WTF? Did they send a blind monkey to take the picture? It looks like the drapes are coming out of her head, there's too much headroom, and her hand behind the flower is just weird. This would all be forgiven in a snapshot, BUT AN OFFICIAL PORTRAIT?

I don't want to know how much that idiot was paid to take this photo, but I sure want to cry that I can barely feed myself right now when I would have done better IN MY SLEEP.

I don't understand why we need a portrait of the first lady. And why isn't it painted, like the others?

Anyway, I agree with Karlotta. She looks lovely, but the composition isn't very well done.

It's a very flattering lovely dress on her. But I thought they were supposed to be paintings too, maybe this is just the photo that the painting will be of. I mean to paint a portrait surely must take longer than 38 days.

SHE looks great, the photo itself is not very good.

SHE looks great, the photo itself is not very good.

This story's details are a little shakey. This is the official photo portrait that everyone has while in office. The painted portraits are not made until after they leave office. Also sometimes there is an official portrait for the National Gallery and the White House. She will have a painted portrait later.

Wowzers I Heart Michelle Obama :]

She looks great as always

It just doesn't do her justice. Is this thing permanent ?

I want to know why it isn't painted like the others. And why is there a First Lady portrait? (just curious) Michelle does look very nice though.

I love that "rocking the pantsuit" phrase, makes me happy.

I am the first to admit all my taste is in my mouth, but of the three picture presented she probaly come off the best with the bearing of a First Lady

Democrat or Republican, there is no denying that Mrs. Obama is a beautiful, strong, and elegant woman.

Love love love the picture of Laura Bush with the book.

It's a bit fuzzy, but is that a portrait of TJ (the big slaveowner) in the background of Michelle's picture?

personally I heart all 3, and I just adore the look in Mrs.O's eyes and her smile...elegance should be her middle name.Something about Michelle reminds me about what they say about great men...behind every great man there is a woman and I admire Mrs.Clinton for sticking to her Bill during tough times ( Monica Luwinski scandal )...now that's an example of the oath we take when we marry...and I admire her strength for getting into politics. Ah gr8 women of our times...

Unfortunately, Bill does not have that same sense of honor, or loyalty.

Michelle looks beautiful as usual, but the picture itself is not very well laid out or planned.

She's lovely!

@Granpa, you are right and Bill has to worship the grounds that Hilary walks on. To add to my previous comment, I admire Hilary for forgiving Bill,and moving on by his side...

Agreed that all three look great! But yeah, I think my school yearbook photo was better composed.

She's just so beautiful, as usual. Go Michelle!

She looks like she is steadying herself with that hand, she is standing strange so one hip looks bigger than the other, she is positioned awkwardly....the black dress and white pearls are boring, and she looks demented.

They could have done her more justice than this!

As Tyra would say "she needs to smile with her eyes"

I liked all three portraits/pictures of the first ladies. I can't believe that is Michelle's picture however.

It looks like they took it in 30 seconds before she had to run off to make a speech or something. She looks gorgeous of course but it just seems very hurried and poorly thought out.

I think Laura Bush's portrait looks very thoughtful and planned. It shows off her love of books (although those bell sleeves were not particularly fashionable). Same with Clinton. I wish they had shown a bit more care with Michelle!

I like Michelle's, but it does look like it was taken in a bit of a hurry, and there doesn't seem to bit much care for details. However, she still looks beautiful!