Corporate Photography Trends in 2021: embracing the creative
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
Ditch the old pop up white background.
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.
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?
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.
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.