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.
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.
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
Signature & Nachurel Awards
Signature & Nachurel Awards Event Photographer
Event Photographer Leicester, Nottingham, Birmingham, Coventry, Northampton, Coventry & London
Following on from my charity work with LAMP, I photographed their ‘Time to Talk’ event in 2023. At this event there were many guests in attendance to listen to the chosen speakers.
One of these guests was Mr Ninder Johal, a man who eases many hats. He’s on the board of trustees at Wolverhampton University, he’s also a Deputy Lieutenant of the city too. But, he also founded the Signature and Nachurel Awards. On seeing me work the room, and some of my work was being shown on the screens at the Time to Talk event, Ninder asked if I would photograph the Signature Awards at Wolverhampton Racecourse.
Of course I said yes!
On arrivial I could see the attention to detail everywhere, the venue looked stunning. The AV crew, also from the East Midlands had a superb set up, with multiple camera’s of the presenter and the people receiving the awards.
The night from my side was a real success, everyone looked great, and so did the photos. I had them edited the next day, and sent off to Ninder. A few hours later and they started to appear on social media.
Shortly after the Wolverhampton event, I had the call from Ninder…. Can you photograph the next awards night, in Mayfair London?!
Le me think about that…… Yep, put me down for it!
This event was much much bigger, so there was also a London photographer there. We shared out the work, he took the stage shots, I took care of the media wall shots of people with their awards. I also did some of the drinks reception too.
Take a look at a few of the images from both nights below, And yes… I have been booked for the next one!
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.
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.
