The article was written by Ms. Khong Loan - a seasoned journalist and currently a spokesperson/communication coach for business leaders in Vietnam. She is also an Advisor of Women In Tech Vietnam & Women Tech Entrepreneurs (WTE). This article was originally published on It has been translated and adapted by WTE.

Leaders and managers sometimes believe that doing a good job is enough. No, that's not enough. You also need to have a good presence. One of the most fundamental channels is a professional and authentic self-image.

One of the things Khổng Loan frequently shares with leaders when working with them (as an advisor or executive coach) is that we need professional portraits that truly represent who we are—but at a higher level.

Never underestimate the value and visual impact of a still photograph. And never be casual about your personal image.

Of course, a portrait cannot perfectly reveal our character, ethics, or true capabilities. A portrait is, after all, a carefully constructed moment.

This portrait is one that Khổng Loan intentionally created.

Therefore, we need to interpret it through clusters of signals, context, culture, and communication objectives, rather than isolating a single detail from the broader set of cues and the circumstances in which it appears.

But that also means we have complete control over how that moment is created.

What did I want to convey?

When taking this photo, Khổng Loan wanted to create an overall impression of controlled warmth—approachable, yet maintaining authority.

That is why the visual composition features a direct gaze, an open smile, eye contact with the viewer, black-and-red attire, bold-framed glasses, a pearl necklace, and a pearl brooch.

Every one of these details was chosen intentionally and for a specific reason.

We tend to evaluate people very quickly based on two things: goodwill and competence.

Khổng Loan deliberately created a sense of approachability through the smile and eye contact, while conveying credibility through the clothing, accessories, lighting composition, and dark background.

If Khổng Loan were not smiling, and if the eyes appeared less gentle and the expression less open, the image might be interpreted as lacking warmth or goodwill.

Competence is communicated through the dark-framed glasses, black blazer, dark background, front-facing pose, and pearl accessories, all of which convey maturity and professionalism.

If the image consisted only of the black blazer, dark background, and bold glasses, it might project power but also distance. If it featured only a broad smile and bright red tones, it might feel friendly but insufficiently authoritative. Khổng Loan wanted to balance these two extremes.

After the age of forty, your face becomes a reflection of your self-cultivation; it is where your character and presence reveal themselves.

A calm face, steady eye contact, and a composed smile communicate self-mastery—the kind of authority that comes from being able to guide and hold the rhythm of a conversation.

Why the black jacket and red scarf?

Black creates a foundation of seriousness, authority, and stability. It reduces visual distractions and helps the viewer focus on the face.

At the same time, Khổng Loan intentionally incorporated a red scarf. Red is a color associated with high energy, attention, vitality, decisiveness, and visibility. However, it should not dominate. It is meant to be a subtle “line of fire” within the composition, contained and balanced by the black outer layer.

The image carries a symbolic message: passionate yet disciplined, emotional yet stable, energetic yet controlled.

Khổng Loan wanted red to represent the energy of one’s voice, communication, and ability to influence others, while black represents centeredness—the capacity to remain grounded, maintain direction, and avoid being swept away by the crowd.

Why pearl neck laces and brooches?

Jewelry is an important layer of symbolic language.

Pearls often evoke refinement, experience, femininity, dignity, and tradition.

Against a red-and-black backdrop, pearls add a feminine touch without appearing overly ostentatious.

Khổng Loan believes that women do not need to imitate rigid forms of masculine power in order to be credible. We build influence through maturity, wisdom, and the ability to maintain balance.

A portrait is a nonverbal statement about one’s position, capabilities, and the way one wishes to enter the minds of others.

Take a moment to look at the professional portrait you currently use and ask yourself:

• Does this photo truly represent the person I want to be perceived as? (What I want, not simply who I already am.)

• Why or why not?

• How do I want to present myself through my portrait, and what elements do I need in order to communicate that?

Feel free to reach out to Khổng Loan if you would like to discuss this topic further and hear her perspective.

Khổng Loan can also advise you on portrait concepts, styling choices, and visual strategies if you are planning a professional photoshoot.

Source: https://spokesmaster.substack.com/p/mot-buc-anh-chan-dung-noi-rat-nhieu