"Serious. Ominous. A 'message picture'.
"The official portrait of the president is the most widely reproduced and viewed image of the president," former White House photographer Eric Draper told the BBC.
Having worked with George W. Bush throughout his two terms, Draper captured both of his official portraits.
Upon seeing Trump's portrait, Draper noted it appeared to be heavily manipulated, with studio lighting and post-shoot retouching.
He described the photo as employing dramatic lighting—a technique that made the President-elect appear striking with illuminated eyes from below.
Portrait photographer Eliska Sky from the London Institute of Photography compared Trump's portrayal to that of a boxer before a match, noting the image exuded an 'ominous' quality akin to horror films.
According to Paul Duerinckx, a senior lecturer in documentary photography at the Swansea College of Art, the lighting choice conveys 'seriousness and intent'.
Duerinckx pointed out that the unconventional lighting direction, from below instead of above as in typical photos, significantly impacts viewers.
On social media, many likened the image to Donald Trump's 'mug shot' from Fulton County Jail in Georgia following his 2020 election loss-contesting charges. Trump has refuted these allegations.
Reportedly, the 'mug shot' photo became highly sought-after and established a presence in popular culture, appearing on various products.
The new portrait style of Trump differs notably from his 2017 image and those of previous presidents like George W. Bush.
In Draper's view, the portrayal was tailored to suit the client's preferences. "This type of imagery is what they aimed to present," he remarked in response to the BBC.
He recollected deliberating with then-President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush to select their favored image depicting a professional and welcoming tone for public display, such as in a post office.
Political photographer Andrew Parsons, who has worked with several British Prime Ministers, characterized Trump's photo as a 'message picture' delivering a stern and direct message to viewers.
In contrast, Parsons described the 2017 portrait as a 'Donald Trump businessman picture'. Describing the significance of political imagery, Parsons emphasized its potential to shape or undermine a political campaign."