great job considering the photographer had never used studio lighting. I assume an assistant or someone on the crew did have some knowledge of lighting in order to assist. Interesting that the Vance portrait is so different.

[@christopherbennett4475]

The facial expression here reminds me of the famous Yousuf Karsh portrait of Winston Churchill in 1941. Churchill was not a very cooperative portrait sitter, and Karsh finally yanked the ubiquitous cigar from his mouth to an achieve the look he was after. Churchill’s disdain in that moment is captured perfectly, and certainly reflected the look of a leader facing his nation’s greatest challenge with WW II. To the extent Trump feels he is facing an enormous transformational challenge of his own, the “menacing” expression seems apropos. I think the lighting, on the other hand, is a little over the top.

[@nigelwest3430]

You couldn't put the light source above his head because it would highlight his wispy comb over coving his bald patch

[@jonnyboy8000]

That photo will always remember people of Trump handing himself in to get a mug shot. It’s the same picture.

[@danriley3064]

What I like about the photo is, it draws us into our own interpretation. Some may see a message of strength, anger, horror, etc... and isn't that what makes a great photo, it tells a story/message. Great work by the photographer for taking an out of the box approach. And yes, JD's eyes do not look like him.

[@Tarets]

By that logic the photo would tell an even better story by being a diickpic.

[@mikhailgorbatov4460]

I would like to say that this is probably the most artistic portrait of official person i’ve ever seen. Really great job in my opinion, make me think of classical portraits of rulers made with paint back in medieval age. Once again, really great and strong image.

[@lisap5615]

I have to say this photo is significantly more interesting than any of the previous presidential photos you showed. The placement of the lighting definitely draws you into his eyes. It's a unique look for a very unique individual. I also like the coloring of this photo as well as the texture which the lighting helps to highlight in his hair and skin. He's not a soft guy so softening out his skin wouldn't create the right feel or contribute to the unique effect of this image. I think it works!

[@jasonf3959]

the context and the intention of how the image is going to be used is going to play an important factor in how the image should be made and presented. The technical aspects are well thought out and achieved with intention. However, when you place this presential portrait next to the other portraits that it is going to stand next to for the rest of time, it is stands out. And I would argue that it doesn't stand out in a good way.

[@rabellogp]

The only thing that is bugging me a bit is that it looks like there is dark gradient applied from bottom right to the top left corner, darkening the first third of the photo over the suit. It looks too artificial to me.

[@croaker4747]

It’s a weak man trying to look like a strong one. Well captured for history.

[@Starbuck8888888]

"keep it about photography... from a technical standpoint..."

[@Dr.T-Bomb]

Big stand out to me was the reliance on the dark background actually. I can see why the previous portraits you showed needed that brightness separation because the subjects were so softly or even dimly lit, but this photo has such strong and BRIGHT contrasting lighting, rim lights defining his profile, and saturation (on the subject), surely it would've stood on its own without blowing out the lights on the background. Maybe less mugshot gangster vibes but surely a more compelling powerful photo befitting the head of state. Nothing makes more of an impact than a sharp photo from subject to background with balanced bright exposure that STILL exhibits great subject separation. This photo and edit surely could've achieved that! Great review Jared, thanks!

[@TylorKlipfel]

By far the best of all the portraits you showed in the video. Has there ever been another official presidential photo to be inspired by a mug shot like this? Lol

[@jsmith0924]

Damn, a simple recrop and adjustment to the eyes made that JD Vance photo look 100x better! 😮

[@david.stachon]

The portrait is perfect! Brilliantly captures his cruelty and joylessness.

[@SafeforWork-v1i]

Politics aside, if this is what President Trump wanted, so be it! However, I would have personally used a diffuser because it appears that he has too much harsh lighting on his face. Additionally, I would lessen the sharpness to not show every nook and cranny. For me, the image looks overexposed. But, President Trump is not the quiet type. I'm sure he got exactly what he wanted. VP Vance's image clearly shows a lack of experience using studio lighting.

[@_presbeuo_m4773]

Obamas Photo was Dark.......LOL, now that is Funny Jared.

[@Matt.2024]

I thought the same thing lmao

[@gspolima]

Made in Kenya!

[@RevJock]

The Drone King himself!

[@MichaelFrederickPhoto]

The JD Vance one looks like the bad guy in Ghostbusters 2

[@MtRevDr]

Another expression of bad taste.

[@grapetonenatches186]

Nice hat.

[@MtRevDr]

@ - My fashion design and statement.

[@mts389]

I ain't afraid of no ghost 👻

[@RAZORHEAD68]

Awful portrait. I was a studio photographer for 10 years. I shot Navy officers, high ranking officials, and others. If I used that lighting in a professional portrait, I would have lost my job. The VP portrait has the key too high, creating shadows around his eyes. C-

[@madtom67]

Very interesting! I don't like the lighting at all, but in terms of telling the story it is absolutely spot on! The JD Vance eyes are terrible... no doubt about that. Great analysis Jared. thanks a lot!

[@greatwhiteevox1008]

I think it actually looks like something taken with current tech and the color looks more accurate to how his skin look in person. It stands out compared to many other Chain of Command photos. I give it a 9 out of 10, the outline look makes the background look a bit artificial, but mission accomplished a new standard for the Presidential Portrait.

[@LC-by1tj]

I’m not a big fan of the lighting (or editing?). Just seems like uneven lighting between his face and his tie. I don’t know why that bothers me. But, it’s weirdly distracting. The brightness (or lack of contrast ?) just seems to make his face a little washed out. I get the reason for the pose. Smart choice. I actually think the JD Vance photo has better lighting and editing (agreed though with the eyes).

[@ze7en]

"I honesty think he (Trump) has one of the best smiles I've ever seen. It just basically lights up a room". I threw up in my mouth a little bit. W the actual F.

[@ongakuchan587]

I think the prez wanted to send a message while also taking advantage of the hype behind the mugshot. There's this mysitic vibe you get when someone's underlit, plus his facial features are more pronounced. I also have a huge appreciation for him using a kicker and NOT blowing out the hair or sides of his face. Daniel definitely delivered 💯💯💯

[@RonLane]

My first reaction to both Trump and Vance’s portraits were that they were a little over processed. But after watching your comments, I think that Trumps photo is good but still would like to see the key light a little higher. I think that Vance’s eyes are way over processed and that was the first thing I noticed and would change. If it was truly his first time shooting Portrait Lighting, he did a really good job.

[@domenicoavizzano8841]

I like the photos but I totally dislike the post-production. Furthermore, I think there's something strange into the light set.. D.

[@edinburghphotographyworkshop]

Thanks, Jared, for an interesting critique of the photo. It would be really interesting for you to interview the photographer like you did with Evan Vucci. While you rightly asked people to put their personal politics behind them when analysing the photo, it would be interesting to understand the small p politics that went into the shoot. What were Trump and his team looking to convey in the image? I'd welcome a discussion on understanding how working with a client like Trump balances the photographer's vision versus the client's. It would also be good to know how a photographer with limited studio experience got to get the gig to shoot the person who is shortly going to become the next President - did Daniel have imposter syndrome at the time of taking the shot, what preparation did he need to do to be ready to work on such a shoot? Thanks again for taking the time to do something like this.

[@justin555666]

My knee jerk reaction was this looks like a photo from someone who has never used a strobe before.

[@TheTechnoPilot]

You would be correct!

[@anthonyc1883]

"Honey, there's a man in a little room at the end of that long, dark hallway. Do NOT go down there."

[@ericarobbin]

I love it. Tells a story. His story. Representing U.S. as a leader story. Speaks to all the situations he's been in and response to current climate, including one near ending against his life. He does have a great smile, though it's really not surprising he'd choose his 2nd Presidential term photo facial expression to be like the memorable mugshot. You can appreciate the slight asymmetry in his face, where his right upper lid has a bit of ptosis I've noticed he has at rest, yet paired with purposeful expression at the same time, along with his body position. He's not squared with the camera, but just slightly forward, slightly turned. All adds to the drama of a more determined and focused, fierce smize/"war face" as per Commander-in-Chief, looking like he sleeps with one eye open. Lighting is nicely preserving natural skin tone with some warmth since he's rather fair, with none of that orange shade of St. Tropez he's often had that news outlets hyper-focus on. Has pleasing depth to it. It's striking in this modern but glam casted sheen-like quality. Which is classic Trump because he is drawn to the old Hollywood style of glamour in his tastes. Highlights the wave of his iconic hair, right down to what appears to be a mulberry silk satin, then your eye follows to the flag. The flag looks illuminated. Which is lovely, because it is hard to capture metals, like on lapels, because they either flash or are dark. Highlights celebratory aspects in full detail and his known strong patriotic messaging and persistent passion. Plus, if you were showing and quizzing the kids, all U.S. Presidential photos, his definitely stands out. They would stop and wonder, they would want to know more. Between the two photos, with him elected twice, but in two separate terms, and this photo alone provokes much conversation that will stimulate their interest in learning history.

[@TheTechnoPilot]

It’s iconic yes and will be historic to this era. Though I can’t see anything but a darker, dorkier, more depraved, and more corrupt spin-off of House of Cards in this photo. It’s not a photo to convey the US as the fictional democratic shining light in the darkness. It’s a photograph to convey that the US is not only just as dark and corrupt as the rest of the dictatorships and oligarchies around the world, but to highlight that in many ways it’s darker.

[@fortaul1018]

This immediately brought Martin Schoeller’s portrait style to mind. Specificity the intensity. But this used a clamshell eyelighter under the chin as you can see by the catch light. Schoeller didn’t use this. He used two narrow soft boxes creating cats eye catch lights.

[@Calamity8]

It’s a clear image and it conveys a story of the 2024 election hardships of the assignation and his subsequent court trials

[@tommytexter4054]

It gives a villain look. menacing

[@damon_photovideo]

The backlight draws attention to the ear that was damaged during the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. I think that's also an important point. And the light was not directed at the ear by chance. And the first impression was that this photo was edited using a neural network.

[@petersmithm9]

For me it is too flat and too harshly lit but if the customer likes it then who am I to argue. I would just ask the customer not to mention my name. Looks like some one who hasn't used studio lighting before and has just read about it .

[@AlleywaystudiosNet66]

It was interesting that I had the exact same thoughts with both portraits. When I first saw JD photo, I immediately went to the over edit of the eyes. That’s a bit of a pet peeve of mine. I can see it a mile a way. I love clamshells lighting. Trumps was extremely strong. I can see both lights in the pupils. I’ve never shot a portrait with that strong of a bottom light. It serves it purpose. I do think it’s too strong though. I like the fact that back/rim lighting was used. It really helps the subject stand out. I find it interesting the none of the other presidential portraits used back lighting. They just looked flat.

[@MinoltaCamera]

I love the photo, looks so intimidating. It's a great contrat to his first photo. He changed (remember the sniper?) and the photo reflect that

[@landonking2937]

I can't decide if the darkness across his chest is a function of a linear gradient mask or rather some feathering and perhaps gridding of the light (maybe a combination of the two). In either case, 'tis a tad stark for my tastes. I'd be curious if it was a gradient if intersecting a radial and linear mask to break up the clean line and draw the eye more to the center of the frame might be more appealing, at least my taste. Perhaps even some softer feathering for a less noticeable boundary. I also find the American flag pin on his lapel to be somewhat distractingly bright, but of course that could be an intentional highlighting of iconography.

[@Delaunay23]

I’m guessing it was a strip box horizontal with a grid. There’s a line in his eyes that seems to match and is too bright to be a reflector

[@danieltorok8589]

@@Delaunay23 gradient mask, but also the lighting. You both are correct. The scene was lit too well, and I needed to draw attention to the face more.

[@harveyspector6131]

I was immediately reminded of Arnold Newman's portrait of Alfred Krupp, a character study of pure evil.

[@EKowallis]

Funny how distorted thoughts influence our opinions.

[@RathOX]

looks menacing, love it

[@dennissmall2436]

Looks like a cheaply done HDR shot in my opinion. I don’t like it at all. But of course, it’s completely a matter of opinion.

[@BusesAreFatCars]

Yeah, though compared to most presidential portraits like this that look like middle school photo day, this one is not bad.

[@peoplevrobot]

I hate that photo of Trump. It makes the President look ominous. A portrait should highlight a president’s charisma and gravitas not make him look like a batman villain