An unusual official formal group picture: Do you like it?

Switzerland is governed by 7 'presidents' - the Swiss Federal Council. Every year they publish an official and formal group picture. This year the fotog took some inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci and made an unusual choice:
http://www.admin.ch …/00094/index.ht​ml?lang=en

Unusual in a sense that this is the first formal picture I paid any attention to. It's different and I am impressed. To be honest, I am still not quite sure if I like it. Especially, because the 5 people in the back are not facing me. On the other hand, it is always difficult to take a formal picture of mostly black suited people that are not completely boring or where the background provides all the beauty. And this picture did make me look twice.

What do you think?

Since there are 8 people seated at the table - who's who? LOL!! (I know - grammatically incorrect - but it's supposed to be humor!)

Hillbille

Yes, it is looking good picture.

No I don't. There is one woman who has her face turned away from the camera. Can't see her face only the side if her head. Hope you didn't take it.

Just to be clear: No, this is not my picture. That's the reason I am posting it in this section.

I like the photo, it's very appealing. But as a group formal, not at all.

I like it a lot. It is fresh and too me makes them a little more personable, while still retaining an air of formality. Only problem is that the person on our right of the shot is turned slightly too far away from the camera.

I like it, and an example of a photographer doing something slightly different and the client clearly being happy with it. Good work that man, much more interesting photograph than a stiff formal portrait, and makes the council look like people. Setting appropriate to function as well.

Yes, its better than the 'walmart' style photo you typically see in formal group shots.

I like it because it seems to achieve it's purpose. I would imagine the two that are looking at the camera wanted to be the prominent subjects, of the photograph. The rest seem to be background fodder.

I like the fresh pose & don't mind that it's not the typical group shot....especially knowing that this same group shot is repeated every year so they probably wanted something a bit different.....next year perhaps clinking glasses & toasting each other? Or bicycling through the Alps?

Wait a minute! I've got it.....they're hiking over the mountains, holding hands with Julie Andrews & singing....."The hills are alive......"

Yes I like it. Not stuffy and looks like they might actually do some work!

Have you checked out the ADDITIONAL PORTRAITS ? They are a very modern take too.

The individual portraits are shown under the heading 'portraits 2015' to the right of the same page, which takes you to
http://www.admin.ch …/00768/index.ht​ml?lang=en

IMO the group portrait is excellent, really strong for this genre a really nice balance of relaxed style and formal.

The additional portraits are not to my taste though, I'd like to know what the thinking behind the all grey no white is?