Client: We need photos for our website. They should be pictures of people standing straight on, looking directly into the camera, projecting a strong and assertive vibe. No smiling or laughing.

Me: OK, here is a selection of fifty images fitting that brief.

Client: …Why do all these people look so confrontational? These aren’t suitable, they all look too aggressive. We don’t want them to be staring down the viewer.

Me: OK, would you like some options where the subjects are not looking directly at the camera?

Client: No, they should still be looking directly into camera… just not staring. We don’t like that.