Conference & Event Photographer Leicester - East Midlands

Conference & Event Photographer Leicester - East Midlands

Marketing & Branding photographer Pete Martin

It’s that time of year again where business start holding conferences and other associated events.

It’s always good to photograph these as the images are not only a good keepsake, but a usefull marketing tool. The images can be shared on your social media channels, newsletters, website and in various print media to show existing and prospective clients your companies culture.

I pride myself in being an excellent conference photographer, let me tell you about the recent Mclarens conference I shot at the Hilton East Midlands..

I arrived onsite at 9:30am and got to work setting up my mobile headshot studio and a corridor next to the main room. These clients were have individual portraits taken in the conference scheduled breaks. This is a brilliant idea and a very effective way of capturing every members of staff in one day.

Delegates started to arrive at 10am, and my studio way busy with the first of the 82 people. 10:30am and the conference starts with a welcome speech from the CEO followed by the first presenter. I captured all of this using my second camera as to not disturb the studio set up.. this could remain in place for the next wave of people to have their portrait taken.

Conference Photographer Pete Martin

I had a break in the early evening where I grabbed some food and got to work editing the days photos. I managed to get every shot edited and started the upload, the client received the download link the next morning.

Editing on location, event photographer Pete Martin

Food whilst Editing on Location - COnference Photography by Pete Martin

What a service!

Here’s 5 reasons why having me at your event is a great idea…

Professional Image: Having a photographer at your business conference ensures that high-quality images are captured, portraying your event in a professional light.

• Marketing Material: The photos taken during the conference can be utilized for marketing purposes, promoting future events and showcasing the success of past conferences.

• Documentation: Photography provides a visual record of the conference, preserving key moments, speakers, and activities for archival and informational purposes.

• Social Media Presence: Engaging photos from the conference can be shared on social media platforms, increasing your brand's visibility and engagement with attendees and followers.

• Memories for Attendees: Offering attendees access to event photos allows them to reminisce about the experience and serves as a token of appreciation for their participation.

East Midlands Event Photographer

Leicester & East Midlands Event Photographer

Professional Event Photographer covering Leicester, Nottingham, Birmingham, Northampton (East Midlands)

A few weeks ago I had two events back to back, Menphys sports club and the Real Entrepreneurs Dinner. 

Menphys Sports Club is done of my favourite events to photogrtaph, all of the guests are great and the speakers are brilliant. The events are always really well attended and there’s so much to capture. 

Gear wise on these events I like to keep it quite simple, One Camera and a 28-75mm zoom lens. This allows me to capture people right in front of me and up to around 8-10m away. Over the winter months when the ambient light is lower I also use an on camera flash unit to help light the scene. During the summer months I often ditch the flash and zoom lens and go for a 24mm & 50mm prime and shoot more ‘wide open’ to get a slightly different look. 

When I photograph the speaker being interviewed on stage I’m often at the back of the room to try and keep out of the way of the guests, I don’t want my job to spoil their enjoyment of the event. For this reason I switch lens to the awesome 135mm f/1.8. It gives me ample reach to the stage area while staying on the sidelines. 

Menphys also have a ‘media board, this a branded fabric banner which at the end the guests can have a professional photo with the speaker. For this I set up a studio flash with a soft box on a stand, It really makes people look their best. Check out what a camera phone captures compared to my set up… very different!

An iPhone 13 Pro photo from the event

My photo from the professional equipment

Take a look at a few images from this event.

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Next up was the Real Entrepreneurs Dinner at Winstanley House. I don’t get the shoot many of these events as they have a regular photographer, a very good friend of mine. He was shooting another event so the organisers ‘Cross Productions’ got in touch with me again. 

The theme of the the evening is very similar to Menphys, open networking and drinks on arrival, a sit down meal followed by an excellent speaker 

Gear wise, it was exactly the same as Menphys… One camera with zoom lens and a flash, then change lens to capture the speaker.

Here are a few examples from the evening.

Both of these events were edited and delivered the very next morning, so the organisers could create social media posts and send out to the attendees. 

Conference Photographer East Midlands

Why Having a Professional Photographer at Your Conference is a Win-Win

Leicester & East Midlands Conference Photographer

Conferences are a whirlwind of activity, bringing together people, ideas, and experiences. But in the blink of an eye, it can all be over. That's where a professional photographer comes in, capturing the essence of your event and turning fleeting moments into lasting memories.

Here are just a few reasons why having a photographer at your conference is a wise investment:

1. Capture the Conference Story: A photographer doesn't just take pictures; they tell a story. Through their lens, they'll capture the energy of the event, from the opening keynote to the networking sessions, and everything in between. This visual narrative can be used to showcase the success of your conference and attract even more attendees in the future.

2. Professional Polish: High-quality photos elevate your brand and add a touch of professionalism to your conference. They can be used on your website, marketing materials, and social media platforms, creating a positive and polished image for your organization.

3. Engage Your Audience: Photos are powerful tools for engagement. Sharing professional photos on social media can help you reach a wider audience and generate buzz about your conference. Attendees will also appreciate having high-quality photos to share on their own platforms, further extending your reach.

4. Memories for Everyone: A conference is a valuable learning and networking experience, and attendees often want to capture those memories. Offering professional photos as a post-conference benefit shows you care about their experience and allows them to relive the event long after it's over.

5. Free Up Your Team: As the organizer, you'll have your hands full managing the logistics of the conference. Hiring a photographer allows you and your team to focus on what matters most – ensuring a smooth and successful event for your attendees.

Bonus Tip: Consider offering headshot sessions during the conference. This is a valuable service for attendees looking to update their professional profiles and a great way to generate additional revenue.

Pete has a keen eye for capturing the essence of a dynamic event and years of experience navigating the unique challenges of conference photography, I am your expert choice for documenting your gathering. My ability to tell a visual story through candid moments, speaker interactions, and the overall event atmosphere ensures you receive a collection of high-quality photographs that not only showcase the professionalism of your conference but also leave a lasting impression on your attendees.

In conclusion, having me photograph at your conference is an investment that pays off in many ways. From capturing the event's spirit to promoting your brand and engaging your audience, professional photography can help you take your conference to the next level.

Mars Pawtraits

Leicester Photographer Pet Portraits

Late last year I was asked to photograph some staff pets at the local Mars Petcare Office.

The shoot would take place in a nearby village hall, and each person would get a 15 minute time slot for me to capture some amazing portraits (Pawtraits??!) of their pet, and sometimes with their owners too.

The set up was big, white backdrops (two over both days as they get marked) two lights on the background and two lighting the pets. My camera was tethered to my laptop, and there was a digi tech there editing the photos as they were being captured..

Overall the two days went very well, sadly there was only one cat present, the rest were dogs… but thats ok!

BTS of Mars Petcare Pawtraits

why have a professional headshot?

Why should you have a professional headshot?

Professional business headshot/portrait

The Power of a Professional Business Headshot

In this digital age, where online presence holds paramount importance, having a professional business headshot is no longer just an option but a necessity. A well-crafted image can greatly influence how others perceive you and your business, making it a key element in building your personal brand. Here are four compelling reasons why you should invest in a professional business headshot:

Corporate portrait Leicester

1. Create a Memorable First Impression

As the saying goes, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." When potential clients or employers visit your website or LinkedIn profile, your headshot is often their first encounter with you. By having a professional headshot, you can present yourself as credible, confident, and approachable. A captivating image will leave a lasting impact and increase your chances of connecting with the right people.

Business Headshot Leicestershire

2. Enhance Your Professionalism

A professional business headshot instantly conveys a sense of professionalism. It shows that you value your personal brand and take your work seriously. A carefully crafted photograph, with proper lighting, composition, and attention to detail, will set you apart from the crowd and give you an edge in a competitive marketplace. It sends a message that you are someone who is committed to delivering excellence in all aspects of your professional life.

Solicitor Portrait Leicester

3. Build Trust and Authenticity

In business, trust and authenticity are crucial for forming meaningful connections with potential clients, partners, and colleagues. A professional headshot enables you to project an authentic and genuine side of yourself. By investing in a photoshoot with a skilled photographer, you can capture your true essence, highlighting your personality and values. People are more likely to engage with someone they feel they can connect with on a human level.

Architect Headshot Leicestershire

4. Consistency Across Platforms

In today's interconnected world, your online presence often spans multiple platforms such as LinkedIn, websites, and social media channels. It is essential to maintain consistency across these platforms to strengthen your personal brand. Using the same professional headshot across all platforms helps reinforce your identity and increases recognition. It creates a cohesive and unified image that builds trust and familiarity among your audience.
Investing in a professional business headshot is an investment in yourself and your future success. It not only helps you make a memorable first impression but also enhances your professionalism, builds trust, and ensures consistency across various platforms. So, take that step and let your professional image shine through with a carefully crafted headshot that captures the essence of who you are and what you represent.

Social Media & Marketing portrait

Pete Martin is the local expert in headshot and portrait photography, take a look at the images above and the testimonials on here and on Google.

Call of email to see how Pete can make you look great in your next professional headshot.

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Miele Brent Cross Expereince Centre Opening

Miele Brent Cross Expereince Centre Opening - Event Photography

Another client I’ve been working a lot for in the last 12 months is Miele, the German appliance brand. Their products have always fascinated me, as the price is high, but I’ve not had the chance to see them up close. Summer 2022 I was asked to video the Experience Centre’s at Touchwood Solihull, Abingdon in Oxford, Bluewater in Kent, Edinburgh and Central London. 

Video wise it was pretty straight forward, a tour of the store, and some close up shots of each appliance in action. 

Fast forward to March 2023 and a new store was being planned for the Brent Cross Shopping Centre in London. The site next to the Apple Store had become available, and Miele was the perfect fit. 

Fast forward to September and the shop fit out was complete and the store was opened to the public. 

I was booked this time as an event photographer to capture the opening of the store, the chefs in action using the appliances, the cutting of the ribbon etc. I was also asked to take wide shots of the store empty, and a few creative shots showing a busy store use motion blur of the pubic.

I arrived at Brent Cross on the Wednesday, Grand Opening. I pretty much got to work straight away and finished at 12. From there I had a look around the shopping centre, got some lunch and edited 10 photos… Did I not mention that Miele wanted edits on the day to publish on their social media??!

There I was removing fire exit signs in photoshop and editing in general like a mad man!

Edits were Air Dropped to the marketing team before I left, and they were on LinkedIn before I got to my Air B&B in Edgware!!

Teamwork makes the dreamwork!

Day 2, I arrived at 7:30am to photograph the empty store and capture headshots of the new staff members. 

10:30am I was all done and on my way back home.

All in all a brilliant few days working for this amazing company. https://www.miele.co.uk/c/miele-experience-centre-brent-cross-8213.htm

Here are the edits used on Miele social media announcing the new store.

School Prospectus Photography

Leicestershire School Photographer

Did you know, Pete Martin is also a school photographer?!

For the last 5 years Pete has been working with 7 local Schools, Academies and Trusts. Providing them with quality images to use in the marketing prospectuses, on their website, social media channels and in some instances… wall art!

Being an ex-perripetic music teacher (for 22yrs) Pete is more than familiar with working with children of all ages. Pete has combined this expertise along with 8yrs of photographing business professionals to be able to create and deliver truly amazing school imagary.

Quality school photography is essential for several reasons. Firstly high-quality school photographs offer a professional representation of the school and its students. These photos can be used in various marketing materials, such as brochures and websites, attracting prospective students and showcasing the school's commitment to excellence. Secondly, quality school photography helps foster a positive school community. When students and staff see themselves portrayed beautifully and authentically, it boosts their self-esteem and creates a sense of pride and unity within the school. Therefore, investing in quality school photography is crucial in preserving memories, promoting a positive school image, and enhancing the overall school experience.

See below for a few examples of my work, get in contact for more information

Creative Design Agency Leicestershire

Leicester based Graphic Design Agency Photoshoot

Portraits & Environmental Office Shots

A brilliant design agency I’ve been working with for the last 4 years is Creative 62. They have a range of clients from large to small, and an excellent team to deliver the goods.

As part of a website refresh they asked if I could take portraits of all staff, along with some environmental portraits of each person at their desk. 

These shots are not quite as candid as they look.. all clutter has been removed in advance, and a member of the agency is watching my laptop screen as the images appear.. looking for any distracting elements. Absolutely everything was considered. 

Here is an example, the painting of ‘Liam Gallagher’ was deemed too distracting, so we removed it. Both photos were delivered to the client so they could have the final pick/say of which they preferred in the final application. 

I’m super happy how this shoot turned out, especially the headshots. I did a slightly different lighting set up than I usually do. The low ceiling in the board room meant I couldn’t get my main light high enough, And I could’t sit people down as they we having half body portraits taken.

So, I flipped my lighting equipment from the top to the side, and bounced the light of a nearby white wall to fill in some of the shadows. As Creative 62’s branding is yellow and orange, we tried a few different background colours, and evenly settled on my dark yellow paper roll with another light positioned between the person and the background, creating a halo/vignette effect.

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I have to say, I think these are some of the best portraits I’ve taken, great expressions and a nice simple lighting set up.

I hope you enjoyed a ew images from the morning s shoot, there were 397 edited images delivered from this half day shoot. If you’d like something similar, you can get in touch using the contact form here, or any of the details at the bottom of the page.

Event Photographer

Why having an Event Photographer is a brilliant idea!

Leicester Event Photographer

Birthdays are special occasions that mark milestones in our lives, filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories. When it comes to celebrating these moments, capturing them through photography becomes an invaluable investment. Hiring a professional photographer for your birthday event not only ensures the preservation of beautiful memories but also offers numerous benefits that make it a worthwhile investment.

1. Emotionally Captivating Memories: Birthdays are moments of immense joy and celebration, surrounded by loved ones. Through professional event photography, these emotional moments are captured and immortalized in a way that allows you to relive them for years to come. The tears of happiness, heartfelt laughter, and genuine interactions are encapsulated, creating a treasure trove of memories that evoke strong emotions whenever revisited.

2. High-Quality Images: While smartphones have made photography more accessible, professional event photographers possess the expertise and equipment to capture high-quality images. They have a keen eye for composition, lighting, and timing, ensuring that every shot is a work of art. With our technical skills and artistic vision, we create visually stunning images that elevate the overall aesthetics of your birthday event.

3. Comprehensive Coverage: By hiring a professional photographer like myself, you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the celebration while knowing that every significant moment is being documented. From the grand entrance and blowing out the candles to heartfelt speeches and the dance floor frenzy, a professional photographer will be present to capture every essential detail. We possess the ability to tell a compelling story through their lens, ensuring that no aspect of the celebration is missed.

4. Unique Perspectives: A professional photographer brings a fresh and unique perspective to your birthday event. We have a trained eye to spot candid moments, capture natural expressions, and document the atmosphere and ambiance of the occasion. Our creativity and ability to see beauty in the ordinary result in captivating photographs that go beyond traditional snapshots.

5. Lasting Family Heirlooms: The photographs captured during your birthday event are not only for the present but for future generations as well. They become priceless family heirlooms that can be passed down from one generation to another, telling the story of your life and the love shared among family and friends. Investing in birthday event photography ensures that these heirlooms are created with care, preserving your legacy for years to come.

6. Stress-Free Experience: By entrusting the photography responsibilities to a professional, you can focus on enjoying your birthday event without the added stress of capturing every moment yourself. Knowing that a skilled photographer is in charge allows you to be fully present and engage with your loved ones, creating genuine connections and beautiful memories.

Investing in birthday event photography is an excellent decision that guarantees a treasure trove of emotionally captivating memories, high-quality images, and comprehensive coverage. These photographs become timeless family heirlooms, telling the story of your life and the love shared among family and friends. With a professional photographer like Pete Martin capturing unique perspectives, you can enjoy a stress-free celebration, knowing that every significant moment will be beautifully preserved. So, don't hesitate to invest in birthday event photography, as it's a decision that will provide joy and cherished memories for a lifetime.

Please take a look below at a recent joint birthday and wedding anniversary party at the City Rooms in Leicester

Hinckley & Rugby Building Society

Corporate Photography in the workplace

Hinckley & Rugby Building Society portraits

I’d met Colin & Carolyn from Hinckley & Rugby Building Society a few times at the LAMP charity business club that I’m a member of.

They kindly passed my details onto the amazing Carla who was tasked with the job of sorting out the running order for headshots of all of the key people.

Carla (my test shoot person!)

After a few emails a date was sorted and it was decided that half body portraits would be most suited, along with a dark grey background. 

I set up my mobile studio in a small sized media room which is normally used for video production, and the shoot began. It was clear from the first few people in front of my camera that this was going to be a fun shoot, everyone was lovely, a truly great bunch of people.

I took the quick video on my phone of the set up and posted it to LinkedIn later that day, see below for a couple of the comments.

I couldn’t have wished for a better response. 

I’ve since been back on 2 other occasions to photograph people who were away for the first shoot. 

I’m looking forward to seeing their website update with the new portraits, a few people have already started using them as their LinkedIn profile photo!

Take a look below for the short behind the scenes video and a couple of portraits from all three days. 

When is the last time your company updated it’s team photos?