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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!

Book ME

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.

pete martin 1/23/24 pete martin 1/23/24

Event Photography Leicestershire

Event Photographer Leicester & East Midlands

Professional event photography

There are lots of events happening at the moment, and if you put one of thsee events on… what better way to showcase it that with amazing photos.

These photos are not only a great record of the event, they can also be used to highlight the team members who win awards. They are also brilliant to post of social media after the event. I pride myself on being able to get the images ready the very next day, sometimes even on the same tight if required! This is especially important as guests often post their smartphone photos during the night, so the professional ones need to come out asap!

Here are a couple of events i’ve shot this week, an opening of a balcony in a care home, and an awards night for a medial company.

Don’t leave your next event to chance, get a professional in Pete Martin Event Photography

Below is 5 reasons why a professional event photographer is a brilliant idea

5 Reasons Why Events Need a Professional Photographer

1. Expertise: Professional photographers bring their expertise and artistic vision to capture the essence of an event. They have the technical knowledge to adjust camera settings, lighting, and composition to produce high-quality images that showcase the event in the best possible way.
2. Unobtrusive Documentation: While amateurs may disrupt the flow of an event by constantly taking photos, professional photographers have the skill to blend into the background and capture candid moments without interrupting the proceedings. This allows attendees to fully enjoy the event without feeling self-conscious or distracted.
3. Quality Results: Professional photographers use high-end equipment and post-processing techniques to ensure that the images are of the highest quality. This includes retouching, color correction, and editing to produce polished, professional-grade photographs that can be utilized for promotional materials, social media, and future marketing efforts.
4. Complete Coverage: An experienced photographer knows how to cover all aspects of an event, from candid attendee interactions and keynote speakers to venue decorations and special performances, ensuring that nothing is overlooked. This comprehensive coverage provides event organizers with a valuable visual record of the occasion.
5. Brand Representation: For corporate events, having a professional photographer can enhance the brand's image by capturing the event in a way that aligns with the company's style and values. These images can be used for press releases, website content, and promotional materials, presenting a cohesive and professional image to clients, partners, and the public.
Ultimately, hiring a professional photographer for events ensures that the memories and key moments are preserved in a visually stunning and impactful manner, adding long-lasting value to the occasion.

pete martin 1/15/24 pete martin 1/15/24

New Year New Photos, Leicester Photographer wrap up!

Portrait Photographer in Leicester

End of 2023, beginning of 2024!

My end of year was a little quiet work wise, which was nice as I’d completed lots in October & November.

I completed a shoot at Everyone Active Enderby, they have a new soft play area and required shots of the facility empty and in use. I had 15 mins from when the last bit of cleaning was completed to when the kids arrived to play and test out the equipment.

Derby Everyone Active has something very similar and i’ve seen how popular that was when I photographed it last year.

My last job of the year was for the amazing Furnley House, recording their MD’s end of year round up presentation which also featured future goals.

They had a special guest, none other than my mum’s favourite exercise and nutrition expert from the 1980’s, Rosemary Conley.

I set up one camera on a tripod with a wireless mic, and had another camera which I used to walk around and capture other angles etc.

Three video clips were edited on the first week of 2024 and delivered to their marketing department.

On December 28th it was wedding time.. not mine, but I co-led the ‘Jay Nandha’ wedding team for their last wedding of the year at Winstanley House. Jay was away in India visiting family so his team assembled to get the job done. Jay will now edit photos and videos for the happy couple.

On the 29th December, my website took a headshot booking.

Did you know you can now book and pay for your session directly from my site, it’s so simple!

the session took place in Oadby on the 2nd Jan.

5th Jan I was back working for Everyone Active, this time in Derby. A full day capturing the whole site so they have enough images for the next three months to use for marketing.

Saturday 6th It was a very quick shoot at Enderby Everyone Active capturing the new party rooms in action.

Sunday, it was off to Birmingham to shoot my good friend Dan Hawkins doing his roaming bongo drums gig!

This blew me away, it’s so simple, yet so effective!! I was tasked with shooting mostly photos but grabbing some 4k video too. The shots turned out great!! There was also a violin player there, she was awesome too!.

Tuesday 9th I was back to GP3 Financial Solutions in Oadby, they last had me in during the summer of 2022 for team headshots. There was now 5 new people to photograph and a group to shoot too. Brilliant people here, always super prepared and ready for the shoot. I delivered the retouched images later that day, check out this email reply sent after they received the photos…

Wednesday 10th It was back to Johnson Astills in Leicester for more photos of the associate partners and also the new recruits. whilst there we also topped up the image library of the various teams.

That brings us right back to the today, Thursday 11th Jan..

Today was back to back meetings, Networking over breakfast, end of year accountant meet, creative design agency followed by the Trustees of LAMP.. who are considering have me join the board!

Phew…

What a start to the year!

pete martin 11/27/23 pete martin 11/27/23

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

pete martin 11/15/23 pete martin 11/15/23

Miele Brent Cross Expereince Centre Opening

Miele Brent Cross Expereince Centre Opening - Event Photography

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. https://www.miele.co.uk/c/miele-experience-centre-brent-cross-8213.htm

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

pete martin 11/6/23 pete martin 11/6/23

Awards Ceremony for Charity Work

Leicestershire Community Championships Awards 2023

We didn't win Fundraiser of the Year, but 'Team Lamp' made it to the final of Furnley House's Leicestershire Community Champions Awards last Thursday.

Just being nominated is a huge achievement for us.

All finalists were brilliant, and Rachel (the winner) truly deserved that win. The awards ceremony was a lovely opportunity to celebrate our achievements with peers and supporters. While winning the award is undeniably a great honour, just reaching the final stage is a testament to our dedication to the greater cause - Lamp Charity

Well done everyone!

pete martin 11/1/23 pete martin 11/1/23

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.

pete martin 10/18/23 pete martin 10/18/23

Miele Brent Cross

Miele Brent Cross opening event photography

London Event Photographer

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.

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.

pete martin 10/12/23 pete martin 10/12/23

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

pete martin 10/11/23 pete martin 10/11/23

School Prospectus Photography

Leicestershire School Photographer

Did you know, Pete Martin is also a school photographer?!

For the last 5 years Pete has been working with 7 local Schools, Academies and Trusts. Providing them with quality images to use in the marketing prospectuses, on their website, social media channels and in some instances… wall art!

Being an ex-perripetic music teacher (for 22yrs) Pete is more than familiar with working with children of all ages. Pete has combined this expertise along with 8yrs of photographing business professionals to be able to create and deliver truly amazing school imagary.

Quality school photography is essential for several reasons. Firstly high-quality school photographs offer a professional representation of the school and its students. These photos can be used in various marketing materials, such as brochures and websites, attracting prospective students and showcasing the school's commitment to excellence. Secondly, quality school photography helps foster a positive school community. When students and staff see themselves portrayed beautifully and authentically, it boosts their self-esteem and creates a sense of pride and unity within the school. Therefore, investing in quality school photography is crucial in preserving memories, promoting a positive school image, and enhancing the overall school experience.

See below for a few examples of my work, get in contact for more information