Corporate headshot photographer
I’m David a corporate headshot photographer based just outside London. I’ve been photographing portraits and corporate headshots for almost 20 years. I’ve photographed people in offices, factories to board directors and senior executives in FTSE 100 companies. I’ve worked both in the UK and around the world directly for businesses. I’m also often commissioned by design and advertising agencies to work with clients to create striking headshots for Linkedin, websites and bespoke brand imagery. I’m known for delivering high-quality portraits that fit each client’s brief and requirements.
Whether you're looking for a timeless studio portrait, a relaxed lifestyle shot, or something more creative, as a corporate headshot photographer, I can bring a collaborative approach, ensuring every session is tailored to your vision. With a focus on creating images that resonate and leave a lasting impression. Below are some of my previous clients and examples of recent work.
Previous clients
Aston Martin, BBC, British Gas, Bupa, Canary Wharf Group, Cancer Research UK, De Beers Group, Diageo Plc, Halifax Bank, Heathrow Airport Ltd, InterContinental Hotels Group, John Lewis Partnership, Land Securities, Lloyds Banking Group, Marylebone Cricket Club, NHS, PPHE Hotel Group, Rolls Royce, Severn Trent Water, Sport England, Tate & Lyle, Technicolor, The Guardian, Vodafone.
My experience as a corporate headshot photographer
I’ve been lucky enough to photograph some really interesting business people and work on a varied range of commissions across the UK, Europe and globally. I’ve shot portraits that were used on property advertising and in a book around Notting Hill in London, portraits for employee campaigns for Intercontinental Hotels Group and images of staff within Tesco and John Lewis.
I’ve also done advertising work, brand image libraries, corporate reporting and communications to lifestyle campaigns. Below is the type of work I have been commissioned to photograph:
– Advertising photography
– Annual report photography
– Brand photography for companies and businesses
– Business portraits and corporate headshots
– Event photography for business and sports
– Lifestyle photography for branding and advertising
– Property and interior photography
– Hotel, restaurant and food photography
Office portrait photography is a style of portraiture aimed at capturing professional, polished images of individuals in an office or corporate setting. These portraits are commonly used for company websites, social media profiles, team photos, marketing materials, and LinkedIn.
A professional corporate headshot photographer must be aware that the portraits should align with the company’s branding and culture.
Corporate headshot photography
A corporate headshot photographer will create professional, polished images that represent individuals in the business world. Whether it's for LinkedIn profiles, company websites, or marketing materials, these photos typically follow certain conventions to convey professionalism, approachability, and confidence. Here's a breakdown of key elements involved in corporate headshot photography:
Setting and background
Neutral, simple backgrounds: Common backgrounds include solid colors (white, grey, or light blue). The goal is to keep the focus on the subject without distractions.
Environmental headshots: Some companies prefer environmental shots, where the background reflects the person’s work environment, like a desk or a conference room. These are more dynamic but still need to look professional.
Lighting
Soft, even lighting: Typically, a professional headshot is lit with soft, flattering light. This often involves using softboxes, diffusers, or an umbrella. Lighting should reduce harsh shadows on the face while ensuring the details (like eyes and facial features) are clear.
Key light and fill light: A common setup includes a key light to illuminate the subject and a fill light to soften shadows. This is often complemented by a background light to separate the subject from the background.
Wardrobe
Professional attire: Solid colours are often preferred over patterns, as they don’t distract from the face. For men, suits, blazers, or shirts are common; for women, blouses, blazers, or dresses are typical.
Appropriate for industry: The attire can vary depending on the industry. For example, corporate professionals often wear business suits, while tech professionals may opt for business casual or smart casual looks.
Composition and posing
Head and shoulders: A standard corporate headshot includes the head and shoulders, typically with the subject facing the camera or slightly turned to the side.
Eyes and expression: The subject should have a confident, approachable expression. A slight smile is common, but a more serious look may be appropriate in certain fields, like law or finance.
Body positioning: The subject is generally positioned straight or at a slight angle, with posture kept relaxed but confident. Hands may be placed naturally at the sides or gently folded.
Image editing
Retouching: Professional headshots often undergo subtle retouching to enhance the image, such as adjusting lighting, removing blemishes, and fine-tuning colours. The goal is to keep the image looking natural while ensuring it’s polished.
Avoid over-editing: It’s important to strike a balance between looking polished and still resembling the real person. Over-editing can make the photo feel artificial.
Equipment
High-quality camera: A professional DSLR or mirrorless camera with a high-resolution sensor is ideal for corporate headshots.
Prime lenses: A lens with a wide aperture (like 85mm f/1.8 or a 50mm f1.8) can create a beautiful blurred background (bokeh) while keeping the subject in sharp focus.
Framing and aspect ratio
Crop: The photo is typically cropped just above the shoulders, focusing on the face and upper torso. The composition should have some breathing room, particularly around the subject’s head.
Aspect ratio: Headshots are usually framed in a 4:5 or 8x10 ratio but may also be formatted for social media platforms like LinkedIn (1:1 square) or company directories.
Consultation and preparation
Pre-session consultation: A discussion about the purpose of the headshot (LinkedIn, company website, brochures, etc.), preferred style, and industry standards can help guide the shoot.
Hair and makeup: For both men and women, it's recommended to ensure grooming and attire are on point. Some may even opt for professional hair and makeup services for a polished look.
If you're planning a corporate headshot session, communicating your needs clearly to the corporate headshot photographer will help ensure the final image aligns with your personal or company branding. The goal is to project professionalism while keeping the image approachable and authentic.
Why should I have a professional portrait photographer?
A professional portrait photograph can have a significant impact, both personally and professionally.
Here are some key reasons why you should consider having corporate headshot photographer:
First Impressions Matter
In many situations, your photograph is often the first thing people see before meeting you in person, such as on LinkedIn, personal websites, resumes, or social media profiles. A high-quality professional portrait helps you make a strong, positive first impression.
Branding and Consistency
Whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, or part of a company, a professional portrait creates a consistent image of you. It communicates that you take your career seriously and helps build your personal or business brand. It’s a visual representation of your professionalism, credibility, and attention to detail.
Increased Trust and Credibility
People tend to trust those they can "see" and relate to. A polished and approachable portrait can make you appear more trustworthy and credible, whether for job applications, client meetings, or media appearances. It helps humanize your online presence.
Career Advancement
For professionals, a well-crafted portrait can open doors to new opportunities. Recruiters, potential employers, or clients may find you more appealing when your image matches your qualifications and expertise. A professional photograph can make you stand out in competitive fields.
Showcasing Your Personality
A professional portrait isn’t just about looking good—it’s about capturing a version of you that fits your personality or role. Whether you want to come across as authoritative, approachable, creative, or friendly, a good corporate headshot photographer will work with you to express your desired image.
Improved Social Media Presence
Social media, particularly for platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram, is a key part of many people's professional lives. A high-quality image shows that you’re serious about how you present yourself online, which can lead to more engagement and better professional opportunities.
Long-Term Investment
Unlike casual photos taken with a smartphone, a professional portrait is something you can use for several years. It’s an investment that reflects your commitment to your personal and professional growth. Plus, a professionally taken photograph often ages better than selfies or casual shots.
Versatility
A well-executed professional portrait can be used across a variety of contexts—on business cards, your website, email signatures, promotional materials, conference presentations, and more. This versatility ensures that you have a high-quality image for all of your professional needs.
Confidence Boost
A great portrait often brings a sense of pride and confidence. Knowing that your photo accurately represents who you are can enhance how you feel about your professional image.
In sum, having a professional portrait is more than just having a nice photo—it’s about curating the right image that reflects your professionalism, personality, and approachability to the world.
How can clients prepare for a corporate headshot photographer?
Preparing a team for a corporate headshot photographer is all about ensuring that everyone looks their best, feels comfortable, and is ready to present themselves professionally. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your team:
Communicate the Purpose and Expectations
Explain the purpose: Let the team know why headshots are important—whether it’s for a website, marketing materials, LinkedIn profiles, or team introductions. Understanding the "why" helps everyone take the session more seriously.
Clarify the style: Specify the type of headshots you want. Will they be formal, casual, or something in between? Will it be a standard headshot (head and shoulders) or something more creative? Provide a few examples so everyone knows what to expect.
Discuss the attire guidelines: Let everyone know what is and isn’t appropriate for the shoot. Consider the company’s brand colors, industry norms, and the vibe you want to project. If you have any clothing restrictions, like no patterns or certain colors, make sure to communicate this in advance.
Provide detailed dress guidelines
Clothing: Suggest solid colors or simple patterns to avoid distractions. Darker shades (black, navy, charcoal) tend to look professional and slimming. Encourage everyone to avoid overly bright colors or anything with logos or heavy patterns.
Necklines: For those wearing tops or blouses, high-necklines and classic cuts are usually best, as they keep the focus on the face.
Accessories: Keep accessories minimal and professional. A watch or simple jewelry is fine, but anything too flashy might distract from the face.
Consider hair and grooming
Haircuts and style: Encourage team members to get a fresh haircut or trim if they need one, at least a few days before the shoot. For those with longer hair, suggest styling it in a way they would typically wear it for professional settings.
Makeup and grooming: Recommend light, natural makeup for a polished look (if they wear makeup). For men, suggest shaving or neatly trimming facial hair, depending on their preference. Remind everyone to keep makeup and grooming simple, focusing on enhancing their features rather than overdoing it.
Review the photography setup
Location and lighting: Make sure the corporate headshot photographer has a good understanding of where the shoot will take place, ensuring there’s enough light and a suitable background (a neutral, uncluttered background often works best).
Timing and punctuality: Schedule the shoot in a way that doesn’t interfere with work too much—perhaps during a quieter part of the day. Ensure everyone knows when they are expected and that the session runs on time.
Pose guidance: If possible, ask the photographer to offer posing tips to ensure everyone looks confident and natural. Most people are not used to being in front of the camera, so some gentle direction can help.
Make the environment comfortable
Set the tone: A headshot shoot can feel intimidating for some people, so encourage a positive and relaxed atmosphere. Remind the team to smile and be themselves—it’s important that they feel comfortable to get the best results.
Provide water and snacks: Offer water or light snacks, especially if the shoot is going to take a while. A bit of nourishment can help keep energy levels up.
Breaks if needed: If it’s a long session or a large group, make sure people are allowed to take breaks to reset, especially if there’s any nervousness or if people are feeling stiff.
Send reminders and logistics
Send a reminder email or message a day or two before the shoot, including:
– The date, time, and location.
– The attire guidelines.
– A reminder about grooming and hair.
– Any last-minute instructions or preparations.
During the session
Keep it relaxed: Allow the photographer to direct the team on how to stand or sit. Encourage everyone to relax and smile naturally—it’s okay to take a few moments to adjust if they need to.
Give positive feedback: If someone seems nervous, offering positive reinforcement can help them feel more at ease. A good team atmosphere will result in more authentic photos.
Follow Up
Review the photos: Once the photos are ready, take some time to review them together. Select the best shots and make sure everyone is happy with the final result.
Provide access to the photos: Make sure the team members know how to access their final headshots, especially if they need to update their professional profiles or internal documents.
With this preparation, the session should go smoothly, and your team will walk away with headshots they feel proud of.
Would you like a professional portrait?
To discuss photographing you or your team, arrange a meeting or view my portfolio please contact me on +44 (0)7956 902 509
or by email at mail@davidhares.com