London Corporate Photographer, Scott Ramsey, talks about how he creates his corporate photographs and the equipment he uses whilst covering a London photoshoot.

I always look forward to spending a few days in London when I'm hired to cover a corporate photography shoot for one of my clients. Admittedly the journey to the assignment used to be a lot easier, in the early days of my career. All a professional corporate photographer needed back then for a London photoshoot was a couple of lenses, a camera, a few rolls of film and underground ticket. Oh, how things have changed but all for the better thankfully. Although my photography equipment has increased in both size and weight, and there's more of it, this all adds up to one thing for my clients - Higher Quality Images!

Sure I guess a less experienced corporate photographer might wing it and turn up with one camera and a lens, but it's really not a good idea. Risk hiring them and you'll soon realise why their quote was so low!

I've been a professional photographer for over 30 years and trust me even if I don't use everything I carry with me to a photoshoot having the option to makes all the difference. Let me explain :

I'll often be contacted by a UK Company or Organisation asking me to provide a quote for a corporate photography shoot in London. The person contacting me will explain that they've been asked to find a photographer to take some corporate headshots of their CEO and senior staff.
After discussing the brief, I'll provide a quote and on the day of the shoot arrive early to set up and choose the best location for the photos.
The clients that book me want exceptional images, something different from the norm and I've built a reputation in exceeding expectations. To achieve this, I'll use my experience to create a diverse set of images.
I might start with a traditional headshot against a white backdrop. A standard shot but handy to have, I'll need one lens, one camera, portable studio lights, a backdrop and stands.
Next up, informal headshots around the office. Ideally, I'm looking to create a mix of natural light and flash photographs. This style of corporate photography for a business is very popular, and my experience working as an editorial photographer provides me with the skills to create some super images. I'll need, flashes, softboxes, possibly one of the lights from my portable studio kit and a mixture of lenses and a camera.
If time allows, I'll then change rooms and explore the other offices. The reception area is often worth stopping in along with corridors, stairwells and maybe even a few shots outside. Equipment needed: two lenses, two cameras, flashes and possibly my portable studio lights.
And then just when we think the photo shoot is done, somebody will suggest a group photo. Good job I brought all my equipment, no problem I'll say just give me a minute or two to set up.

Photography is ultimately a creative process; not only do you need to have an eye for a good photo, the ability to capture it and excellent people skills. When it comes to a corporate photography shoot, you definitely need to be prepared. Below I've compiled a shortlist of just some of the professional photography equipment I use on a Corporate Photography Shoot. Yes, I really do carry on this equipment, although thankfully I'm often helped by my trusty photo assistant.

• Two Nikon professional camera bodies - Why two? Because you never know if one might develop a problem be stolen or be accidentally damaged.

• Seven to ten professional Nikon lenses.

• Lots of memory cards, batteries and power packs.

• Several flashes.

• Photography backdrop and stand.

• Interfit portable studio lights.

• Light stands, reflectors, softboxes and lighting modifiers.

• Laptop, power cables, card readers, external hard drives.

• LED lights and stands.

• COVID-19 masks and sanitiser.

If you would like to find out more about my Corporate Photography service and view my portfolio, please visit the London & UK Corporate Photographer section of my website. And if you would like to book me for your next photography assignment, please contact me. I'll be happy to discuss the brief further with you and provide a free no-obligation quote.