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!

The Corporate Headshot, or Business Portrait

The Corporate Headshot, or Business Portrait

Pete Martin specialist Leicester Headshot & Portrait Photographer

While I do enjoy all aspects of the areas of photography I work in (events, drone, web content and headshots) the Corporate Headshot or Business Portrait will always hold something special for me.

The excitement when I get an enquiry for this service is pretty unmatched. I know when I get that person in front of my camera i’m going to learn about that person, I get to hear about the journey, their struggles and successes. I almost get to take something away from that person.

Most of the time, people don’t like having their photo taken, especially in the close up situation of a Headshot.

It’s my job to put that person at ease and get them the photo they want, desire or require. Maybe it’s just for LinkedIn, it could be for their new book. Maybe an album cover, possibly going on their companies website.. Have they been chosen to speak at a conference and require their headshot to be sent out to all delegates and even displayed on the screens at the side of the stage. It could be that the person has written an article for a business magazine and they need a photo to accompany it, showing the face of the person who wrote it.

All of the above situations require something slightly different, and every person is unique.

This is where I shine. My personal skills are something I get as many comments on as my photography skills.

Take a look at a few recent headshot/portrait examples as of July 2024

#LeicesterPortraitPhotographer #LeicesterHeadshotPhotographer #PeteMartinPhotography #LocationHeadshots #HeadshotsEastMidlands #LinkedInProfilePhoto

Commercial Photographer Leicestershire

Commercial Photographer Leicester

Website and social media content creator Leicester

Earlier this month I was asked to photograph the lovely people at Premier Logistics in Leicestershire.

A short brief was put together to make sure every image they required was captured during my morning on site. Having a brief (or shot list) is my preferred way of working as it insures I get what the client wants.

The main bulk of images was centered around this factory, showcasing their incredible fleet of trucks, their massive warehouse space and the fairly new servicing department. I also put the drone up to get a couple of ariel shots.

My personal favourite shots were the headshots. These needed to be on brand, featuring the companies prominent colour of orange. Their boardroom is decked out in orange so it was pretty simple to do.

Have a look at the shot video and some of the sample shots below.

If your business could benefit from new images and video, please get in touch either using the contact page, the simple booking form, or even a phone call!

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.

Order - Book Me!

Book my services

Miele Brent Cross

Miele Brent Cross opening event photography

London Event Photographer

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.

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

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