When was the last time you sat down with someone who really understands what you do?
Recently, I met fellow creative and videographer Michael Roberts of Take the Cake Productions at Ruben’s in Mold. What started as a business meeting turned into one of those conversations where the ideas flowed faster than either of us could get the words out.
We were constantly competing for airtime! It was rather like looking in the mirror. Two creative minds, both passionate about what we do, exchanging experiences, ideas and occasionally going off on completely different tangents.
And, naturally, I had my camera with me.
A Business Portrait Doesn't Have to Look Like a Business Portrait
The photograph accompanying this article is Michael sitting at our table, photographed through the café window.
It’s black and white, atmospheric and full of reflections. There’s no studio backdrop, no carefully arranged pose and no instruction to look at the camera and smile.
It’s simply a moment.
For me, that’s what makes photography interesting. A photograph doesn’t always need someone looking directly into the lens to tell you something about them.
Sometimes the surroundings, the light and the moment itself tell a much more interesting story.
The Difference Between a Headshot and a Business Portrait
As a professional photographer working across Chester, Cheshire, North Wales and the Wirral, I photograph people for all sorts of business purposes.
A professional headshot has a particular job to do. It needs to show someone clearly, confidently and authentically. It’s often the first impression a potential client gets when visiting a website or LinkedIn profile.
But business photography can go much further.
Environmental portraits show people in their workplaces, meeting clients, making things, creating things or simply getting on with their day.
These images help tell the story behind a business. They show something of the person rather than just what they look like.
And that’s important because people don’t just buy from businesses. They buy from people.
Why I Prefer Authentic Business Photography
I’ve never been particularly interested in making everyone look identical in their photographs.
People have different personalities, expressions and ways of communicating. I think good business photography should reflect that.
Lighting plays an enormous part in my work, whether I’m using professional studio lighting or making the most of the light already available.
But lighting alone doesn’t make a portrait.
It’s also about observing people, recognising moments and knowing when to press the shutter.
With Michael, I wasn’t trying to create a conventional corporate portrait. I wanted to capture something of the atmosphere of our meeting.
The reflections in the window, the coffee cups, the shadows and his thoughtful expression all became part of the photograph.
It’s not necessarily the image I’d recommend for the small profile picture on LinkedIn, but it could work beautifully as part of a business website, an editorial feature or a personal branding collection.
Photography Is About People
One of the things I enjoyed most about meeting Michael was having a conversation with someone who sees the world through a creative lens.
As a self-employed photographer, it’s easy to spend so much time thinking about clients, marketing and finding the next job that you forget how valuable it is to sit down and exchange ideas with someone.
Photography has introduced me to some fascinating people over the years.
And increasingly, I’ve come to appreciate that the conversation is often just as interesting as the photograph.
Sometimes, the best images happen when people forget there’s a camera nearby.
Professional Business Photography in Chester, Cheshire and North Wales
I’m Raymond Jones, a commercial photographer specialising in business portraits, professional headshots and food and hospitality photography.
I work with businesses across Chester, Cheshire, North Wales, Wrexham and the Wirral, creating photographs that feel natural, professional and true to the people behind the business.
Whether you need consistent headshots for your team, environmental portraits in your workplace or a collection of images that tells the story of your business, my approach is about making photographs that look like you.
Because a good business portrait should show more than just a face. It should give people a reason to connect.
Interested in professional photography for your business? Get in touch to discuss what you need.