With the election around the corner, wouldn’t it be fun to rank the top 10 most photogenic U.S. presidents? I thought so, too.
First, to be photogenic, a president had to be photographed a few times. Not only that, but I had to be able to find the photos online and they needed to carry rights to be used in this article.
Finally, I expanded the definition of photogenic to be more than just attraction in photographs. I took into account the president’s presence, mannerism, features, emotive qualities and of course the impression on the viewer.
As you will see, some presidents were chosen for numerous profound reasons, while others were picked for a singular fun quality.
10. Gerald Ford
I have to admit, it was hard to pick number 10. There were a few good candidates, but a lack of quality photos pushed them out of the rankings.
Gerald Ford had photos that showed his personality evolve over the years. In his college days, Ford exuded confidence as a Michigan Wolverines football player. That confidence turned into determination in his visit to Saigon. And while in the White House, photos caught glimpses of his humorous and down-to-earth side.

Courtesy Gerald R. Ford Library. Public Domain.

"IH047303 - August 1953 --- Rep. Gerald Ford in Saigon during an Asian Inspection Tour by members of the House Subcommittee on Defense Appropriations." by manhhai is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"No Known Restrictions: President Gerald Ford After Giving a Television Speech at the White House, Washington, D.C by Marion S. Trikosko, 1975 (LOC)" by pingnews.com is marked with CC PDM 1.0.

"Thanksgiving tradition at the White House: President Gerald Ford, 1975" by US Department of State is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.
9. Rutherford B. Hayes
One word: Beard. This beard IS photogenic and captures the grittiness and rawness of the era perfectly. This beard conveys a no-nonsense approach. Hayes once accepted the nomination to run for the House of Representatives, but refused to campaign because his sense of duty as a military officer was so important that he wouldn’t leave his post to be an electioneer.
This beard was also at the center of national controversy. In the 1876 presidential election versus Samuel Tilden, Hayes lost the popular vote, but three states’ electoral votes were contested. Hayes needed every electoral vote from these states to win by one. A 15-member committee was made to rule on the electoral votes. The committee had eight Republicans and seven Democrats. The vote, shockingly, was 8-7 and Hayes was made President.

"Rutherford B. Hayes" by exit78 is marked with CC PDM 1.0.

"President Rutherford B. Hayes from Brady/Handy Collection (LOC)" by pingnews.com is marked with CC PDM 1.0.
8. Ulysses S. Grant
Moving down our list, and moving down in beard length, we come to Ulysses S. Grant. His military photos capture the determination of a leader. In his later years, we see a sense of accomplishment in his gaze.
While life wasn’t always easy for Grant, I like how these photos capture a distinguished look despite being typical poses of the day.

"Lt General Ulysses S Grant" by Marion Doss is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

"General Ulysses S Grant at Cold Harbor from Brady/Handy Collection (LOC)" by Library of Congress is marked with CC PDM 1.0.

"Ulysses S. Grant" by Charles G. Haacker is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
7. Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln had an interesting look to say the least. What I note most about Lincoln’s photos is how he dominates the scene. Your gaze is drawn to him.
In a way, that makes him photogenic. Is it because of his elongated figure made even taller by his trusty hat? Regardless, his ability to steal the show in a photo seems unparalleled in his time.
Gazing into Lincoln’s portrait, I can’t help but feel a small sense of understanding of what he went through. Even with a stern look, his face speaks out. Perhaps it bears all the trials of keeping a country together amidst strong opposition. Perhaps it shows a humbled sense of accomplishment from rising out of absolute poverty to become one of the most respected presidents ever.

"Abraham Lincoln" by paukrus is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

"The President appeared dressed in citizen’s clothes, wearing a high crowned hat" by Jim Surkamp is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

"Abraham Lincoln, President, U.S." by turbguy - pro is marked with CC PDM 1.0.

"Abraham Lincoln - head & shoulders portrait" by Believe Creative is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
6. George H.W. Bush
From a confident young soccer player to a reflective senior flashing a contagious smile, George H.W. Bush lived a full life.
To me, he makes the list because of his later years. Photos capture a man that has made peace with past mistakes and will happily work with anyone toward a good cause. I feel a genuine humanitarian sentiment and a love of life when I view some of these photos. Kindness is truly a photogenic quality.

"George H.W. Bush, class of 1942, captain of varsity soccer" by Phillips Academy, Andover is marked with CC0 1.0.

"Vice President Bush on the Rogue River" by BLM Oregon & Washington is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"George H.W. Bush, President 1989 - 1993" by US Department of State is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

Vladimir Putin 14 September 2003-1.jpg" by Presidential Press and Information Office is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

"080125-N-8544C-137" by Marion Doss is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
5. George W. Bush
Like father like son, as they say. George W. Bush flashed a kind smile just like his dad. Politics aside, you saw a like-able demeanor portrayed in the photos.
People may argue about his naivety, but no one can argue about his approachability. In photos, he seems like someone you could reach out to have a beer with or that would lend a helping hand to a neighbor. Simply stated, he appears happy-go-lucky and genuine, which is another photogenic quality.

"Oscar de la Renta: Five Decades of Style" by TheBushCenter is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

"President George W. Bush Discusses Hurricane Gustav" by DVIDSHUB is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"Smile..." by The U.S. Army is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"Oscar de la Renta: Five Decades of Style" by TheBushCenter is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

"President and Mrs. Bush's 70th Birthday" by TheBushCenter is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

"Presidential Leadership Scholars Launch" by TheBushCenter is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
4. Ronald Reagan
Being a movie star should qualify you for a good ranking. But besides his Hollywood appeal, Ronald Reagan’s photos reveal a leader. Even working as the Chicago Cubs announcer in the 1930s didn’t get him down.
As president of his college student body, the screen actors’ guild and of course a country, Reagan’s photos capture a steady, confident look. Two years into his presidency, you can see the look of accomplishment appear.

"1942 Desprate Journey" by x-ray delta one is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Released by the Reagan Library, US National Archives.

"Public Domain: Ronald Reagan at Durenberger Rally by Michael Evans, 1982 (NARA/Reagan Library)" by pingnews.com is marked with CC PDM 1.0.

"Ronald Reagan, President 1981 - 1989" by US Department of State is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

"Ronald Reagan, President 1981 - 1989" by US Department of State is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

"President Reagan watching Space Shuttle landing" by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.
3. Barack Obama
Barack Obama was a groundbreaking president and a recent president, so perhaps that’s why his photos are so plentiful. What I like about his photos is you see the hope, the passion and the purpose that he embraced in his speeches. You also see him roll up his sleeves when it’s time to talk about getting work done.
A great orator with a genuine smile, you rarely see an Obama photo where he is feeling down. And while that’s remarkable given the situation, the photos do capture the toll the office takes on one’s body.
The final photo below shows another hallmark of being photogenic – even without showing your face, you create a recognizable and dramatic photography moment.

"Barack Obama" by an agent is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

"Barack Obama" by Joe Crimmings is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.

"President Barack Obama's Historic Speech in Accra, Ghana on July 11, 2009" by US Army Africa is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"Barack Obama at Carnegie Mellon University" by Anirudh Koul is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

"Obama at CMU - Barack Obama meeting supporters" by Anirudh Koul is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

"President Barack Obama's Speech in Accra, Ghana on July 11, 2009" by US Army Africa is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
2. Theodore Roosevelt
Wow, I bet you weren’t expecting this one, but I had to add a little drama to the list since you probably know who the #1 president is going to be. While Teddy isn’t the most dapper president, he was photogenic in many other ways. He was rugged, confident and tough. His trademark spectacles add whimsy. I think his photographic character developed as he aged.
Roosevelt was also outdoorsy, so his photos often took place in some of our country’s most beautiful settings. In fact, his actions to preserve our pristine natural areas are a leading reason why nature photographers have places to practice their craft today. I just love these photos, as they capture the time and his personality perfectly.

"Founding Fathers" by US Department of State is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

"Teddy Roosevelt speaking at the back of a railroad car, May 25, 1907" by Jared Enos is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

"Theodore Roosevelt, President 1901 - 1909" by US Department of State is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

"Theodore Roosevelt, ca. 1910s (LOC)" by pingnews.com is marked with CC PDM 1.0.
1. John F. Kennedy
No surprise here. Ever popular with the ladies, JFK is the true definition of photogenic. But perhaps more importantly, he ushered in a new type of presidential photo, one where family often stole the spotlight. A departure from typical presidential photos, JFK was often pictured smiling with his children, which made the population feel happiness and promise amid uncertain times.
As a younger president with a celebrity status, lifestyle photos replaced the more un-emotive photos of presidential speeches and diplomatic meetings. Kennedy understood the power of the media, especially television and photography, and perhaps that’s why his appeal lives on.

"John F. Kennedy, wife Jacqueline and daughter Caroline." by thesmuggler- Night of the Swallow' is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"President John F. Kennedy and daughter Caroline, 2 in Hyannisport," by thesmuggler- Night of the Swallow' is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"Public Domain: President Kennedy at the Wheel of the Coast Guard Yacht 'Manitou' by Robert L. Knudsen, 1962 (NARA)" by pingnews.com is marked with CC PDM 1.0.

"Public Domain: President Kennedy with Walter Mondale by Cecil Stoughton, October 1962 (NARA)" by pingnews.com is marked with CC PDM 1.0.

"Mayor John F. Collins, Mary Collins, and President John F. Kennedy with unidentified group of people" by Boston City Archives is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"Public Domain: JFK with RFK Outside Oval Office by Robert Knudsen, March 1963 (NARA)" by pingnews.com is marked with CC PDM 1.0.

"President Kennedy claps as his four-year-old daughter Caroline and son John F. Kennedy Jr" by thesmuggler- Night of the Swallow' is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"Halloween visitors with the President, 31 October 1963" by Infrogmation is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
All permissions on the photos are attributed in the according images.