As a commercial photographer I’m often asked to capture team headshots for my corporate clients. Sometimes, a client may want to go down the ‘classic’ headshot look of using a plain white background. Of course, these headshots are always a great, safe option for professional-looking corporate photography. However, sometimes it suits the client (and the nature of their business and brand) to mix it up a bit and go for something a little different when it comes to their commercial photography.
I was recently approached by a client in Manchester who wanted something a bit different for their company headshots, so I headed over to their office to see what we could do…
Urban landscapes should never be underestimated when it comes to creating stand-out commercial photography. Manchester – with its striking mix of Victorian and modern architecture – is a fantastic example of an industrial landscape which acts as a brilliant background for evocative photography. This client was keen to show their Manchester heritage, so I got to work thinking about how we could incorporate different backgrounds and move away from the traditional ‘white backdrop’ company headshot.
Rooftop commercial photography: A view from Manchester’s rooftops
My first idea was to make use of rooftop photography. This tends to be particularly successful in urban environments, and I knew that rooftop photography in Manchester would be really striking, and a definite move away from traditional commercial headshot photography.
Rooftop commercial photography isn’t just about capturing people or products; it’s about crafting a narrative that seamlessly integrates the urban landscape into the brand story. The city skyline becomes more than a backdrop; it becomes a character, adding depth and context to the visual storytelling.
Here are a few of the reasons why I chose rooftop photography for this project…
The Cityscape Canvas:
Rooftop settings provide an expansive and dynamic canvas for commercial photographers. A city skyline creates a visually striking environment that can elevate the aesthetic appeal of any product or brand. Rooftops offer a versatile and contemporary stage.
A Breath of Fresh Air
The open skies, unobstructed views, and natural light contribute to a sense of freedom and expansiveness. This environment allows commercial photographers to experiment with natural lighting conditions, capturing images in a way that feels authentic and connected to the urban landscape.
Unconventional Perspectives
Rooftop settings invite commercial photographers to explore unconventional angles and perspectives. Rooftop photography allows for a departure from traditional studio setups, offering a fresh and contemporary take on commercial imagery.
On-Trend Aesthetics:
In the age of social media and visual storytelling, rooftop commercial photography aligns with the aesthetics that resonate with modern consumers. Brands looking to make a bold statement are increasingly turning to rooftop settings to infuse their imagery with an on-trend, cosmopolitan vibe.
Indoor and ground level commercial photography
I decided to intersperse the rooftop shots with some indoor and ground level commercial photography, to ensure that the shoot was more balanced, and offered different perspectives.
As you can see, the industrial vibe still runs throughout these images: I wanted to avoid using typical white backdrops, so instead we used classic Manchester red brick walls as the backdrop for some of the headshots. I also shot the team in the cobbled streets around their office: I think the group shots against the brick wall with the industrial-looking windows are especially effective and really capture the urban ‘Manchester’ vibe we were aiming for.
These images are another great example of commercial photography using non white backdrops, and show how the right backgrounds can really elevate a commercial photo shoot and add personality and atmosphere.
Commercial photography and headshots: how I can help
Whatever your brand, and whatever your aims for your project, I can help to create images to support your vision. I’m a professional commercial photographer in Manchester, working throughout Manchester, Cheshire, and further afield. If you’d like to discuss your project, please get in touch.
