When Ryanna, the Marketing and Communications Manager at Atheneum Partners, contacted me, it was clear that their current corporate imagery was not doing their brand justice.
Their website was a patchwork of selfies, black-and-white images, and even a few fuzzy, out-of-focus shots. Despite the evident talent within the team, the lack of a cohesive visual identity was diluting the company’s professional image.
Atheneum Partners, a fast growing startup on the cusp of maturing its brand identity, needed a transformation. Ryanna’s vision was precise: a refined, yet understated collection of headshots that would convey both professionalism and approachability.
After evaluating several photographers, she found that my style matched exactly what she was looking for. As she mentioned during our session, “I really wanted an image that was a lot more refined, but at the same time, understated,” which resonated perfectly with the brand’s evolving identity.
The challenge was twofold. First, we needed to replace the inconsistent images – ranging from casual selfies to overly styled glamour shots – with a uniform look that would integrate seamlessly across the company’s website. Second, we had to navigate the logistical hurdles of coordinating a session with several senior hires across multiple locations, all while accommodating their busy schedules and last-minute commitments.
During our session, my primary goal was to create a comfortable and efficient experience. I made sure to arrive on time and remain patient, even as senior team members came in and out of the shoot. Ryanna noted, “Andrew was really, really cooperative in terms of making sure that we were comfortable with the setup,” which is something I take great pride in.
I believe that a relaxed environment brings out the most natural and genuine expressions in every headshot.
Another key aspect was the technical challenge of capturing the perfect shot under less-than-ideal lighting conditions. We were shooting on a winter afternoon when natural light was rapidly fading. Despite these challenges, I intuitively adjusted the lighting setup to ensure that every photo was well-lit and true to the refined style that Ryanna envisioned. As she observed, “even in terms of the editing… Andrew knew to light them up the way that some people had wanted without us even having to say it.” This ability to adapt on the fly is essential in delivering consistent results, regardless of external conditions.
The results were remarkable. The transformed imagery not only enhanced the aesthetic of Atheneum Partners’ website but also unified the team’s visual representation. The before-and-after comparison shows a dramatic shift from a disjointed collection of images to a cohesive, polished series of headshots that truly reflect the company’s evolving brand identity. In Ryanna’s words, “it really looks like we’re a far more refined company,” a testament to the power of quality photography in elevating a brand.
If you’re looking to upgrade your company’s visual identity and present a unified, professional image to the world, let’s connect. Together, we can capture the essence of your brand—one exceptional headshot at a time.