I had a very interesting question from @timsgreenhalgh about my views on CEO's/MD's being photographed whilst they are speaking or doing, rather than looking straight into the lens. I think the first point to make is that the final usage of the image may play a big part in determining how it is shot. For example if the image is to be used for a profile picture on Linkedin, Twitter, a blog or on a website where the portrait will appear very small,I would suggest that the subject is looking directly into the lens and that the image is tightly cropped, so you can actually see the persons face, features, and eyes which are clear, sharp and nicely lit. For this type of usage the space constraint really limits what you can do and I believe the primary job is to portray a professional image which is appealing and the person is clearly recognisable. If the final usage has less space constraints, for instance larger images used on a website, press release, annual report etc then there may be more room for manuvere. Personally I quite like portraits where the subject is looking off camera either speaking, being interviewed or during a meeting. They can have a more relaxed feel to them and an interesting departure from a formal "into camera" shot. Some companies may also have specific brand guidelines which would dictate how executives or the CEO should be photographed and if it is a company which needs to have a very formal image then this style may not be appropriate. I believe that in general people are more receptive and accepting of different and more creative ways that business executives can be portrayed in the media. Here are a few examples of shots taken by A&M Photography.
