Headshots Behind the Lens
By Rebekah Peet
What is a headshot?
When you think of a professional headshot, what usually comes to mind? Is it purely functional and formal, or is it an opportunity to express real personality?
The answer depends entirely on your business. A lot of people absolutely dread having their photo taken, we’ve all been there, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Over years of photographing people, I have found that taking a less formal approach tends to remove that camera anxiety. Comfort always yields the best results, whether that’s achieved by having a someone behind the camera who makes you laugh, shooting in a quiet environment, or simply wearing an outfit that represents who you are.
With that philosophy in mind, our team recently headed out for a fresh photoshoot. As a proud, Telford-based company, keeping the location local for convenience and relevance was important to us. But finding the perfect local spot took some careful planning.
Finding the right location
Before the shoot, I went out to scout locations to weigh up options around town. I initially considered using Telford’s urban backdrop, but logistically it proved difficult as it would have meant shooting on a busy pavement feeling exposed and public. Our own office building presented a different challenge with its highly reflective bottom-floor windows, and a nearby alleyway proved too dark. I also considered shooting indoors but for me, natural lighting always wins.
When you are trying to put people at ease, the worst thing you can do is force them onto a busy public space where everyone is watching. Ultimately, I chose a tucked-away pocket of Telford Town Park. It kept things local while giving us the privacy we needed to feel comfortable, relaxed, and to safely fly the drone.
Timing was just as critical as the location. We scheduled the shoot for first thing in the morning. This allowed us to beat the park crowds, capture the soft light before the sun got too high, and catch the team while everyone was looking and feeling fresh.
Capturing the content
I wanted to get some simple, classic smiling shots in the bag first. Once those were secured, we decided to have a bit of fun by introducing props that represent everyone’s creative specialty. Ben posed with his drone, Vicky held her podcast mic and headphones, Sammy had her phone mounted on a gimbal, and I, of course, had my camera. While we were out there, I also set up a tripod to capture some timed group photos and behind-the-scenes video of the team. This means we walked away with a massive bank of fresh photos and videos that we can use across our marketing for the upcoming months - and maybe even years.
Bringing our actual tools into the frame instantly transformed the session into a fun showcase of our creative roles. A great headshot shouldn't force you into a corporate mould, it should capture the energy, tools, and passion you bring to the table every single day.
