Visually Distinctive Business Photography for London Brands

Business photography in London involves far more than taking captivating and innovative pictures. It also aims to convey a company’s values and secure its brand identity, so that the products or services resonate with the right customers. A memorable brand – one that stands out above the rest – will ultimately bring in more revenue, and business photography can play a big part in this.

Here, Stillview takes a look at some of the techniques we use to achieve a visually distinct photographic style:

Business Photography London  Click here to see examples of Stillview’s corporate photography portfolio.

Cohesive Pictures

Whether it's executive portraits or pack shots, it is important that corporate photographs work well together and are versatile, so they can be used for a variety of situations. In some circumstances, shooting products or portraits from a particular angle can help set a consistent tone, and strengthen brand identity. Cohesive angled shots create a strong visual effect when the images are presented together – either in a brochure, on a wall, or in a product catalogue – and it gives a sense of balance and professionalism.

Use of Colour

Colours from corporate logos can be subtly woven into photographs, either through clothing, props or even solid backgrounds and this helps images fit seamlessly into corporate literature. Using a limited colour palette also makes a strong visual statement and helps to subconsciously bind together a set of images, even if location and subject matter is very different. Colour matching doesn’t always have to be achieved at source as it can be aided by post-manipulation software.

Use of Focus

Altering the focus of various objects, such as a product in the foreground or in the picture’s background, can produce vastly different effects. Even if the camera is pointing at exactly the same thing – using the same lighting and the same angle – changing the focus can stimulate different thoughts and feelings. Soft focus, for example, gives pictures an emotionally softer feel while sharp focus is often more visually impacting. And, depending on the context of the shot, photos can have a mixture of the two, helping to guide the viewer's attention where it is wanted.

Using Iconic Styles

Some photographic styles are now part of people's "visual grammar"; for example, the Nike movement shots or David Bailey’s masterpieces, where he captures the personality of a famous name in a visually striking way. Distinctive shots that reflect a brand’s identity will evoke emotionally strong feelings that customers will relate to – now and in the future. Alternatively, changing the style when people least expect it or giving a product a new slant creates a feeling of difference, quirkiness and interest. Business photography is a combination of a photographer’s professional judgement and expertise, together with the meeting the brief from the London client.

Attention to Detail

The human eye and brain can subconsciously pick up on tiny details within an image, and make connections that generate strong feelings towards a particular product or service. Tiny aspects of a model's clothing, their appearance or expression, the objects in the background or foreground, or even reflections (in water, mirrors, wet pavements or shop windows) all impact on the total viewer experience. In turn, these feelings are subconsciously projected onto your brand or product (Nike pictures, for example, provoke a feeling of strength and endurance). Experienced commercial photographers will see these aspects as part of the composition and ensure that the images they produce are consistently conveying the desired brand values.

Less is Sometimes More

Creative and artistic shots all add to the viewer experience, but for some products, less is more. In some cases, unusual angles, distracting backgrounds and coloured lighting can detract from the product itself, weakening the brand. Where such features are required by a client, this needs to be planned and executed consistently so people can identify with the brand.


How Stillview Can Contribute to Your Brand Identity

Stillview can contribute to brand identity in two key ways: we can work with a client to develop a style that is used across the board, from business portraits to product photography; we can also work with a branding agency as part of a wider branding development, combining photographic style with other elements, such as colour schemes, brand values and graphical layout.

With our lengthy experience of working in the commercial field, we can quickly tune in to what a client wants and the style of images that can be used to enhance a particular brand. And, where a client wants guidance, we can also provide that too by taking test shots and setting a direction for client approval.

Stillview – Contact us today to find out how our approach to business photography can help your London or UK brand more visually distinctive. 

Here are other related articles on our blog:

Photography London – How We Make Your Business Stand Out
Give Your London Business an Instant Revamp with Some Fresh Photography
The Secrets of Creative Commercial Photography