Personal branding photographer in
St Albans & Hertfordshire
Stock photos don’t tell your story, and neither does a stiff corporate headshot.
I’m Mike, a personal branding photographer based in St Albans. Your personal brand isn’t a logo or a job title, it’s how people see you and whether they trust you before you’ve even said hello. I create natural, confident portraits so you look like you on LinkedIn, your website and everywhere else you show up.
I work with entrepreneurs, professionals and creatives across Hertfordshire, from Harpenden and Hemel Hempstead to Watford and beyond. I’ll come to you, or help pick a location that fits your brand.
As a St Albans portrait and personal branding photographer, I specialise in creating imagery that tells your unique story with authenticity and impact.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, musician, creative professional, or thought leader, I’ll capture the confidence, passion, and personality that set you apart.
Real moments, strategic compositions, and visuals that resonate with your ideal clients.
“Mike has a fantastic eye for detail and a real ability to put you at ease, which makes such a difference when you’re in front of the camera. He was patient, professional and genuinely great to work with.”
Michelle Stacey,
Business owner, Michelle Stacey
What clients say…
“Mike was asked to photograph our team for the new Drake&Co digital presence and produced a collection of images that aligned perfectly with our goals. An essential contribution to our successful website relaunch.”
Warren Drake
Drake & Co, London & St Albans
“He has an instinctive ability to read a room, put people at ease, and create an atmosphere where even the most camera-shy subjects feel comfortable.”
Emma Bradshaw
Presentations Team Manager, Columbia Threadneedle Investments
“Mike is a really talented, experienced photographer with great understanding not only the creative process but how this is translated into the business or personal environment. I have worked with him on multiple projects over many years and would highly recommend him, get in touch with Mike you won’t be disappointed.”
Alan Kearle
Project manager, London
What is personal branding photography?
It’s the art of storytelling through visuals, crafted to enhance your professional image. Imagine it as a visual introduction: photographs that convey your values, skills, and personality across platforms such as websites, social media, speaking events, and promotional content.
From refined headshots to authentic behind-the-scenes snapshots, each image is carefully designed to strengthen your brand’s identity and resonate with your ideal audience.
Personal branding sessions go beyond conventional portraits, offering a bespoke experience that delves into the heart of your professional journey.
These sessions focus on capturing the essence of who you are, what you do, and the spaces where you excel. Whether highlighting your workspace, tools, or collaborations, the resulting images weave a compelling narrative that fosters a deeper connection with your audience.
Ideal for websites, social platforms, and marketing campaigns, these portraits help establish a consistent and polished visual identity that aligns with your mission and goals. Together, we’ll create imagery that authentically represents you and elevates your brand.
Why personal branding matters
Stand out in a crowded market: Cut through the noise with visuals that reflect your uniqueness.
Build trust: Authentic imagery helps clients connect with the person behind the business.
Consistency: When your visuals match across LinkedIn, your website and your marketing, people remember you.
Ready to use: Every image is delivered optimised for web, social and print – no extra work on your end..
My approach
Blending documentary spontaneity with strategic design thinking, I focus on:
Authenticity: Capturing you in your element, whether that’s mid-presentation, brainstorming with your team, or working solo.
Storytelling details: Your workspace, tools, or signature style, the little things that define your brand’s DNA.
Versatility: Delivering a mix of posed and candid shots ready for LinkedIn, podcasts, keynote slides, or press features.
Graphic flair: Using my design background to frame shots with clean lines, bold contrasts, and visual motifs that align with your brand’s aesthetic.
“He possesses that rare combination of incredible talent behind the lens and a genuinely warm personality. If you’re someone who feels awkward in front of a camera or isn’t sure how to pose, Mike is your guy.
Mike has an incredible eye for detail, light, and composition. Each shot is beautifully framed, showcasing not just the subjects, but the emotion and atmosphere of the moment. We were genuinely blown away.”
Laura Campbell, London
Services, packages & pricing
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1. Professional essentials
From £495
A focused session for when you need great photos of you, without a big production.
Best for:
Professionals who want a proper refresh for LinkedIn, their website or a press feature.
What’s included
Up to 2 hours at your workspace or one location that suits your brand
20 edited images, with 5 fully retouched for your profile and website
A mix of headshots and relaxed portraits, in up to three outfits
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2. Signature brand story
From £750 – MOST POPULAR
Enough time to show the whole picture: you, your work and the space you do it in.
Best for:
Business owners, consultants and coaches who want a full library of images for their website, social media and marketing.
What’s included
Up to 4 hours across up to two locations
60 edited images, with 10 fully retouched hero shots
Portraits, working shots and the details that make your business yours: your tools, your space, your clients
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3. Brand day
Regular sessions to keep your brand visible with fresh images ready for LinkedIn, your website and your marketing campaigns throughout the year.
From £1,250
Best for:
Small businesses that want the founder, the team and the workplace photographed in one go, all in a consistent style.
What’s included
Up to 6 hours at your premises plus one other location
You plus up to 5 team members: headshots and working shots
Workspace, product and detail shots
80 edited images, with 15 fully retouched
What’s included in every package
A planning call before the day. We talk through what you want your photos to say, who they're for and where they’ll be used. Nothing gets left to chance.
Styling and location advice. Practical tips on what to wear, what to bring and where to shoot, so you turn up feeling ready.
Relaxed direction on the day. I'll guide you just enough to keep things natural. Expect a bit of Scottish humour along the way.
Your gallery within five working days. A private online gallery, ready to download and use straight away.
High-resolution files with full commercial usage rights. Use your images on your website, LinkedIn, social media, print and presentations, with no extra licence fees.
Free travel within 15 miles of St Albans. That covers Harpenden, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Hatfield and Welwyn. Further afield is no problem, just mention it when we speak.
Just need a headshot?
If you only need one great photo for LinkedIn, my headshot sessions start from £195.
“A skilled photographer, with an eye for nuance and a gift for impact. It’s a pleasure and privilege to work with Mike.”
Neil Manhas,
Global Chief Finance, Strategy and Transformation Officer – Taco Bell, California
“Would highly recommend Mike!
A really approachable and collaborative photographer who did a great job and was always happy to work with me on changes to make his photography work so well for my brand. Thank you Mike.”
Ian Henderson,
The Pink Elephant, Hertfordshire
“Mike made the experience of doing headshots creative and fun, with high quality professional results!
Rob Buckley,
Head of Sustainability – QODA Consulting, London
Benefits of working with me
Anticipate the shot: My experience in both photography and design ensures I capture angles, lighting, and moments that align with your brand’s vision.
Local: personal branding photographer based in St Albans, covering Hertfordshire and London – no travel fees within 5 miles of St Albans.
No awkward posing: Sessions feel like a collaboration, not a photoshoot. We’ll focus on natural expressions and movements.
Strategic flexibility: Need images that work across print and digital? I’ll frame shots with both formats in mind.
Speed to market: Receive your edited gallery within 3–7 days, ready to deploy.
Discovery call: We’ll discuss your brand’s goals, tone, and visual preferences.
Creative planning: Scout locations, plan outfits, and outline shot priorities.
Session day: Relaxed, guided shooting – I’ll direct just enough to keep you natural, never staged.
Delivery & support: Receive your gallery and guidance on how to maximise your images.
How it works
LinkedIn profile headshots
Your LinkedIn profile photo is often your first impression. Whether you’re networking, building a personal brand or strengthening your professional presence, a strong headshot helps people stop and connect.
A LinkedIn headshot should look confident, professional and approachable – suitable for business development, opportunities and digital credibility.
If you’d like a LinkedIn headshot that reflects the level you operate at, explore our dedicated service and book a session designed to bring out your best:
Here’s what you’ll find on that page:
Professional sessions focused on LinkedIn use
Guided direction and relaxed portrait coaching
2 retouched images included, with optional extras
FAQs
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They define how people see you, help you stand out, build trust, and turn prospects into clients.
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No. We'll start with simple, relaxed prompts. Most clients feel comfortable in minutes and get natural, confident-looking results.
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Two to three outfits that represent different sides of your brand, any props you use, and optional visual ideas you like.
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We include real-life context: working, interacting, using tools or devices, plus relaxed portraits that show character.
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Typically three looks over a two-hour session, combining studio-style and natural settings, enough for web, social and marketing needs.
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Yes. You’ll get hero portraits, candid shots, social-friendly images and versatile visual content that works across platforms.
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If you use brand colours, subtle accents work best. That way your photos stay timeless but feel on-brand.
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Absolutely. I can offer basic styling advice and, if needed, recommend local hair and make-up pros. Small touches make a big difference.
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Yes. I shoot multiple orientations and provide files optimised for each purpose.
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We can plan a creative look, moody lighting, interesting backgrounds or styling, while still ensuring you get some clean, usable portraits.
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We take breaks, review images as we go, and adjust direction so everything feels natural and true to you.
How can I help you?
Interested in booking a personal branding photography session with me, or have any questions on my photoshoots, please get in touch using this form.