Photographer says Madise’s portrait shows her confidence

Photographer Mardo Männimägi says President Ülle Madise’s new official portrait presents her as confident and trustworthy, and shows her courage to stand apart. ERR reported his comments on the programme Ringvaade.

The portrait, taken by photographer Toomas Volkmann and released by the president’s office last week, shows Madise beside the President of the Republic’s flag and a three-part painting by artist Tarrvi Laamann titled “Rooster or hen, young or old.” Männimägi praised the image’s modern style.

Some people have criticised the busy background, Männimägi said, but he noted that the image’s caption says it reflects the president’s wishes. He said those wishes should be respected.

Männimägi was not concerned that Madise has her arms crossed over her chest, despite the common view that the pose makes a person seem closed off. When photographing people, he said, he lets them try different recognised poses and aims to make them look confident and calm. If Madise felt that way in the pose, he said, he could not think of a better one.

He also approved of the president’s broad smile, which he interpreted as a sign that life in Estonia today is good. Madise has two other official portraits, one taken in a meadow and another in a forest. Männimägi said he would like to see more portraits of the president, suggesting she have new ones taken every quarter.