How I Delivered a 5-Star Corporate Headshot Session in Just One Hour

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Corporate Branding Photography for a Local Financial Firm – A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a 5-Star Experience

When a client leaves a thoughtful Google review, it means a great deal. It shows they didn’t just enjoy the photos — they valued the experience enough to log in, reflect, and share their feedback publicly. That’s exactly what happened after a recent corporate branding shoot for a local financial firm.

Bryony Evans – BA (Hons), Chartered MCSI
Director & Independent Financial Adviser

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review

Bryony Evans – BA (Hons), Chartered MCSI
Director & Independent Financial Adviser

“Paul was great, professional, timely and full of ideas and willing to go to extra lengths to get the best shots and in the perfect environment.”

Paul Eason - Director and Financial Advisor

The Brief

The firm needed fresh headshots and team photographs but had a very limited amount of time. Their staff usually work across two locations — Market Harborough and Warwick — but were all gathering in Rugby for their Christmas meal. We had a one-hour window to capture everything professionally and efficiently.

The Challenge

The shoot required:

  • A central location

  • Fast setup

  • Consistent lighting and styling

  • Smooth direction

  • Zero delays

  • A quick turnaround for delivery

With everyone travelling to a single point, the session had to run precisely on schedule.

Jon Stephenson, Financial Advisor

The Solution

To keep the entire process hassle-free for the client, I organised the full setup:

  • Sourced and booked a suitable office space in Rugby

  • Arranged the meeting point and prepared the room in advance

  • Set up a professional lighting layout tailored for streamlined headshots

  • Directed the team clearly to keep the session flowing

  • Captured all required headshots and team images within the hour

Once the shoot was complete, the team headed to their Christmas meal while I packed down and returned to begin editing.

Jane Rye, Client Services Manager

Premium Turnaround

They needed the final images quickly for internal and marketing use, so I provided a 7-day premium delivery. This included:

  • Polished corporate headshots

  • Team photographs

  • Clean, consistent colour grading

  • Files optimised for both print and web

A Professional, Stress-Free Experience

Branding sessions with multiple staff can easily become chaotic if not tightly managed. By handling the logistics, organising the environment, and running an efficient workflow, I ensured the team could simply arrive, be photographed, and continue their day without disruption.

Their 5-star review reflects that smooth experience.

Ready to Book Your Corporate Branding Session?

If your business needs modern, professional headshots or a full branding shoot, I offer flexible on-location setups, structured direction, and fast delivery options to keep your day running smoothly.

Get in touch to check availability or discuss your requirements.

Ready Money Investments Ltd.

How to Finally Understand Manual Mode (Without the Overwhelm)

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If you’ve ever switched your camera to M, taken a photo, and instantly switched back to Auto… you’re not alone.


Manual mode feels intimidating because most people try to learn everything at once. That’s the mistake.

Here’s the simplest way to understand manual mode — properly — without feeling overwhelmed.

Step 1: Forget the Exposure Triangle (for now)

Most beginners start with the triangle, and it’s the worst place to begin. You don’t need a triangle. You need clarity.

Manual mode is just three decisions:

  1. How bright or dark you want the image

  2. How blurry or sharp you want the background

  3. How frozen or blurry you want movement

That’s it. Everything else hangs off those three decisions.

Step 2: Aperture = Background Blur

If you want a blurry background → choose a small f-number (f/1.8–f/4).
If you want everything sharp → choose a bigger number (f/8–f/16).

That one choice controls the entire look of your photo.

Step 3: Shutter Speed = Movement Control

Want to freeze action? Use faster speeds (1/500+).
Want smooth water or motion blur? Slow it down (1/30 or slower).

Step 4: ISO = Light Rescue

If the photo is too dark after choosing aperture and shutter → increase ISO.
If it’s too bright → lower ISO.

ISO is your “brightness top-up”.

Step 5: Practical Settings to Start With

Here’s a quick cheat list:

Portraits – f/2.8, 1/250, ISO 100–400
Landscapes – f/8, 1/125, ISO 100
Indoor photos – f/2.8, 1/125, ISO 800–1600
Kids running – f/4, 1/1000, ISO as needed

The Fastest Way to Learn Manual Mode

Take 10–15 photos of the same subject changing just one setting at a time.
This forces your brain to see what each decision actually does.

It works every time.

Ready to learn properly?

If you want clear, confidence-building teaching without jargon, take a look at:

👉 PHARTED Photography Courses
👉 Adult Workshops
👉 1:1 Tuition

You don’t need luck to understand your camera — just the right teaching.

Click here to see what photography courses are available.

Life in a War Zone - Ukraine

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This is a documentary photography and film project about how the Ukrainians are managing to live in a war zone.

Life in a War Zone Title Cover

During the month of August I visited Kyiv and spent some time also in Lviv, exploring what life is like for ordinary Ukrainians living under the constant threat of war, bombs, drones and missiles coming from the sky, directed by the Russian army.

The project is not full of sensationalism and is more grounded in the everyday, looking at how the Ukrainian people are coping during war time.

Dive in and take a look at the work by clicking this button…

Life in a war zone

Woodland Wedding Photography

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Woodland Wedding Unstaged Documentary Photography UK

Wedding Photography Portfolio:

Ana and Joe booked me to photography their wedding in the woods, somewhere between Stoke on Trent and Manchester, in a secluded setting, which involves a ten minute walk from the car park, sometimes wading through stinging nettles and Brambles.

A secluded wedding celebration with confetti in the woods with Ana & Joe

Here’s a collection of my favourite photographs from one of the coolest and most unique weddings I’ve had the privilege to be booked for my photography style.

My style of photography:

I always shoot with a more documentary storytelling manner. You’ll see from this collection how posing isn’t required because I know how to make photographs of your wedding that tells the story of your day with vibrant colours, artistic flair and meaningful moments.

Personal and small wedding…

Ana & Joe invited only their favourite and most closest family and friends and then held their reception in their back garden at home in Stoke on Trent. They hired a marquee and decorated it so beautifully and with their own personal touches, the wedding became their very own creation without the influence of the corporate wedding world.

They all had the best time, playing music (they’re a group of musicians), drank plenty and ate like Kings and Queens with their home made buffet.

Make an enquiry in to my availability for your wedding date…

We'd like to book you as our wedding photographer

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🎬 NEW VIDEO: Private Photography Workshops for Beginners and intermediate photographers (Now Booking Across the UK).

So, you’ve always fancied learning photography properly — but the idea of sitting in a stuffy classroom with twenty others makes you want to switch your camera off and go back to snapping sunsets on your phone.

Here’s your way out of that.

I’ve just launched a short film (scroll down to watch) that gives you a real taste of what it’s like to join one of my Private Photography Workshops. These are relaxed, fun, one-to-one (or two-to-one if you fancy bringing your best mate), and absolutely tailored to you — no jargon, no egos, no pressure.

Whether you’re retired, over 55, or simply want to finally get to grips with that camera you bought in lockdown, this is your chance to learn photography in a way that actually makes sense.

Why it works:

  • Personalised coaching – not a one-size-fits-all class

  • Go at your pace – no rush, no pressure, no silly questions

  • Bring a friend – learn together and make a proper day of it

  • Any location – I’m Midlands-based, but I’ll travel anywhere in the UK to teach you

From getting off auto mode to mastering your manual settings, these private sessions are a confidence boost in a camera bag. And yes, we’ll have a laugh while we do it — photography should be fun.

So, if you’ve been googling “photography courses for beginners in the Midlands” or “one-to-one photography tuition UK,” stop the scroll. You’ve found it.

📽️ Watch the film above, then get in touch to book your date.
Let’s turn that camera of yours into your new favourite creative outlet!

Academy of photography

Events, Awards, Presentations and Conference Photography

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📸 Why Your Corporate Event Deserves Better Photography (And a Bit of Banter)

Let’s be honest. Most corporate event photography is about as exciting as a lukewarm brew at a budget networking breakfast. You’ve seen the type — a sad plate of sandwiches, awkward smiles, and someone blinking at the exact wrong moment.

But it doesn’t have to be like that.

MPAC Automation CEO Adam Holland, presenting a corporate day out at Silverstone Race Circuit

I’m Paul Hands — photographer & filmmaker — I specialise in photographing corporate events that actually look good. Whether it’s a slick product launch, a high-stakes conference, or the kind of Christmas party that HR pretends not to remember, I’ve got you covered with photography and video that tells the real story of your event — not just who wore a name badge.

🎥 Corporate Doesn’t Have to Mean Boring

I shoot for businesses that want more than just “coverage.” You’ve put a lot into this event — the planning, the branding, the guest list — so let’s make sure it looks as epic as it felt. My work captures:

  • Real interactions (the good, the weird, and the did-that-just-happen?!)

  • On-brand moments that elevate your business image

  • Speakers mid-power pose (not mid-blink)

  • Details you worked hard on — from the lighting to the lanyards

Real smiles and laughter at an event social

Oh, and yes, I do video too. Whether you need a slick promo film, social media reels, or a cinematic highlight video that gets your boss teary-eyed (in a good way), I’ll deliver.

😂 I Make People Laugh — And That Makes Photos Better

You know how people freeze up the moment a camera appears? Not with me.

I’ve got a knack for putting people at ease — usually by saying something so unexpected they laugh before they realise they’re on camera. That means you get genuine smiles, natural expressions, and the kind of images that make your team look confident, approachable, and totally unforced.

I once had a CFO spit prosecco during a group shot. True story. (And yes, I caught it.)

Managing Director - Toyota Materials Handling

Toyota Materials Handling, Managing Director handing out awards at Leonardo Hotels, Hinckley island

🧭 Based in the Midlands. Available UK-Wide.

I’m centrally based in the Midlands, which means I can shoot events anywhere in the UK without needing to pack a passport and snacks for the M6. From London launches to Manchester meetups, I’ll be there — early, caffeinated, and ready to shoot.

Leonardo Hotels, Hinckley Island General Manager - Daniel Price entertaining guests at Famtastic Rocks

👔 Who I Work With

I shoot for:

  • Large businesses

  • Creative agencies

  • PR and comms teams

  • Event organisers

  • Anyone who wants their event to look 10x better in photos than it did on the spreadsheet

You bring the people. I’ll bring the lenses, lighting, and a few one-liners that’ll have your MD giggling like it’s Friday at 4pm.

Leonardo Hotels Sales Director - Tia Goadby entertaining guests at the pre-cocktail party for Famtastic Rocks 2024.

📩 Let’s Talk About Your Event

If you’re planning something big — or even just moderately medium — and want to make sure it looks as good as it felt, drop me a message.

Whether you need full event coverage, behind-the-scenes content, or a showreel to impress future clients, I’d love to help you make your next event unforgettable.

👉 Contact me here and let’s have a proper chat… paul@paulhands.co.uk

The Atrium, Leonardo Hotel, Hinckley Island - Featuring the team from Toyota Materials Handling

Make an enquiry about your event

Wedding Photography Hinckley

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Documentary Wedding Photography & Filmmaking in Hinckley, Leicestershire.

Unfluffy, Unstuffy & Unposed style of street, candid and reportage photography.

My Process For Wedding Photography In Hinckley.

I’ve been shooting weddings for over 12 years now and have loads of awesome reviews. I’ve never let anyone down in that time and don’t plan to either. I’m trustworthy, reliable and so bloody creative, well I like to think so and everyone tells me I am but the truth is that you have to align with me and my style if you want to book me.
First you should ask yourself whether you like my photographs?
Then ask for a brochure and if I have a service that sounds like you’d want that and my prices match what you want to spend, then yes, you should absolutely book with me asap.

I’m so busy and don’t just do wedding photography, I also teach privately within my own photography academy. I shoot commercial photography and make films for some of the UK’s best businesses. I also create my own artwork range including jigsaw puzzles, postcards, wall art and calendars etc.

So now you’ve seen some of my favourite wedding photographs, visit my wedding page, check me out a bit more or head straight to the bottom of the page to complete an online enquiry form.

Then I’ll get back to you with my availability and maybe even offer you a deal.

Weddings

Adobe Photography Plan

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I couldn’t do my job without using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.

Over the past 12 years, I’d never have gotten to where I’m at without using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop!

Both pieces of software are absolutely crucial to both my artwork and also the commercial work I create for branding photography for businesses and my wedding photography clients.

This software is so integral to my business that I am now partnering with Adobe to share their photography plans through my own affiliate links.

Here it is and if you’re thinking of joining me on one of my photography workshops or photography classes in Hinckley and Burbage, then you will be using the Adobe suite in my studio and I will most definitely recommend that you invest in this for yourself.

The best thing is the software is only £10 per month!

Here’s the link below…

The Brightest Wedding Party in Birmingham

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Adam and Simon’s UK wedding party at The Actress & Bishop in Birmingham.

For my last but one wedding of the year, this was for Adam Hussain and Simon Mulholland at the coolest bar in Birmingham, The Actress and Bishop (official). These pair have been together for donkey's years and finally tied the knot in San Francisco but didn't invite me to that bit, I was booked to do the photography at their UK celebration in Brum, which went down a storm!

I'm so glad they did because it was an amazing gig to get with the vibe from the people attending and the lighting in the bar was just too fantastic, see for yourself in the photographs.

They also hired the globe trotting celebrity DJ Andy Farley, who played an incredible 4 hour set of old skool house music, replicating the 90's gay scene. Honestly, the mixing was so good and choice of track was perfect.

So feast your eyes on these vibrant photographs with bright and happy colours, well suited for the celebration of their joining together officially, Adam and Simon.

Wedding photography information

The Story of a Day in the life of a Commercial Photography & Video Content Creator

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Creating Photography and Video Content with Ultima Sports Owner; Richard Marlow

Winning new business upon the recommendations of the local community.

Richard Marlow, Ultima Sports

One morning I awoke in bed at home and checked social media to discover that Richard Marlow had placed a short advert on Spotted Hinckley’s Facebook page, looking for a photographer to do a photoshoot with him in a sports car. My attention was drawn to this by approximately 10-15 people from the local community who had recommended me to Richard.

My name dominated the list of recommendations and so Richard made contact with me to discuss the opportunity.

Inside a Ferrari 488 Pista

Initially Richard’s budget was quite low, which I could have still met and offered some work but after taking Richard through a telephone consultation, I explained my worth and showed the value that I could offer and without hesitation, Richard offered me a much better and more improved budget to work with.

That deep red colour distinctive of the Ferrari next to a British red telephone box in the Leicestershire countryside.

On the agreed day, I met with Richard at the headquarters for Ultima Sports Ltd. in Hinckley, Leicestershire, ready for our commercial content creation shoot.
We chatted for a short while, as I was setting up my equipment and then got started straight away with the production of a short film for an Instagram reel.
Here it is…

Richard Marlow showing me around the Ultima Sports car.

Beautiful sunspots used for creativity

Then we headed out in a Ferrari 488 Pista. Richard drove as I made a series of photographs and videos using my DSLR for photography and a Mirrorless Nikon on a Ronin Gimbal for smooth footage.
We actually ended up doing some speed tests on Magna Park and were accosted by the security team there who gave us a friendly and admiring warning!

Magna Park Speed Tests

Richard Taking The Pista

Stanford Hall, near Lutterworth

We even visited Richards house to create content to show a day in the life of the Ultima Sports Ltd. CEO and made this short film…

After stopping for a delicious meal at Miller & Carter restaurant on the A% in Hinckley, we headed out to chase the right light and I felt I could create something quite special in low light but needed the right location, facing the right direction.
This involved driving out to Heather, on the fringes of the Sense Valley Forest Park for this gorgeous image to finish with, which completed a full day out in the Ferrari 488 Pista with the nicest gentlemen I could have wished to have picked up a private commission from.

Sense Valley Forest Park, Heather, Leicestershire

Contact Paul Hands