12 Eye-Catching Official Photographs
If you’ve seen one politician’s official photograph, you’ve seen a thousand politicians’ official photographs. Or so it can seem, but we at Cicero have the pleasure of seeing the full range of pictorial skills amongst elected officials. While the suit, pin, and flag in the background are still de rigueur, plenty of representatives are upping their portrait game. Look no further than the following twelve examples to discover the avant-garde of official photography.
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize
A bold accessory always makes a photograph stand out. The Honourable Carolyn Bennett makes red work for her, combining trendy glasses, a chunky necklace, and an embroidered blazer featuring the color. Bennett is a Member of the Canadian House of Commons representing Toronto St.Paul’s and the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.
Costa Mesa Council Member Arlis Reynolds shows off her athletic skills by posing with a soccer ball (or football if you’re in MP Bennett’s constituency). Her photo not only recalls her past as a local high school soccer and volleyball player, it emphasizes her commitment to the city’s “parks and public spaces.”
Finally, this piece wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a perennial favorite of the Cicero team: Council Member Andrew Johnson, who represents Minneapolis’s Ward 12. We can’t think of a cuter accessory than his dog, Rosie!
Best in group
We’ve seen few city council photos as pleasing as that of Boulder. An outdoor setting and colorful background distance the Council from the stodginess of city hall chambers and bring them down to Earth. We’re choosing to believe they all know their way around a horse stable, and you won’t convince us otherwise. Council Member Young’s floral blouse, Council Member Friend’s graphic rainbow sweater, and Council Member Wallach’s matching sunglasses and windshirt also contribute to that crunchy Boulder feel. Take note, other municipalities!
Fit to be tied
Even those who favor a more classic touch can easily spice up their photograph. These local officials put their own twist on the traditional suit and tie.
Commissioner James West of Wake County, North Carolina brings strong Dapper Dan vibes with his maroon tie and matching pocket square. West came by his professorial style the hard way — he’s been teaching at universities since 1995.
Rainbow? Plaid? Rainbow and plaid??? We’re here for it. And, so is Allison Coombs who represents Ward 5 of Aurora, Colorado. Two sharp lapel pins and square-framed glasses round out Council Members Coombs’ look and compliment her red hair.
The Eleventh Doctor and Ken Hussey both know the truth of the statement: “Bow ties are cool.” And, Council Member Hussey provides photographic proof in his official Jefferson City Council portrait. His yellow and blue-dotted bow tie perfectly set off his light blue shirt and dark blue jacket. Cool, indeed.
Neck and neck
The bust-framing of the typical official photographs provides an opportunity to show off neck-framing accessories. These city council members took up the challenge and excelled.
Jake Fitisemanu’s red garland compliments his blue jacket and blue and gold tie. Councilmember Fitisemanu was born in New Zealand and grew up in Hawai’i before moving to Utah and takes an avid interest in Pacific Islander affairs.
Conseillère Karine Laflamme also chose a scarlet adornment for her photo. Her beautifully tied foulard adds a dashing touch to the fashion-forward black blazer. We bet LaFlamme, who represents District 8 of Lévis, Québec, sets all her photoshoots afire.
But, Council Member Lane Santa Cruz may have one of the best official photographs we’ve seen. At the center is her beaded necklace, strikingly contrasted against the background of a black button-down. She tops off her look with large gold hoops and a long braid. Even better, she’s perfectly framed by an example of Southwestern architecture. Bravo, Council Member Santa Cruz!
Charlotte’s Classy Council
While Boulder may have the best group shot, Charlotte, North Carolina, has one of the best collections of individual portraits we’ve come across. Still, two council members are particularly noteworthy.
Dimple Tansen Ajmera’s mustard shirt-style dress pops against the trees in the background and a lovely beaded necklace proves that she has mastered the art of official photography. Her crossed-arm pose and welcoming smile may be casual, but don’t be fooled: Council Member Ajmera is no slacker — she’s both the first Asian-American and youngest woman elected to the Council!
Glamour. Elegance. Class. What other adjectives could we use to describe Reneé Johnson’s stunning portrait? Everything about it, from the Council Member’s perfectly coiffed hair to the strings of pearls to the stylish jacket (seriously — where can we buy it?) exudes confidence and fortitude. We have no choice but to stan this portrait.
Which official photographs have caught your eye? Explore our data to see the pose your elected officials struck in their portraits. We carry data on over 46,000 elected officials in 9 countries. Are we missing your city? Contact us to find out how we can work with you to add it!
