Executive Portraits – A (Former) Credit Suisse Affair

Once in a while, various departments at Credit Suisse — may it rest in peace under the mighty wings of UBS — would call on me to capture fresh portraits of their key personnel. An ever-evolving task, as executives came and went, but one thing remained constant: the need for a sharp, professional image that exudes both authority and approachability.

Corporate portraits are a delicate balancing act. Too stiff, and they feel like relics from an outdated employee handbook. Too casual, and suddenly the CFO looks like he’s about to pitch a startup instead of steering a financial giant. The goal was always the same: to create portraits that command respect but still feel human.

Preparation was key. Before each shoot, I scouted locations, planned lighting setups, and ensured everything was in place for a seamless session. After all, these were busy people — no time for second takes or endless adjustments. The sessions themselves were swift but precise, with just enough room for spontaneity to let personality shine through.

Once the shots were taken, they were carefully reviewed by the responsible teams, ensuring each image met the internal and external standards of the bank. Because in high finance, as in photography, every detail matters.

And now? Well, let’s just say those portraits might be some of the last official ones ever taken under the Credit Suisse name. A little piece of history, frozen in time — before the UBS chapter began.