Recently, I was commissioned to photograph a series of casual corporate portraits for the UK Chief Executive of a leading European real estate software development company, at their London office.

The brief was clear: the portraits needed to feel honest, approachable and modern, not overly formal or staged, while still carrying the authority expected of a CEO. The imagery would be used across multiple platforms, from website leadership pages and press releases to LinkedIn and industry publications, so versatility was essential.

Time was tight. The CEO was able to allocate just 90 minutes from a busy working day, meaning the session had to be efficient, well-structured and carefully pre-planned. When working at this level, preparation is everything. I had already identified a range of locations within the new office interior that offered strong architectural lines, clean backgrounds and natural light. The space itself worked beautifully with large windows, contemporary finishes and an open-plan environment that reflected the company’s progressive, technology-led identity.

Lighting was kept deliberately subtle. I used a mix of natural window light and lightweight portable flash to gently shape the face and maintain consistency across setups. The aim was never to overpower the scene, but to enhance what was already there. This approach allowed the portraits to feel relaxed and authentic, while retaining polish and clarity. I moved quickly between standing, seated and environmental setups, creating a variety of compositions within the time available. Small adjustments in posture, expression and framing ensured the final collection offered both warmth and credibility without appearing stiff or overly corporate.

Executive portrait sessions often require a balance of efficiency and ease. Working swiftly while keeping the atmosphere calm and conversational helps bring out genuine expressions, something that is far more compelling than forced formality. The result is a cohesive suite of casual corporate portraits that feel confident, contemporary and aligned with the company’s brand — ready for use across digital and print media.

If you’re looking for a London corporate portrait photographer who can work quickly, professionally and discreetly within a live office environment, I’d be delighted to discuss your brief. As well as in London, I regularly photograph senior leadership teams across the UK, including recent corporate portrait work in Birmingham offices, you can also see examples of my candid workplace photography from a recent Birmingham office refurbishment.