While I view him as something barely short of heavy handed dictator I still have to laugh at his "look at me antics".
If our president whoever he may be took the photo ops that Putin did they would get crucified by the media probably enough to get laughed out of office.
Take at look at these picture of Mr. Wonderful and pay special attention to his specially appointed photographer.
After you look at his pictures do a google images search for the photographer, Yana Lapikova.
Vladimir Putin, Action Man - Alan Taylor - In Focus - The Atlantic