Standout Headshots Leicester

Why You Need a Professional Headshot to Elevate Your Personal Brand

In today's digital-first world, your headshot is often the first impression potential clients, employers, and business connections will see. Whether it's LinkedIn, your company website, or social media, having a high-quality professional headshot is essential to establishing trust, confidence, and credibility.

As a professional corporate photographer, I specialize in capturing headshots that reflect not just what you look like — but who you are. Investing in a professional headshot can significantly impact how others perceive your personal brand and business presence.

Why Hire Me for Your Professional Headshot?

• Experience Matters: With years of experience in corporate photography, I know how to direct you into natural, confident poses that bring out your best features.

• Tailored to Your Brand: Whether you're aiming for a corporate, creative, or approachable look, I work closely with each client to create images that align with their personal and professional brand.

• High-Quality Results: Professional lighting, expert retouching, and attention to detail ensure your headshot will stand out across digital platforms.

• Fast Turnaround Times: I understand the importance of having your headshots ready quickly without compromising on quality.

Stand Out in a Competitive Market

Your headshot is more than just a photo — it's your digital handshake. In competitive industries, having a polished, high-quality image can make all the difference in setting you apart from the competition.

Invest in yourself and your future. Book your professional headshot session today and take the first step toward making a lasting impression.

January 2025 was busy with Headshots

Headshot & Portrait Photographer Leicester

Why January is the Perfect Time for a New Professional Headshot in 2025

As a professional corporate photographer, I’ve noticed a clear trend every January: business owners and professionals flocking to update their headshots. But why is the start of the year such a popular time for this? And why is having a professional headshot more essential than ever in 2025? Let’s dive in.

New Year, New Professional Image

January is synonymous with fresh starts and goal-setting. Many professionals use this time to update their resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and company websites. A professional headshot is a key element of this personal brand refresh—it sends the message that you are up to date, credible, and ready for new opportunities.

First Impressions Matter More Than Ever

In today’s digital-first world, your headshot is often the first impression you make. Whether you’re networking online, applying for new roles, or marketing your business, a high-quality, professional image sets you apart from the competition. With remote work and virtual networking continuing to grow in 2025, your online presence is just as important as your in-person one.

Trust and Credibility in Business

People do business with those they trust, and a polished, professional headshot conveys confidence, approachability, and competence. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or job seeker, investing in a quality headshot strengthens your personal brand and helps establish trust with potential clients, employers, and connections.

AI and Digital Enhancements: Standing Out in a Crowded Market

With advancements in AI and digital imaging, it’s easier than ever for people to create and edit images. However, there’s no substitute for a professionally lit, composed, and retouched headshot that captures your authenticity. A professional photographer ensures that your image reflects your best self—free from awkward angles, poor lighting, or over-processed filters.

The Competitive Edge for Professionals

If you’re in a leadership position, a consultant, or a business owner, your headshot is part of your brand. A modern, high-quality image can make the difference between being noticed and being overlooked. Whether you’re featured in press releases, speaking engagements, or corporate websites, an updated professional headshot ensures you present yourself in the best possible way.

Conclusion: Invest in Yourself This Year

With 2025 bringing more digital interactions than ever, a professional headshot is a crucial asset for anyone looking to stand out. If you haven’t updated yours in a while, now is the perfect time to invest in your professional image. After all, your headshot is more than just a photo—it’s your personal brand’s first impression.

Ready for a fresh, modern look? Let’s capture your best self for 2025!

New Year New Headshot!

New Year, New Headshot!

Business Portraits on location by Pete Martin Photography

As with every year, my January is filled with people from all walks of life updating their headshot.. or ‘business portrait’ if you prefer.

The start of a new year is a natural time for reflection and renewal, both personally and professionally. While setting goals and updating strategies often top the list, there’s one crucial element that many professionals overlook: updating their headshot. Here’s why a fresh headshot is a vital investment for your business in the new year.

1. Your Headshot Represents Your Brand

In today’s digital-first world, your headshot is often the first impression you make. Whether it’s on LinkedIn, your company website, or professional directories, your photo is a key part of your personal brand. An outdated headshot can send the wrong message, making you appear less current, approachable, or professional. A new year is the perfect time to ensure your image aligns with the polished, credible persona you want to project.

2. You’ve Changed, and So Should Your Photo

It’s natural to evolve over time, and your headshot should reflect who you are today, not who you were five years ago. Perhaps you’ve adopted a new hairstyle, wear glasses now, or have simply matured in appearance. An up-to-date headshot signals authenticity and allows others to recognize you when meeting in person.

3. Stay Competitive in the Market

In competitive industries, staying relevant is crucial. A fresh, high-quality headshot can set you apart from others in your field. It communicates that you’re proactive, detail-oriented, and invested in your professional image—qualities that clients, partners, and employers value.

4. Celebrate Professional Growth

A new year is a time to acknowledge your achievements and growth. Updating your headshot can symbolize the progress you’ve made in your career and the goals you’re striving toward. It’s a subtle but effective way to mark new beginnings.

5. Consistency Across Platforms

Your headshot should be consistent across all platforms to reinforce your professional identity. If you’ve recently revamped your branding or updated your online presence, a new headshot ensures cohesion across LinkedIn, social media, email signatures, and marketing materials.

Tips for a Great Headshot

• Hire a Professional Photographer: They’ll know how to capture your best angles and ensure proper lighting.

• Dress the Part: Wear attire that aligns with your industry and the image you want to portray.

• Choose the Right Setting: Whether it’s a clean studio background or an on-location shoot, pick a setting that complements your brand.

• Be Authentic: A genuine smile and relaxed posture go a long way in making your headshot approachable.

Final Thoughts

Updating your headshot might seem like a small detail, but it’s one that can have a big impact on your professional image. As you step into the new year, take this opportunity to present the best version of yourself to the world. A fresh, modern headshot is more than a picture—it’s a statement of who you are and where you’re headed in your career.

Leicester Law Firm Photographer - Business Portraits & Headshots

Leicester Law Firm Photographer - Business Portraits & Headshots

Professional company photographs taken on location

I’ve been photographing the amazing people over at Johnson Astills Solicitors for two years now. Their finance director introduced me to them as they had expressed an interest in having a branding and marketing refresh. 

Johnson Astills are based in the heart of Leicester City, in the Mattioli Woods building at the bottom of New Walk. 

My first shoot there was a full day, and we managed to get 75% of the company photographed. I then went in a few months later to capture the rest. JA have a pretty complex but brilliant website where when you click on a persons bio the image then floats above the rest of the site. I really like this design feature, but it means slightly more editing for me.. I have to remove the background from each photo. I visit JA 3-4 times a year now as they seem to be in a constant state of growth taking on new members of staff for all departments. 

Take a look at a few of the photos taken over the years

I also capture some team photos for the various departments, Family, Litigation, Crime etc

It’s fair to say we have fun on these shoots!

Office Headshots Leicester Tech Company, Kazzoo IT

Kazoo IT New Office Space Dock 3 Leicester, New Headshots

On location portraits & headshots for IT company.

My good friend Chris Cain from Kazoo IT had recently moved office spaces. He’s moved into the prestigious and new Dock 3 here in Leicester. A dedicated workspace for anything tech related. 

Also as the team has grown Chris wanted to get individual headshots and a team shot for marketing purposes. 

After looking around the new building and trying few things out, we chose to use the office as a backdrop, I do like this style of headshot as it adds a little more interest rather than a plain grey (or other colour) backdrop. 

Would you have headshots taken this way?

Marketing Photography East Midlands

Marketing Photography Leicester & East Midlands

Leicester Branding Photographer

I was approached by Tom Bates from Altitude Marketing over in Loughborough a few weeks ago, we discussed me going in for a couple of hours to capture headshots (not typical) and some general office lifestyle images.

I’ve known Tom for a while, he has another business, ‘The Printers’ also over in Loughborough. They have done business cards, workwear and mugs for me in the past. There for all your print needs!

I didn’t know much about ‘Altitude’ so it was nice to go in and mett the whole team so see hoe they work.

The brief for the shoot was keep it light and fun, to show the team as they are.

Take a look at a few of the images from the half day shoot below. There were around 200 images delivered from this shoot.

New Year New Headshot

Headshot Photographer Leicester

New Year, New Me, New Headshot.

Time for a headshot or portrait upgrade?

You’d think i’d have an up to date headshot wouldn’t you??

Turn out my last headshot was done during the pandemic, around May 2020!!!

Definitely time to get a fresh one sorted. I waited till I had a morning free, & set up in my living room when everyone else was out. Also, i’d had a haircut the day before, so I was feeling all fresh!

Sony camera with 50mm lens (normally use 85 but I was stuck on space!), two strip/soft boxes with studio flash units, and a pop up dark textured backdrop was all that was needed!.

I tethered the camera straight to Capture One Pro on my iPad Pro and started remotely firing the the camera. After doing all the charity vlogs last year I feel way more comfortable in front of the camera and only had to do minor coaching on myself!

I did a couple of wardrobe changes, to add a little interest and colour and that was it.

Here is my new 2024 Headshot

2024 Headshot, taken with my mobile studio… in my lounge!

Taking the photo is only stage one.

After the image was lightly edited it was then exported in various sizes and uploaded to every social platform I use for business… that would be, Linkedin, Twitter, YouTube, Google. Then my business tools like Xero, Starling and of course my email signature.

You can’t beat a consistent look across all platforms!

Now, lets see the old 2020 headshot… see how i’ve aged!

2020 headshot, different lighting to the new one

And now for a good laugh, here is 2016’s headshot!!

2016’s headshot, good hair, not many grey’s + moody lighting

Drop me an email or give me a call if you are looking to refresh you look for 2024.

HSP Corporate Headshots

Corporate Headshots on Location in Leicestershire

 I first met Ian Vernon from HSP in 2018 at a networking event, I was really impressed with his professionalism and his personality. We became friends over time, went to a few more events, I even photographed his family one one occasion. I also did Ian and his partners headshots in 2021.

HSP Financial Planning Ltd is a firm of Independent Financial Advisers based in Whetstone, Leicestershire.

Established in 1977 we have built up a reputation for providing trusted professional advice given by approachable and dedicated advisers, supported by an experienced administration team.

It was nice to be asked to photograph HSP’s whole company in early 2023. A plan was put together to complete headshots for all staff, get some ‘at work’ shots and also put a short video together. The whole shoot took just over 3 hours.

I took along my mobile studio for the headshots, the drone and gimbal came out for the video parts.

Take a look at a few of the headshots and office shots below, and the short video link to YouTube

Walkthrough video for Leicestershire Financial Planners, HSP.

Why You Need a Great Headshot in Today's World

Why You Need a Great Headshot in Today's World

In today's digital age, first impressions are made online more than ever before. Whether you're a professional, an entrepreneur, or an artist, having a good headshot is crucial in making a positive impact on those who come across your online presence. A well-taken headshot can serve as a powerful tool in personal branding and professional representation, helping you to stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression.

Here are just a few of the reasons why you need a good headshot in today's world:

1. Personal Branding: A good headshot is an essential part of personal branding. It helps to communicate who you are, what you do, and what sets you apart from others in your field. A well-taken headshot should accurately reflect your appearance and personality, helping you to make a strong first impression on potential clients, employers, or collaborators.

2. Professional Representation: A good headshot is also a crucial aspect of professional representation. It can be used on your personal or professional website, social media profiles, business cards, and other marketing materials. A well-taken headshot can help you to establish a consistent image and make a strong impression on potential clients, employers, or collaborators.

3. Social Media: In today's world, social media plays a big role in how people present themselves online. Having a good headshot is essential for creating a professional presence on platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. A well-taken headshot can help you to make a positive impact on those who come across your profiles, and increase your chances of standing out from the crowd.

4. Acting and Modeling: If you're an actor or model, a good headshot is essential for showcasing your talent and securing work. A well-taken headshot should accurately reflect your appearance and convey your unique qualities, helping you to stand out from other actors and models and get noticed by casting directors and agents.

5. Confidence Boost: Finally, having a good headshot can give you a confidence boost. When you have a well-taken headshot that accurately reflects your appearance and personality, you can feel more confident in presenting yourself online and in person.

In conclusion, a good headshot is an essential tool in personal branding, professional representation, and creating a positive first impression. Whether you're a professional, an entrepreneur, an artist, or just looking to boost your confidence, investing in a well-taken headshot is a smart move. So why wait? Book your headshot session today and take your first step towards making a lasting impression!

Party, portraits and another party!

Commercial Portrait & Event Photographer Leicester

Leicester Business Photographer

December 2019 I was asked to photography a works party and awards ceremony, the company was Industria Personel. Industria are a fantastic recruitment agency based in Leicester but with offices in Northampton, Manchester, Coventry, Uxbridge, Germany and Poland!

Fast forward to March 2022 and I get a call from Amanda from Industria about taking staff headshots of all of the senior recruiters in the UK offices in preparation for their new website.

After a few dates were passed around, the Leicester office was booked in. 24 people were photographed in a 2 hour session. A couple of weeks later Coventry was photographed, then Northampton, then Leicester again (as a few people were away and some people from the Birmingham office came over), then Uxbridge and finally Manchester. Phew!!

All in all over 50 people got ‘shot in the face’ by me, and we kept the look consistent in all the different locations.

Here are a few shots from all locations

Leicester Event Photography

Industria also celebrated their 20th year in Business, and I was asked to photograph the party at the Marriott Hotel here in Leicester. This was an incredible night, with lots of photos and stories from the early days of Michale Walker setting up the business. I honestly found that presentation about the company so interesting! The thing that really struck me was the culture, all of the staff genuinely enjoy working for Industria.

It just proved that if you have a great idea, determination and good people around you.. you can achieve anything. 

This year they hit the £50 Million Pound turnover, which is incredible, well done Industria! 

Here are a few photos from the party.