I was brought in to photograph professional headshots for a group of Channel 4's assistant producers and scriptwriters — the kind of headshot session that matters most when it's for your career, not just your LinkedIn tile.
Why it mattered to them
A professional headshot helps make a strong first impression, building trust and reinforcing credibility within an industry that runs on networking and connections. It's a visual introduction that lets someone communicate their professional identity before a single conversation happens. In a competitive field like broadcasting, that can meaningfully affect the opportunities and visibility available to you — and a good headshot gets used again and again across LinkedIn, pitch decks and industry platforms, rather than being a one-off.
Planning the shoot
The goal wasn't just a digital image — it was capturing something true to each person. Before the day, I spent time understanding each individual's personality, aspirations and the things that set them apart, so the headshots would actually reflect who they are rather than a generic professional pose.
On the day
Shooting at Channel 4's headquarters meant working around whatever natural light the space had rather than a controlled studio — the occasional battle with harsh window light was part of the job. I made sure everyone felt comfortable before we started, then directed each person through the process: different angles, small adjustments, keeping a steady pace so nobody felt rushed. Everyone got the time they needed rather than being moved through on a fixed schedule.
The day ended with a strong set of images for each person to choose from — a proper digital representation of their work, ready for the platforms where it actually matters.
The same approach for teams
This is the same brief we handle for any organisation booking team headshots, whether that's on location at your premises or in the studio in central Leeds. On-location team days run £450 for a half day covering up to 15 people, or £750 for a full day covering up to 30. Our guide to what good portraits actually need covers the difference between a rushed team shoot and one that actually gets used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you shoot headshots on location, or only in the studio?
Both. On-location team days are £450 for a half day (up to 15 people) or £750 for a full day (up to 30), or you can book individual sessions in the studio from £95.
How do you handle mixed lighting on location?
By adapting rather than fighting it — balancing window light with portable kit and choosing angles that work with what the room gives you, rather than forcing a studio setup into a space that wasn't built for one.
How long does a team headshot day take?
Allow a few minutes per person once everyone's settled, plus setup time at the start. A half day comfortably covers 15 people with a proper consultation for each.
How quickly are the images delivered?
Retouched selects are typically delivered within 48 to 72 hours for team days.
Where is the studio and how do I book?
Dock Street Studio, Unit 9, 30–38 Dock Street, Leeds LS10 1JF — central Leeds near Leeds Dock, a short walk from the train station, with parking on site. We also travel to your offices for team days. Book online or call to talk the brief through first.
Book a team headshot day in Leeds
Whether it's a small team or a full department, send us the headcount and the date and we'll plan the day around it. Book online, email hello@dockstreetstudioleeds.co.uk, or call 0113 4400102.
Written by Mark Wheelwright
Commercial photographer & studio owner, Leeds | ISO Photographic Ltd
Dock Street Studio, Unit 9, 30–38 Dock Street, Leeds LS10 1JF
18+ years' experience | 900+ projects | 300+ five-star reviews | 1M+ shutter count
dockstreetstudioleeds.co.uk
Shot, written and built by the Dock Street team
Every guide on this blog comes from the team at Dock Street Studio — Mark behind the camera with 18+ years' experience, Nicole on styling and lighting, Beya on video and bookings and Austin keeping the site fast and findable. If you'd rather have us do it than read about it, book a session or explore our photography services in Leeds.