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

Commercial Photographer Leicestershire

Commercial Photographer Leicester

Website and social media content creator Leicester

Earlier this month I was asked to photograph the lovely people at Premier Logistics in Leicestershire.

A short brief was put together to make sure every image they required was captured during my morning on site. Having a brief (or shot list) is my preferred way of working as it insures I get what the client wants.

The main bulk of images was centered around this factory, showcasing their incredible fleet of trucks, their massive warehouse space and the fairly new servicing department. I also put the drone up to get a couple of ariel shots.

My personal favourite shots were the headshots. These needed to be on brand, featuring the companies prominent colour of orange. Their boardroom is decked out in orange so it was pretty simple to do.

Have a look at the shot video and some of the sample shots below.

If your business could benefit from new images and video, please get in touch either using the contact page, the simple booking form, or even a phone call!

Signature & Nachurel Awards

Signature & Nachurel Awards Event Photographer

Event Photographer Leicester, Nottingham, Birmingham, Coventry, Northampton, Coventry & London

Following on from my charity work with LAMP, I photographed their ‘Time to Talk’ event in 2023. At this event there were many guests in attendance to listen to the chosen speakers. 

One of these guests was Mr Ninder Johal, a man who eases many hats. He’s on the board of trustees at Wolverhampton University, he’s also a Deputy Lieutenant of the city too. But, he also founded the Signature and Nachurel Awards. On seeing me work the room, and some of my work was being shown on the screens at the Time to Talk event, Ninder asked if I would photograph the Signature Awards at Wolverhampton Racecourse.

Of course I said yes!

On arrivial I could see the attention to detail everywhere, the venue looked stunning. The AV crew, also from the East Midlands had a superb set up, with multiple camera’s of the presenter and the people receiving the awards. 

The night from my side was a real success, everyone looked great, and so did the photos. I had them edited the next day, and sent off to Ninder. A few hours later and they started to appear on social media.

Shortly after the Wolverhampton event, I had the call from Ninder…. Can you photograph the next awards night, in Mayfair London?!

Le me think about that…… Yep, put me down for it!

This event was much much bigger, so there was also a London photographer there. We shared out the work, he took the stage shots, I took care of the media wall shots of people with their awards. I also did some of the drinks reception too. 

Take a look at a few of the images from both nights below, And yes… I have been booked for the next one!

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!

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.

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.

New Year New Photos, Leicester Photographer wrap up!

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.

Commercial Photography

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. 

Business portrait Leicester

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. 

Fitness shoot

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! 

Musician Photoshoot

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!.

Live music photoshoot

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… 

Leicester headshot photographer

The Business Portrait

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.

Lawyer Portrait

Leicester Law Firm

Lawyer Portraits Leicester

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!

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:

Corporate portrait Leicester

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.

Business Headshot Leicestershire

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.

Solicitor Portrait Leicester

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.

Architect Headshot Leicestershire

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.

Social Media & Marketing portrait

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.

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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.