East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, Celebration of Culture event

Capturing the Vibrance of the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce Event

I recently had the pleasure of photographing an unforgettable event hosted by the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce. As a professional event photographer, it's always exciting to cover events that bring together business professionals, incredible entertainment, and a strong sense of community — and this event delivered on all fronts.

Held in a lively and welcoming atmosphere, the evening was a true celebration of culture and connection. One of the highlights was the incredible catering by Sanjay Foods, who provided a stunning spread of authentic Indian cuisine. From aromatic curries to delicious street food favorites, the flavors were as vibrant as the visuals — a dream to photograph and a joy to witness guests enjoying.

The entertainment lineup was just as impressive, featuring a variety of talented performers, singers, musicians, and dancers who brought energy and color to the event. Every moment was filled with movement, emotion, and engagement — the kind of content that makes for powerful, eye-catching event photography.

Why Professional Event Photography Matters

Events like this showcase the value of professional event photography. High-quality images don't just document the day — they tell a story, highlight the atmosphere, and provide lasting marketing value for the hosts, vendors, and performers alike. As an experienced event photographer, I focus on capturing those key moments that reflect the energy and purpose of your event.

Whether you're planning a business gala, cultural celebration, or networking event, hiring a professional ensures your event is captured at its very best.

Looking to elevate your next event with stunning photography? Let’s connect and create something unforgettable.

Events and Awards Night Photographer Leicester & East Midlands

Events and Awards Night Photographer Leicester & East Midlands

The best event photography for awards nights

September should be know as event and awards night month!

I’ve been ran of my feet with events this month, and i’m going to tell you about two of them.

First being the East Midlands Chamber’s Enterprising Women’s Awards night. This was a very last minute booking for me, literally the day before. Despite having two photoshoots in the day, I said yes to the awards night. I thought it would be fun (it was!) and I might see a few people I know (i did!).

Secondly, It was off to the Hilton Park Lane in Mayfair for the Signature Awards. These are always amazing nights. I share photography duties with Damian, a London photographer. With 450+ guests it’s just too much to capture for one photographer. I arrived early with Dave the video guy, then went for a walk into Central London. Shooting the awards was fairly straight forward for me as i’ve done it for a few years now.

As with most of these events, both required a next day turn around for the edited images. EMC was done when I got home straight after the event, and the Signature Awards was done on the M1 as I was a passenger.

Same day edits!

Here are a few images from both events

When planning an awards night, the focus is on celebrating achievements and creating lasting memories. Hiring an event photographer can significantly enhance the experience and provide benefits that extend well beyond the night itself.

Capture Professional Moments
An event photographer brings expertise in capturing key moments with precision. From award presentations to candid interactions, a professional ensures that every significant event is documented beautifully. This means you won’t miss those spontaneous smiles and heartfelt congratulations.

High-Quality Images
Professional photographers use advanced equipment and techniques to produce high-quality images. These photographs will reflect the atmosphere and emotions of the evening, providing images that are sharply detailed and vibrantly colored. Such quality makes a lasting impression whether for internal reporting, social media sharing, or marketing materials.

Stress Reduction
Planning an event can be overwhelming, and the last thing you want is to worry about photography. By hiring an event photographer, you can focus on enjoying the evening with your guests while knowing that every moment is being captured professionally. This allows you to be fully present during the celebration.

Memorable Marketing Material
The images taken during your awards night can be valuable for future promotions. High-quality photographs can be used in brochures, newsletters, and social media posts, helping to enhance your brand’s image and engage your audience. They serve as a compelling visual record of your company culture and achievements.

Create Lasting Memories
Lastly, a professional photographer not only captures the event for immediate enjoyment but also provides a visual archive of your organization’s milestones. These images can be cherished for years to come, allowing everyone to relive the excitement and honor the accomplishments celebrated during the awards night.

Basically, hiring an event photographer for your awards night is an investment in quality, lasting memories, and stress relief that enhances the overall experience. It’s a decision worth considering for any event that celebrates success.

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.

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.

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.