Leicester Photographer Raises money for local charity

Leicester Photographer raises money for local Mental Health Charity

Headshot, Portrait & Event photographer Pete Martin raised £765 for Leicestershire Mental Health Charity LAMP

It was that time of year again, national mental health week 2024.

For the last two years I‘ve organised little gathering at one of my favourite Indian restaurants. This year however, the restaurant was already booked! So a new venue was foudn and the the organisation began.

Tickets were produced, the online booking system went live, emails went out to raffle prizes, a poster was designed. I asked a few people to share the social media posts to help with ticket sales and before long we had just under 40 tickets solds for the event.

It was no nice to see so many friendly faces, some i’ve not seen in quite a few years!

Enjoy some of the photos below, I kept the camera equipment really small, one camera, one lens and a small flash.. Great quality results from such a small compact set up.

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.

Lifestyle and Branding Photography Leicester

I love it when a client comes back, it might be for updated headshots.. maybe a new person has joined the team etc.

Northwood Estate agents however wanted some shots around the office, these are called many different things.. Lifestyle, environmental portraits or the new buzz word in the industry, Branding Photography.

To me it’s all the same thing, capturing people doing their thing in the best possible light. Showing the environment in the portrait, with the person captured naturally… no staged poses. This helps show the companies culture, which in turn will attract new clients and future employees.

Here are a few examples from the 1.5 hours I was on site, 130 images were delivered in total.

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Have a read of this article about branding photography and why you should consider it..

Why Branding Photography is Essential in Business

In the competitive landscape of today's business world, investing in branding photography can offer a multitude of benefits for companies looking to establish a strong and memorable brand image. Here are five crucial points illustrating why branding photography is essential in business:

1. First Impressions Matter: Branding photography plays a pivotal role in creating a positive and lasting first impression on potential customers. High-quality, visually appealing images can instantly capture the attention of your target audience and convey the professionalism and identity of your brand.

2. Establishing Brand Identity: Consistent branding photography helps in establishing and reinforcing your brand identity. By showcasing your products, services, or team through cohesive visual storytelling, you can create a strong brand presence that differentiates you from competitors and fosters brand recognition.

3. Building Trust and Credibility: Professionally curated images can help build trust and credibility with your audience. Authentic and engaging photography can humanize your brand, showcasing the faces behind the business and creating a connection with customers based on transparency and authenticity.

4. Versatility Across Marketing Channels: From your website and social media profiles to advertising campaigns and printed materials, branding photography can be used across various marketing channels to maintain a consistent brand message. Versatile imagery ensures that your brand's visual identity remains cohesive and compelling across all platforms.

5. Increasing Engagement and Conversions: Compelling visual content has the power to drive engagement and increase conversions. Whether it's through captivating product images, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or lifestyle photography that resonates with your target audience, branding photography can help create a strong emotional connection that motivates customers to choose your brand.

In conclusion, branding photography is not just a luxury but a necessity for businesses looking to thrive in today's visually driven market. By investing in high-quality imagery that aligns with your brand values and resonates with your audience, you can elevate your brand presence, establish credibility, and ultimately drive business growth.

MDL Fitness Plymouth Shoot

Leicester Commercial Photographer Fitness Brand Shoot

A few weeks ago I was asked back to photography the fitness studio at MDL Marina in Plymouth.

I set of on the Friday, had dinner with Andy from the design team where we discussed the brief and shot list. Having a clear understanding of the images required, and their use is key for me. I can then think about lighting and composition to hopefully achieve the very best results.

As well as gerneral shots of the gym, both empty and fairly full, we also had to shoot every piece of equipment being used my both a model and a Personal Trainer. We set up classes such as spin and yoga, as these are a new offering.

I also took all of my portrait equipment to get some amazing shots of the PT’s.

It’s great working closely with the design team as they have a clear vision of the end product. It might be a local advert in the press. a pull up banner, a webpage or social media campaign. It’s crucial to get the best shots possible in the time on site.

Not only because Plymouth is 4hrs and 240 miles away from Leicester!

Here’s a few images from the shoot.

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I also did a short vlog which is on my YouTube channel.

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.

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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. 

Howden Insurance Open Event Loughborough

Howden Insurance Open Day Event Photography Leicestershire

Quality professional event photography by Pete Martin

It was nice to be asked once again to photography an event for the lovely people at Howden Insurance over in Loughborough, Leicestershire.

Following the devastating floods that pretty much destroyed their office, they wanted to re-open after the refurbishment with a bang!

They hired an amazing barrister who served every type of coffee, and brilliant ladies who were cooking up delicious sweet or savoury crepes.

The local Lady Mayor even turned up at the end!

There was lots of nice merchandise available to take away, with my current favourite colour being Orange, that Mug was coming home with me!

If your company is holding an event, consider hiring a photographer to capture those wonderful candid moments. Those photos are not only a great reminder of the event but can be repurposed into social media posts and campaigns throughout the year.

Conference Photographer East Midlands

Why Having a Professional Photographer at Your Conference is a Win-Win

Leicester & East Midlands Conference Photographer

Conferences are a whirlwind of activity, bringing together people, ideas, and experiences. But in the blink of an eye, it can all be over. That's where a professional photographer comes in, capturing the essence of your event and turning fleeting moments into lasting memories.

Here are just a few reasons why having a photographer at your conference is a wise investment:

1. Capture the Conference Story: A photographer doesn't just take pictures; they tell a story. Through their lens, they'll capture the energy of the event, from the opening keynote to the networking sessions, and everything in between. This visual narrative can be used to showcase the success of your conference and attract even more attendees in the future.

2. Professional Polish: High-quality photos elevate your brand and add a touch of professionalism to your conference. They can be used on your website, marketing materials, and social media platforms, creating a positive and polished image for your organization.

3. Engage Your Audience: Photos are powerful tools for engagement. Sharing professional photos on social media can help you reach a wider audience and generate buzz about your conference. Attendees will also appreciate having high-quality photos to share on their own platforms, further extending your reach.

4. Memories for Everyone: A conference is a valuable learning and networking experience, and attendees often want to capture those memories. Offering professional photos as a post-conference benefit shows you care about their experience and allows them to relive the event long after it's over.

5. Free Up Your Team: As the organizer, you'll have your hands full managing the logistics of the conference. Hiring a photographer allows you and your team to focus on what matters most – ensuring a smooth and successful event for your attendees.

Bonus Tip: Consider offering headshot sessions during the conference. This is a valuable service for attendees looking to update their professional profiles and a great way to generate additional revenue.

Pete has a keen eye for capturing the essence of a dynamic event and years of experience navigating the unique challenges of conference photography, I am your expert choice for documenting your gathering. My ability to tell a visual story through candid moments, speaker interactions, and the overall event atmosphere ensures you receive a collection of high-quality photographs that not only showcase the professionalism of your conference but also leave a lasting impression on your attendees.

In conclusion, having me photograph at your conference is an investment that pays off in many ways. From capturing the event's spirit to promoting your brand and engaging your audience, professional photography can help you take your conference to the next level.

The Business Portrait, professional photographer Leicester

Business Portrait, Linkedin Headshots Leicester & East Midlands

Why Your Squirrel Profile Pic Won't Fly: The Power of a Pro Headshot on LinkedIn

Pete Martin Photography in discguise

In the bustling online jungle of LinkedIn, your profile picture is your first impression. Sure, you could stick with a blurry selfie of you feeding a squirrel (admittedly cute, but not professional), but why settle for "meh" when you can project confidence and polish with a professional headshot? Here's why it matters:

1. Stand Out From the Nutty Bunch: Let's face it, LinkedIn is crowded. A professional headshot sets you apart from the blurry selfies and vacation snapshots. It shows you take your career seriously and invest in your personal brand.

2. First Impressions Matter (Even in the Digital Jungle): You have mere seconds to capture attention in the online world. A polished headshot conveys competence, approachability, and trustworthiness – all essential qualities for career success.

3. Boost Your Visibility: Research shows profiles with professional headshots get 21 times more views! That means more opportunities to connect, network, and land your dream job. Think of it as LinkedIn catnip for potential employers and collaborators.

4. Build Your Brand, Not Your Weekend Getaway: Your headshot is an extension of your personal brand. It should reflect your professionalism, values, and industry. Ditch the beach pictures and opt for a look that aligns with your career goals.

5. Confidence is Key (and It Shows): Investing in a professional headshot can do wonders for your self-confidence. Feeling polished and put-together translates into your online presence, making you appear more engaged and approachable.

Remember: You don't need to break the bank. Many affordable headshot photographers offer packages to suit your budget. Invest in yourself, ditch the squirrel profile pic, and watch your LinkedIn presence soar!

Bonus Tip: Smile! A genuine smile projects warmth and approachability, making you more inviting to connect with. Now go forth and conquer the LinkedIn jungle with your best professional paw forward!

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Studio Portraits on Location throughout the East Midlands

Leicestershire Law Firm Portraits and Headshots

Leicestershire Photographer - Law Firm Portraits and Headshots

Business headshots for websites and Linkedin.

When a client returns to Pete Martin Photography multiple times, it's a testament to the quality and trust i’ve built with my customers. I pride myself on providing consistent, top-notch photography services that meet and exceed my clients' expectations. It's always a pleasure to welcome back familiar faces, knowing that they continue to choose Pete Martin Photography for their special moments.

Thank you to all or my returning clients for placing your trust in me time and time again.

One such client is a Johnson Astills, a brilliant Leicester Law firm.

I was back in January to photography new starters and a couple of people who have changed their appearance over the course of the last 12-14 months.

This local business resquires half body portraits, which then get resized via their website for more of headshot crop. Also I provide them with all the images in a transparant .png file, which means the background has been removed. This is useful for when you want the person to ‘float’ above the websites graphical design. Check it out below.

Portrait with background removal

Check out a few more examples below, could this style of photography help your business stand out?

Get in touch for a no obligation consultation, lets see how I can help you.

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