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

Everyone Active Gym Fitness Photographer East Midlands

Everyone Active Gym Fitness Photographer Leicester, Birmingham, Coventry, Derby, Nottingham, Northampton.

PR, Branding & Event Photographer East Midlands

One of my regular clients is Everyone Active, I travel all over country for these guys. It could be a recently acquired and refurbished site, a gym shoot, fun in the pool, or a special event.

This event was two special body pump workout classes with Radio 1 DJ Charlie Hedges. The centre for this event was Everyone Active in Dunstable, part of community hub. Like with other EA events, it was run perfectly with lots of staff bought in from Leicester and Derby, who I already know. 

Also in attendance was FPV Drone pilot James Singleton, his drone skills are unmatched and a was real inspiration to me to lean more. 

The event started with two instructors on the start with Charlie who played some amazing tunes. Class one quickly led into class two after a 15 min break. 

Following on from Charlie was two body combat classes from the Les Mills team. I have to say these looked insane, and it’s on one hand hard to see why people put themselves through this, but on the other hand I can see how addictive it would become. 

Overall a brilliant morning, with some great shots captured. I edited 50 images onsite and left them with the centre manager. The other 200+ images were edited and delivered Monday morning. On Monday afternoon the design team had already used some of the images in marketing for the centre.

Here are a few screen grabs for the images in place..

And finally, hear are a few of my images from throughout the morning.

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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.

Leicester Wedding Photographer

Leicester Wedding Photographer

Leicestershire Wedding Photography

I don’t often talk about wedding photography, I did it many years ago and really enjoyed it. Sadly the long weekend’s were taking time away from my young daughter, which is why I moved into headshot/portrait and corporate photography in 2018.

I still shoot the odd wedding, mainly friends and colleagues.

My wedding page is still very much active, Pete Martin Weddings

Last weekend I had the pleasure of photographing one of my old school friends weddings, in my home village of Broughton Astley.

My approach is mainly candid, I only really step in when needed, and If i see a great shot that needs a little help along the way!

Here are a few images from the day.

Conference & Event Photographer Leicester - East Midlands

Conference & Event Photographer Leicester - East Midlands

Marketing & Branding photographer Pete Martin

It’s that time of year again where business start holding conferences and other associated events.

It’s always good to photograph these as the images are not only a good keepsake, but a usefull marketing tool. The images can be shared on your social media channels, newsletters, website and in various print media to show existing and prospective clients your companies culture.

I pride myself in being an excellent conference photographer, let me tell you about the recent Mclarens conference I shot at the Hilton East Midlands..

I arrived onsite at 9:30am and got to work setting up my mobile headshot studio and a corridor next to the main room. These clients were have individual portraits taken in the conference scheduled breaks. This is a brilliant idea and a very effective way of capturing every members of staff in one day.

Delegates started to arrive at 10am, and my studio way busy with the first of the 82 people. 10:30am and the conference starts with a welcome speech from the CEO followed by the first presenter. I captured all of this using my second camera as to not disturb the studio set up.. this could remain in place for the next wave of people to have their portrait taken.

Conference Photographer Pete Martin

I had a break in the early evening where I grabbed some food and got to work editing the days photos. I managed to get every shot edited and started the upload, the client received the download link the next morning.

Editing on location, event photographer Pete Martin

Food whilst Editing on Location - COnference Photography by Pete Martin

What a service!

Here’s 5 reasons why having me at your event is a great idea…

Professional Image: Having a photographer at your business conference ensures that high-quality images are captured, portraying your event in a professional light.

• Marketing Material: The photos taken during the conference can be utilized for marketing purposes, promoting future events and showcasing the success of past conferences.

• Documentation: Photography provides a visual record of the conference, preserving key moments, speakers, and activities for archival and informational purposes.

• Social Media Presence: Engaging photos from the conference can be shared on social media platforms, increasing your brand's visibility and engagement with attendees and followers.

• Memories for Attendees: Offering attendees access to event photos allows them to reminisce about the experience and serves as a token of appreciation for their participation.

Furnley House Foundation Summer Ball 2024

Leicester Event Photographer Summer Ball

Leicestershire Charity Photographer

A few weeks ago it was the Furnley House Foundations summer ball 2024

Furnley House Foundation

Having done numerous work for FH now, they asked if i’d be interested in photographing ther summer ball. It was a YES from me. Furnley House is an amazing company, and some of my great friends work there.. Their foundation is a registered chairty, they raise money to give to other charities in need.

The ball took place at Winstanley House, with many familiar faces in attendance.

Photo kit wise I pretty much stayed on one camera with a 28-75mm zoom lens and on camera flash. I did occasionally use my 135mm lens for some of the shots of the presenter on stage.

Here are a few shots from the evening. If you are holding a similar event and would like it capturing so you can look back in years to come, please get in touch. There photos are an excellent reminder and keepsake of your event. They can also be used in future marketing in print and social media. Guests can have access to the photo gallery and download digital files as well. Optional print products are also available from the online gallery.

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.