Corporate Photography Trends in 2021: embracing the creative

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Ditch the pop-up background; a new corporate photography trend is emerging in London for 2021. London Corporate Photographer Scott Ramsey explains how he's changeling the traditional corporate headshot and bringing his unique photographic style into the boardroom. Photo © Scott Ramsey Photography www.scottramsey.co.uk

A new trend in corporate photography is emerging. London corporate photographer Scott Ramsey explains how creativity is freshening up the old boardroom ‘head n shoulders’ in 2021.

It’s early summer 2021. Covid restrictions have started to lift, and I'm packing my equipment for a corporate photography shoot in London. Today's assignment: 20 staff headshots, several group photographs and a selection of team working pictures for a global finance company. And crucially, creative images are a must!

I typically talk to my clients before taking on a photography assignment, and this project is no different. During our video conferencing call, my client had explained that they wanted something different from the norm; the standard corporate ‘head n shoulders’ against a plain white background were definitely out. Instead, they felt modern, stylish, creative corporate images were ideal for their needs.

And they're not unique in their thinking. Across many sectors, companies are choosing to be more creative in how they pictorially present their staff or leadership teams. Whether that is an expression of an organisation’s work culture or brand identity, or simply a stylistic preference, it’s a refreshing change. And for me, as someone who has built a reputation as a creative photographer, it’s even quite liberating. In the past, I’ve often advocated ‘editorial style images’ – but now, instead of this being an option, clients are requesting it from the start, and it’s great to see.

So is the standard staff headshot dead? No, there's definitely a place for it. In fact, I have a photo shoot coming up that requires this exact style. However, if you're looking for a set of images that show how dynamic your company is, allows your staff to express a little of their personality and still be relevant in the 2020s, you should definitely consider widening the frame/freeing up the focus and getting a little more creative.

Getting creative with corporate photography in 2021 - How to achieve that creative look In Five Easy Steps

1. Ditch the old pop up white background.

2. Use your office space, meeting rooms, front reception as a backdrop. Heck, I've even used a stairwell before now because the space was well designed, and the light was fantastic. You can also create some interesting angles and elevations.

3. Step outside. Do you have a stylish or iconic building that might make a good backdrop? Is there a local landmark or scenic view that will offer a uniqueness to your staff photos? And don’t be shy of using something that links thematically to a person’s role Do they work with water? How about using the sea or a river as a backdrop?! Do they work with computers or technical equipment? Why not take a photograph of them studying a microchip or similar?

4. Allow more time to achieve the look, because your photographer will need longer to plan. I can take a headshot in around 10 minutes per person, but a creative corporate headshot might take me three times that amount of time. But don’t be phased by that! The additional time is well worth the investment as your pictures will be perfect for a wider range of uses: from news articles and press releases, to social media and websites.

5. Get your staff involved, share a mood board of images and explain the photoshoot concept. Let them know this is not going to be a typical corporate photoshoot. Get them excited about the project – that engagement will invariably be captured by the camera.

2021 Corporate Photography Gallery by UK & London photographer Scott Ramsey

Corporate Photography London Business Portrait

Corporate Photography - I created this photograph of a senior staff member of a London law firm in his office. This creative portrait photo is an excellent example of how I can still create a modern and innovative photograph for my clients, even in a small office.

Photo © Scott Ramsey Photography www.scottramsey.co.uk

Corporate Photography London Office Portrait

Corporate Portrait Photography - A leading global company hired me to create this corporate portrait photograph of a female staff member in their London office. This type of portrait photograph may look simple but is often tricky to achieve. To achieve the look, you need to understand light and the ability to relax the person you've been asked to photograph.

Photo © Scott Ramsey Photography www.scottramsey.co.uk

Corporate Portrait Photography London Creative CEO Portrait

London Corporate Photography - This corporate portrait photograph is an excellent example of how a dynamic portrait photograph can be taken by using the office space in which the photoshoot is taking place and thinking creatively. Creating the photograph with no reflections on the windows took some time, but it was well worth it.

Photo © Scott Ramsey Photography www.scottramsey.co.uk

Corporate Photography Staff Headshot London

Corporate Staff Photography London - On every assignment I cover, I must create the images that my client requires and in a style that compliments their brand. I photographed this member of staff at her company's offices in the City Of London, England. The client was thrilled with the final photo and used it on their company website and in their annual report. 

Photo © Scott Ramsey Photography www.scottramsey.co.uk

Business Corporate Photography UK

Corporate UK Business Photography - Photographed at his company headquarters in Reading, Berkshire, this senior staff member at a UK law firm loved his photograph when he saw it. I took this photograph in the reception area, although you could never tell. I choose the location because the light was excellent and complimented the overall look of the photo perfectly.

Photo © Scott Ramsey Photography www.scottramsey.co.uk 

Corporate Creative Portrait Photography UK

Corporate Portrait Photography UK - This is one of my favourite corporate photographs. It's a creative portrait photo of a female CEO of a large UK company, and I love it. The light, composition, styling is perfect, and you might be surprised to know if I took it in the corridor of the company headquarters. It's a great photo that can be used on a website in a company brochure or sent out along with a press release.

Photo © Scott Ramsey Photography www.scottramsey.co.uk

Corporate London Portrait Headshot

Corporate Portrait Headshot London - My clients hire me because they want something different; the standard corporate headshot against a plain white background is definitely out. Instead, they require a corporate staff headshot that feels modern and stylish. To achieve this, I use the office space I'm working in to get the look I require. I love working with lovely bright, well-lit offices with glass walls like this; the final photographs always look fabulous. 

Photo © Scott Ramsey Photography www.scottramsey.co.uk