So Newsweek has purposefully jumped into another cover controversy with this issue’s photo of Michele Bachmann:
Unflattering? Yes. True to her character? Yes. Anyone who’s seen her speak has seen that disquietingly unfocused yet intensely wild expression. The difference here is that it’s been captured in a formal portrait sitting. Is that an achievement? Any shoot results in dozens of frames with wild eyes, half-blinks, intermediate expressions, you name it. To me this looks like she was maybe in the middle of talking, clearly animated, not just saying “cheese” as it were.
I’m a big fan of photographer Chris Buck, who is known for quirky portrayals of public figures. I’m confident he delivered a ton of perfectly flattering portraits along with this one, but Newsweek knew what they wanted to run. So it’s certainly more interesting than a straight headshot, but the photographer in me cringes a little at running it. It feels a little mean. And feeling sorry for Michele Bachmann is one of the most confusing things I’ve ever experienced. Well done(?).
Newsweek has posted “outtakes” from the shoot on their website, in an apparent effort to say “See, she always make crazy face!” Of course this is a bit disingenuous, as most of these shots show her interacting with voters, not sitting for a portrait.
What do you think? Was it unfair for Newsweek to run the photo?
Comment
She is a representative in a district north of where I live. I can’t agree with all of her politics, yet I can not disagree on some issues. Would I vote for her if she ran for President? No.
Anyway your question, was it unfair for Newsweek to run this photo? No, it is their magazine with a liberal agenda, they can do what they wish. Though I did not find it distasteful, I found it to be on par for Newsweek’s tabloid style of journalism. When I want to read a news story, Newsweek isn’t my choice for a news worthy format.