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!

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?

Northwood Leicester Estate & Lettings Agent Photoshoot

Leicestershire Lettings and Estate Agents Branding/Lifestyle Photoshoot

Headshots and Environmental Portraits for personal branding & marketing

It was that time again for another photoshoot for Gosia and the fine folk over at Northwood Leicester.

I always look forward to these shoots as every person i’ve met there has been fun, the sessions are always a blast. This was no exception!

Headshots were discussed, but they wanted to get away from the grey background.. so we did a few test shots using the office space as a backdrop, and it looked great!

Katie had also researched a competitor who had some shots done at a local studio, one which I use for certain jobs. Katie then had the idea to use a wall and door in the office for similar shots, we again did a few test shots and they looked great.

The ladies also needed some environmental shots for marketing emails and social media. we ran over a few ideas and quickly got shooting!

The last image to capture was a full team shot.

It was a truly brilliant session, and i love the images produced. I believe they do as well all 4 people there left me Google Reviews!!!!

Take a look at a few of the images below.

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.

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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Corporate headshots for the whole firm

Leicestershire Law Firm Event & Headshots

Some of you may know I’m a keen runner, and one of the guys I run with (Matt Green) introduced me to Leicester Law Firm Johnson Astills. They have recently moved into the Matiolli Woods building in the city center.

They are looking for updated portraits of all the key staff who deal with the clients. As they are a pretty large firm (40+) they was going to take 2 days get everyone done. They are also a growing company, so a retainer has been put in place for me to go in and photograph the new staff shortly after they have started with the firm.

There were very specific requirements for portraits, my usual high resolution large files and also 300x400mm 72dpi no larger than 1mb for at the request of their web designers. And also cutouts on a transparent background so the person can appear over an existing image on the website. It was a wills extra time, but absolutely no trouble for me. 

Just before the first portrait session, Johnson Astills also asked if I could shoot a short event they were holding in the Sky Lounge at Matiolli Woods. This would be for partners and clients to attend. It was a really nice event with some quality catering. 

Here are a few photos from the open event and the portrait sessions.

London Corporate Headshots

London Corporate Headshots

Leicester Portrait Photographer Location Headshots

For the last 6yrs I’ve been photographing the wonderful people of Mars Petcare UK. I’ve been to Melton, Nottingham, Bury St Edmond’s, Battersea Park amongst others. Previous work has mainly been events, the odd portrait at said event and a few warehouse/factory jobs for internal marketing.

Earlier this year I was asked to photograph their Global Sustainability Summit. This was the first face to face meeting of the global leaders where they were discussing all aspects of planet, food and crop sustainability. I actually found it fascinating! It was also nice to grab a quick chat with none other than Frank Mars, a truly dedicated man… and the 21st richest person in the world! Quite surprising that he was still using an iPhone 10, in 2023.

Part of this summit was to capture a professional portrait of each delegate, for the email signature, Linkedin profile and other marketing.

Now, with this taking place in a Sofitel in London, and I’d be travelling there by train, tube and foot.. my kit had to be scaled down size and weight wise. But I had to get the same (or at least similar) to my previous work. A new collapsible softbox was purchased, along with a small lightweight light stand, and a carbon fibre tripod.

I did lighting and set  up tests with this new equipment to make sure it was all up to the job, and it was. One thing I didn’t scale down was my studio light, I kept the faithful 300w strobe.

Travelling for the job was a struggle, even having a member of the design team with me to carry a lighting bag.. the camera backpack, tripod and softbox still weighed me down with the various tube stations and 15 min walk to the hotel.

The setup went well, we chose a dark purple wall in the hotel corridor. Same as all my headshot sessions, the clients can see the shots in real time on my laptop. this made the session run to time, and everyone picked their favourite image to be edited.

3 hours later and we were on the train on the way home.

What do you think of the images taken during the session?

#Photographer #LeicesterPhotographer #LondonPhotographer #PortraitPhotographer #HeadshotPhotogrpaher

Corporate Headshots

Capture Your Professional Excellence: Professional Headshots for UK Professionals

Introducing Pete Martin Photography - Your Ultimate Visual Partner

Attention UK Professionals!
In today's highly competitive job market, where first impressions are everything, can you afford to overlook the power of a compelling professional headshot? Pete Martin Photography is here to help you capture your professional excellence and set yourself apart from the crowd.

Why Do Business Professionals Need Professional Headshots?

In the digital age, your online presence is often the first interaction colleagues, recruiters, and potential clients have with you. Your profile picture should not be an afterthought, but a distinct personal brand statement that reflects your competence, credibility, and professionalism.
Here are a few reasons why UK professionals should invest in professional headshots:
1. Make a Positive First Impression:
A high-quality headshot exudes confidence, approachability, and trustworthiness, immediately drawing people in and leaving a lasting impact. It showcases your commitment to professionalism and attention to detail, impressing potential employers and clients alike.
2. Personal Branding:
Your headshot is not just a photograph; it is a powerful tool for personal branding. By investing in a professional headshot, you can present yourself as a confident and accomplished individual in your industry, ensuring that your personal brand aligns with your experience and expertise.
3. Social Media and Networking:
With platforms like LinkedIn at the forefront of professional networking, having a polished and professional headshot increases your visibility and helps you stand out among the sea of profiles. Make a compelling first impression, attract new connections, and engage with potential clients or employers.
4. Consistency Across Platforms:
Whether it's a company website, conference brochure, or business card, your professional headshot provides consistency across all your professional platforms. This cohesive visual representation adds to your credibility and helps build brand recognition, ensuring you leave a lasting and consistent impression.

Why Choose Pete Martin Photography?

Pete Martin Photography is a renowned name in the industry, trusted by countless professionals to capture their unique stories and empower their personal brands through striking headshots.
1. Experience and Expertise:
With years of experience in capturing dynamic professional headshots, Pete Martin has perfected the art of telling stories through captivating visuals. His skills ensure that your headshots are not only visually stunning but also perfectly aligned with your personality and professional goals.
2. Tailored Approach:
At Pete Martin Photography, we understand that each client is unique and has different goals for their headshots. We take the time to listen, understand your needs, and tailor our approach accordingly. Our personalised sessions ensure that your headshots truly represent who you are as a professional.
3. Creative Direction and Posing:
Nervous in front of the camera? Don't worry! Pete Martin's team provides expert guidance and direction throughout the photoshoot, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident. We know how to bring out your best, capturing your personality and professionalism flawlessly.
4. Exceptional Quality and Attention to Detail:
Using state-of-the-art equipment and advanced techniques, Pete Martin Photography delivers headshots of exceptional quality. Our meticulous attention to detail ensures that every aspect, from lighting to composition, is perfect, making your headshots stand out from the rest.

Invest in Your Professional Success Today!

Don't let a subpar headshot hinder your professional growth in the competitive UK market. Choose Pete Martin Photography and capture your professional excellence like never before.
Visit our website or contact us today to book your personalized headshot session. Invest in yourself, empower your personal brand, and leave a remarkable impression on the UK professional scene.

Business headshot

corporate headshot