RELAXED CORPORATE PHOTOGRAPHY
FOR THE CO-OPERATIVE BANK
One of the great things about being a freelance commercial photographer in Manchester is the variety of some of the projects that come your way. Like this one – a very small job, but for a very big client, The Co-operative Bank.
THE BRIEF
I was asked to attend and capture authentic corporate lifestyle photography for one of the last meetings for this Board of Directors at The Co-operative Bank. They needed a Manchester-based commercial photographer to discreetly capture candid corporate portraits of the Board Members as they discussed non-commercially sensitive matters, at their headquarters in Manchester. Then at the end of the meeting, quickly capture a relaxed, corporate group shot of the Directors before they all disperse.
PROCESS
Much like photographing the reception at a wedding, I had to move around the room as stealth-like as possible so as to photograph everyone from the best angles. Not easy when there are people sat on every side of a large table that fills the room!
At first people are very aware of the presence of a photographer but eventually they get used to you being there and move their focus back to where it needs to be – the meeting itself. This is when I love my long lens (70-200mm for the techies). It allows me to get close-in relaxed and informal portraits without having to get in everyone's faces.
As well as taking candid portraits of all the Board members as they interacted with everyone around the table, I wanted to try and get some relaxed headshots of them looking toward the camera. So I did this by manoeuvring myself to the position of whoever was presenting at the time, so everyone else would be looking in my direction. I wanted these shots so as to try and go above and beyond what was asked of me in the brief, in case the client might like to use any of the images in their brand and marketing photography.
RESPONSE
I don't mind admitting that I was a little intimidated before I went into the room where the Directors were meeting. Not necessarily by the environment as I've done my share of pitching and presenting to corporate clients in the past, so I knew what to expect. But I wasn't sure how the individuals would respond to having a photographer in the room.
For some people it's very distracting, I understand that. So it can cause people to put up a front or a protective barrier, which inevitably makes it difficult to capture authentic office lifestyle photography.
Thankfully this wasn't the case in this instance. I was made to feel welcome by all involved when I first entered the room, but then they all paid almost no attention to me whatsoever – which was perfect and exactly what I needed.
LET ME CREATE SOME AUTHENTIC PHOTOGRAPHY FOR YOUR BRAND AND MARKETING. GET IN TOUCH.