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.

End Of Year Roundup Pete Martin Photography

Leicester Headshot Photographer Pete Martin 2024 roundup

Professional Corporate and Events Photographer Pete Martin - Leicester

My Best Year Yet

I'm so excited to share that this has been my best year yet as a professional photographer! I've had the opportunity to work on some amazing projects, meet some incredible people, and capture some truly unforgettable moments.

I'm grateful to all of my clients for trusting me with their photography needs. I couldn't have done it without you!

Here are a few highlights from my year:

 * Working with the brilliant people over at Miele

 * Learning more video and drone skills

 * Selling an image to the Daily Telegraph for a1yr usage

I'm so excited to see what next year brings! I can't wait to continue to grow my business and capture even more amazing moments.

Thank you for reading!

Sincerely,

Pete M

PR & Press Photographer

PR and Press Photographer East Midlands Pete Martin Photography

Leicester, Rugby, Coventry, Hinckley, Nottingham, & Birmingham PR & Press Photographer

Press shots for David Wilson Homes Bears,  Mather Jamie, & Westbridge (WBR) Group

Occasionally I get asked to cover a very short event, press style. These events are typically 15-20 mins and only a handfullof shots are delivered to the client.. edited and delivered straight after the shoot as well.

Mather Jamie needed two shots for local press about the recent New Lubbesthorpe development in Leicestershire. I popped along when the director was on a site visit, got the shots, edited and delivered in 15 mins. These photos went out on internal communications and also the local printed press.

Next up was a shot event for David Wilson Homes, and their new development near Nottingham. It was an open day for the newly finished school. I was there for around 30 mins, then had 20 images edited and delivered before I left the site.

Westbridge were a company i’d worked with before, their PR company from Nottingham asked if I could attend their event and capture a few press shots. As i[‘d worked with them before, and they offered to feed me I stayed a little longer than the 40 mins I’d scheduled.

The PR company needed the photos on Monday morning, the event was a Thursday.. I decided to take my new high powered MacBook Pro and do the edits whilst I had food when the schooling had finished. The PR company seemed quite impressed when 80 edited photos were delivered on the same night! They chose the shot to be used for the press release, but there was a problem with it. The shot was an outdoor one featuring the main team and Hoggy and his branded gazebo.. unfortunately there is a disabled sign painted on the road visible in the shot, the request was to take it out in photoshop. No problem, but when I do that kind of editing I ace a graphical pen and tablet interface or a mouse… all I had was the trackpad on the MacBook Pro! 

It was a quick and dirty edit, but looks ok! (From now on my mouse is coming everywhere with me!)

Do you need quality PR and Press style photos?

Get in touch now

Leicester, Nottingham, Coventry, Birmingham Event Photography

Leicester, Coventry, Nottingham, Birmingham Event Photographer

Furnley House Foundation & Kazzoo IT Event Photography Leicester

If there is one type of Photography job I could only do for the rest of too my life it would be Event Photography. 

I love the variation of each event, and each one is totally unique, even if it’s the same company!

Chris Cain is a good friend of mine, and he owns and runs Kazzoo IT. Chris is also an amazing fundraiser for many local charities. I’ve personally climbed Scarfell Pike and Ben Nevis with Chris over the last two years for some amazing charities. 

Kazzoo IT was turning 21 years old, so it was only right there was a party.. or summer ball more like!

The event took place at Winstanley House… there was a mirror lady, champagne reception, Kazzoo brand coloured ballon wall,  an amazing auction… and Sam Bailey serenading us at the end. 

Take a look at a few of the shots, 

Next up was the Furnley House Foundation’s summer ball. Furnley House is a truly brilliant company, B-Corp status in fact. The foundation was set up to help local charities and communities, and boy have they helped!

At their summer ball, over £30,000 was raised for the specially selected three charities. Steps, Focus & Heartwise. 

A few mentions, Charlotte Miles from Cross Productions was organising the whole event, as usual it ran faultlessly.. Absolutely contact Cross Productions for your event requirements. 

Hybrid AV did the entire sound and light system, and the place looked amazing. Check out their video wall!

Get in touch for your next event if you want great event photography

HERE ARE 5 EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

1. Capturing Memorable Moments: We professional event photographers are highly skilled at capturing candid and precious moments, ensuring you have a collection of high-quality images to relive the event.

2. Professional Quality: We have the expertise, equipment, and editing skills to deliver professional-grade photos with optimal lighting, composition, and clarity.

3. Focus on Guests: Hiring a professional photographer allows you and your guests to fully enjoy the event without worrying about taking pictures, ensuring everyone is part of the experience.

4. Marketing and Promotion: High-quality event photos can be used for marketing and promotional materials, helping to create buzz for future events or showcase the success of your current one.

5. Comprehensive Coverage: Professional event photographers know how to cover all aspects of your event, from the venue and decor to attendees and key moments, providing a comprehensive visual record.