These candid portraits of powerful corporate executives, taken this weekend at the private investment firm Allen & Company's annual media and technology conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, intrigued us for reasons we can't fully explain. Maybe it's because some of these rich guys seem so damned miserable?

For example, Jeff Bezos, founder/president/CEO/board chair of Amazon.com (left), looks like he just found a fly in his beverage. And John Elkann, chairman of Fiat Spa (right), appears as though he's just watched his house wash away in a flood. Later on, we'll meet Bankrate president and CEO Thomas "Tom" Evans, who runs a gigantic consumer financial services company but calls to mind the standard-issue, Depression-era hobo with his hands-in-pockets stance. And Skype CEO Tony Bates—what's his problem?

Of course, in the end our little gallery heavily relies upon photo availability and strategic editing. For all we know, these guys were en route to a delightful champagne brunch where the laughter flowed freely and joviality reigned. Still, we can project! [Images via Getty]