A STUNNING PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION
Behind the Lens: A Stunning Portrait Photography Session
I recently had the pleasure of working on a portrait photography session for one of my amazing clients. It was one of those shoots where everything just clicks—the perfect location, ideal lighting, and, of course, a client who brought so much energy and personality to every shot.
Here’s a little behind-the-scenes insight into how the session unfolded, along with some tips and lessons I picked up along the way.
The Pre-Shoot Plan: Setting the Stage
Every great portrait session starts with preparation, and this one was no different. I spent time talking to the client about their vision for the photos. Understanding what they wanted helped me shape the overall aesthetic of the shoot. Was it a professional headshot session? Or did they want something more lifestyle-oriented with a casual vibe? We decided to go for a blend—a mix of polished, professional looks and natural, candid moments that showcased their personality.
Location was key. After a few back-and-forths, we decided to stay in their office located in Knightsbridge, one of their conferences rooms had an amazing backdrop, that provided texture and contrast to the soft, natural lighting I planned to use. The combination of modern twist with touches of greenery offered endless opportunities for framing and composition.
On the Day of the Shoot: Lighting and Mood
When the day of the session arrived, we were blessed with a soft, overcast sky, a photographer's dream! It provided the perfect natural light, which gave every shot a clean, even exposure. From the moment I stepped into the conference room, I knew we had the perfect location for the portrait session. The layout was just as functional as it was beautiful. With carefully arranged lighting, the conference room became more than a meeting space—it became the perfect backdrop to communicate power, focus, and innovation.
Of course, every environment needs a little enhancement to bring out the best in the photos. I balanced the natural light with carefully placed softboxes and reflectors to eliminate any harsh shadows, ensuring that the clients’ faces were illuminated perfectly without any distractions. This combination of natural and studio lighting helped us achieve a refined, polished aesthetic that enhanced the professional feel of the portraits.
Capturing the Right Angles and Poses
Portrait photography is as much about the subject’s comfort as it is about technical skills. It’s also all about the details. I always take the time to ease my clients into the session by talking with them, offering light direction, and allowing them to move naturally. This creates the kind of genuine expressions and relaxed body language that make portraits standing up.
One of the standout moments during the shoot came when client started getting more comfortable in front of the camera, and their personality began to shine through. Those spontaneous, in-between moments, where they're adjusting their hair or laughing at something, always result in the best shots—authentic, candid, and full of life.
Attention to Detail: Elevating Corporate Branding Through Imagery
One of the most important aspects of this session was aligning the photography with my client’s corporate brand. Before the shoot, we had a detailed discussion about their vision. They wanted the portraits to not only serve as professional headshots but also to convey the essence of their brand—modern, innovative, and dynamic.
Incorporating brand identity into portrait sessions is always a challenge, but the conference room offered a fantastic solution. By framing the portraits to subtly include elements like the company logo on the walls, custom artwork, or their company colours in the room's design, the images became more than just photos. They became a visual extension of the company’s identity.
Additionally, the choice of wardrobe played a significant role. The clients chose professional attire that complemented the room’s palette, ensuring a cohesive look across all portraits. The result was a collection of images that reinforced my client company’s professionalism and vision for growth.
The Results: A Portfolio of Powerful Professional Portraits
After the session, I dove into post-processing with a clear vision. My goal was to maintain the natural look we achieved during the shoot while bringing out the finer details—enhancing the eyes, balancing the skin tones, and adding some subtle contrast to make the subject pop.
I’m a firm believer that post-processing should enhance, not overpower, the original image. Each portrait was treated with care, ensuring client’s personality came through without looking too retouched or overly edited.
The final images from this session exceeded all expectations. Each portrait communicated strength, confidence, and authority—all while retaining a sense of approachability and warmth. The clients were thrilled with how the images captured their team in an authentic yet professional light.
Final Thoughts: The Power of a Great Location
This session was a prime example of how the right location can elevate portrait photography to new heights. The stunning conference room provided a stylish, professional backdrop that aligned perfectly with the client’s brand image. Paired with intentional lighting, posing, and attention to detail, I created a series of portraits that went beyond the standard headshot to truly capture the essence of the company and its team.
If you’re considering updating your corporate portraits, don’t underestimate the importance of environment. Whether it’s a sleek conference room, an industrial-chic office space, or a vibrant coworking area, the right setting can add depth and character to your photos, helping you communicate your brand’s values and personality.
If you’d like to book a portrait session that tells your story in an unforgettable way, feel free to reach out. I’d love to help bring your brand to life through photography!
