2025: Corporate Events, Art & Professional Portraits in London

2025 has been a study in contrasts, spanning major corporate summits, artistic masterpieces, and intimate portraits.

As a multi-disciplinary photographer and videographer, I don't just document these diverse moments; I look for the narrative thread that ties them together. This year, that thread was connection—whether it was global tech leaders debating AI, artists engaging the public through light, or founders connecting with their audience through authentic new headshots.

In this retrospective, I’m sharing a curated look at the year’s highlights across Corporate Event, Art, and Portrait photography, revealing the stories behind the lens and exploring why high-quality visual content matters now more than ever.

Corporate Event Photography: Innovation & Community

If 2025 proved anything, it’s that the London corporate calendar is vibrant and unpredictable. One day I am documenting the quiet prestige of a scientific gala, and the next I am navigating the immersive theatrics of a high-energy Bridgerton-themed ball. Yet, regardless of the setting, the goal remained the same: to move beyond standard documentation and capture the authentic narrative of the event.

Royal Society – Labs to Riches: Science & Innovation Gala

The Brief: "Labs to Riches" is the Royal Society's flagship industry event, celebrating the commitment to innovation in science and technology. This year's theme, Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs in Innovation, featured a powerful keynote by Anne Boden MBE on her entrepreneurial journey establishing Starling Bank. I also captured Lord Vallance (Minister of State for Science) as he outlined the power of scientific research to drive economic growth. My goal was to capture the prestige of these speakers alongside the event's vibrant atmosphere.

Behind the Lens: Discretion is vital for high-end dinner events. To preserve the atmosphere, I took photos using available light (no flash) for most of the evening. This required precise exposure control to ensure the colourful scientific food displays looked appetising while keeping guest skin tones natural.

Fun Fact: Did you know the Royal Society, founded in 1660, is the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence? Capturing modern tech in a room that likely hosted Isaac Newton adds a layer of history you can't fake.

Bridgerton-themed B&C Awards 2025 at Ditton Manor – Corporate Gala

The Brief: The B&C Awards didn't just host an awards ceremony; they threw the "Ball of the Season" at the beautiful Ditton Manor in Berkshire. My brief was to capture the entire narrative: from the immersive Bridgerton-style décor and theatrical actors to the formal presentations on stage. Beyond the awards, I provided candid event coverage of the guests’ genuine emotions during the high-energy celebration party.

Behind the Lens: Photographing immersive theatre requires a sport-photography mindset. Because the actors are fast and never break character, I used continuous autofocus tracking to follow them as they swirled through the crowd, anticipating the exact moment of interaction to capture genuine delight. Crucially, I composed these playful scenes to include key event branding and signage, ensuring the final gallery delivered commercial value and sponsor visibility amidst the Regency fun.

Semi Impact Forum 2025 at the Royal Society

The Brief: As the premier semiconductor event during London Tech Week, the Semi Impact Forum brought together global leaders to debate the future of AI and chips. My brief was to provide comprehensive conference photography covering the full agenda, from individual keynotes by industry heavyweights like Colley Hwang (Founder & Chairman, DIGITIMES) to dynamic panel discussions and vibrant networking.

The Strategy: My familiarity with this iconic London venue runs deep—having worked directly for the Royal Society on previous commissions, I know exactly where to stand to get the best angles without interrupting the flow of the session. Moving discreetly but constantly allowed me to capture the genuine interactions between speakers and the audience; it also earned some lovely real-time feedback from attendees who appreciated the hustle. Event photography at this pace is physical work—I often joke with guests that this is my gym time!

Magnus Group Conferences at Sheraton Hotel – Multi-Day Medical Conference

The Brief: A true marathon of intellect! I was commissioned to capture a week of global summits at the Sheraton Hotel in London, featuring over 200 speakers. To manage this volume, I led the visual media team, creating detailed shoot plans to ensure seamless coverage across multiple halls simultaneously—from high-stakes keynote addresses and interactive workshops to presentations and on-stage certificate presentations.

Behind the Lens: How do you make the 200th speaker look as dynamic as the first? The secret is avoiding the static "press pit." Instead, I treat the event like an endurance sport, constantly roaming the edges of the stage to capture diverse angles—from dramatic profiles to wide audience reactions. This dynamic approach turns photography into a physical workout; over the course of the week, I clocked up roughly 60,000 steps—a distance equivalent to running a marathon!

Grand Union BID – Corporate Volunteer Day (CSR Photography)

The Brief: Documenting a meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative for the Grand Union BID (The Paddington Partnership). I photographed professionals as they swapped laptops for work gloves at the special school, Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee School in West London, capturing the team spirit as they reorganised gardens and painted walls and fences.

The Highlight: While the physical labour was impressive, the true highlight was the quiet, candid moments—volunteers gently cleaning toys or sorting costumes. There is a tenderness in these actions that translates beautifully to camera, and I felt genuinely rewarded to be the one capturing these moments of community impact.

Taiwan National Day Reception at the National Liberal Club – Diplomatic Event

The Brief: A milestone assignment marking a decade of collaboration! I have had the honour of photographing the National Day celebrations for the Taipei Representative Office in the UK for ten years running. Hosted at the prestigious National Liberal Club, my brief was to document the full arc of the evening: from the Ambassador welcoming guests in the receiving line to the official speeches and toasts by dignitaries. Beyond the formalities, I captured the warmth of the networking reception—where guests bonded over authentic Taiwanese cuisine and the country's world-renowned Kavalan whisky. The evening concluded with a large group photograph of the entire embassy staff—a tradition to celebrate their hard work.

Behind the Lens: Diplomatic photography requires switching instantly between being "invisible" and being "directive." During the speeches and networking, I relied on my knowledge of protocol to remain unobtrusive while capturing the conversations and handshakes. However, for the arrival shots, formal portraits, and the final staff group photo, I had to take charge—organising large groups quickly and politely to ensure everyone was visible and looking their best without delaying the schedule.

Fun Fact: The National Liberal Club is a film star in its own right! Its spectacular marble staircase and library have appeared in Doctor Strange (as the London Sanctum) and Downton Abbey (doubling as the Grand Hotel). Walking the same halls as Benedict Cumberbatch and Maggie Smith certainly adds a little extra magic to the job!

Photography & Videography for Art: Capturing the Vision

Capturing art requires more than just technical skill; it demands a sense of aesthetics and a deep sensitivity to the artist's intent. Whether I am filming a kinetic light sculpture in Battersea or moving silently through a candlelit event to take photos, the goal remains the same: to translate the physical experience of art into a lasting digital legacy.

Art Installation Videography: Light & Motion

Shooting art installations is a complete gear-shift from the fast-paced world of events. It is a meditative process, requiring patience and technical precision to capture the scale, light, and atmosphere of the piece exactly as intended. This year, I collaborated with the renowned Taiwanese artist collective UxU Studio to document two of their stunning installations in London. For both projects, video was essential; a still photo simply couldn't convey the hypnotic movement and rhythm of the light

'Tornado' at Battersea Power Station Light Festival

The Creative Approach: This installation is a towering helix of metal ribs that transforms into a digital storm at night. My video brief was to capture this change from day to night. I used low-angle shots to emphasise its scale against the London skyline, before moving in close to capture the pulsing lights racing up the spiral structure. A key detail I focused on was the reflection: the polished metal ribs actually mirror the historic Battersea Power Station facade, visually merging the kinetic new art with the static, iconic architecture.

Fun Fact: Battersea Power Station was once a coal-fired giant that supplied 20% of London’s electricity, including the lights for Buckingham Palace. Although it has long since been decommissioned and transformed into a leisure destination, it is poetic to see "light" returning to the site in such a creative new form.

'Illusion-Hole' at Canary Wharf Winter Lights

The Creative Approach: Using arranged "meteor lights," this artwork creates a flowing, hypnotic loop that tricks the brain—blurring the boundary between pure light and solid matter. My focus here was on timing and composition. I didn't want just a clean shot of the art; I wanted to capture its interaction with the environment, placing it within the context of a busy metropolis. By framing the fluid light against the rigid tall office buildings and the rhythm of the railway, I captured the piece exactly where it lives: in the centre of a busy city.

Behind the Lens (The Endurance Test): I wanted to get a specific shot: the artwork in the foreground with two DLR trains passing behind it simultaneously to create dynamic streaks of light. However, Canary Wharf is a famous "wind tunnel." I stood for hours in the freezing January wind, weighing down my tripod to ensure the footage remained perfectly stable, waiting for the trains to synchronise. It was physically freezing, but capturing that perfect intersection of urban transport and art made the shivers worth it.

Installation Photography: Architecture & Scale

When art is integrated into a building, photography must bridge the gap between "Artwork" and "Architecture."

'Pop Blooms' at Taipei Representative Office in the UK

Having collaborated with artist duo Tsai & Yoshikawa for over a decade, I was commissioned to document their long-term installation—a vibrant "cosmic garden" suspended in a 13-metre high atrium at the Taipei Representative Office this time.

The Challenge: The primary challenge was verticality. The atrium is soaring but narrow, making it difficult to convey the full scale of the piece from a single angle without distortion.

The Creative Approach: To document the piece fully, I treated the architecture as an essential element of the composition. I moved through the building, capturing wide-angle shots from the ground floor to emphasise the grandeur of the artwork suspended in the space, while shooting across from the upper balconies to capture the intimate textures of the materials. A key detail shot was the close-up of the artwork's mirror-finish surfaces, capturing the reflection of the atrium space held within the centre of the blooms.

The Result: A comprehensive visual archive serving as the official documentation for the Taipei Representative Office and the artists. The images successfully convey the "fantastical" atmosphere the artists intended, proving that even in a government building, art can create a moment of wonder.

Gallery Event Photography - Dorothy Circus Gallery

My relationship with the Dorothy Circus Gallery is one of my most cherished long-term collaborations. Having worked with them for many years, I have developed a deep understanding of their unique aesthetic—a captivating blend of Pop-Surrealism and dark, whimsical storytelling. This trust allows me to work almost invisibly, capturing the authentic spirit of their exhibition openings and literary salons without ever breaking the spell.

The Exhibitions: Comprehensive Coverage - The Visual Archive

The Brief: For these openings, my brief goes beyond standard "event photos." I provide a full visual archive that serves the gallery’s press and marketing needs. Whether documenting the surreal ceramics of Clémentine de Chabaneix or the powerful paintings of Olga Esther, my approach ensures every angle of the exhibition is preserved through three distinct stages:

• The Setup (Pristine Details): Before the doors open, I capture pristine, empty gallery shots that showcase the curation and layout. For Clémentine’s "Sauvages", this quiet time was crucial to capture the delicate, tactile texture of her sculptures, allowing the artwork to breathe without the visual noise of a crowd.

  
  

• The Atmosphere (Event Energy): Once the event is in full swing, I switch to wide shots that capture the buzz of collectors and guests. A perfect example was Flog’s "A Window on the World", where I documented the dynamic interaction as fans queued throughout the evening to watch him sketch live. Similarly, for Olga Esther’s "She-Dragons", I focused on the deep engagement of attendees as they studied the intricate details of her work.

  
  

• The Artist Portraits: A signature part of my work is taking professional portraits of the artists alongside their creations. These images are essential assets for press releases and interviews, cementing the connection between the creator and their work.

Behind the Lens: Marketing Accuracy

The Challenge: Avoiding flash was a strategic choice for marketing. Collectors need to see the artwork exactly as it looks in reality, without any distraction. Artificial strobe lighting can wash out textures and flatten colours.

The Solution: I shot using strictly natural ambient light to ensure the art was the focus and rendered faithfully. To achieve this, I relied on prime lenses combined with a meticulous post-production process, applying advanced noise reduction and colour grading to ensure the final images were crisp, clean, and true to the artist's original vision.

The Literary Salon Series: Intimacy & Atmosphere

The Brief: The gallery also hosts intimate literary events, which present a completely different set of photographic requirements compared to a standard opening. My brief here is to document the intellectual and emotional connection between the speakers and the audience without ever disturbing the flow of the performance.

• Surrealism Interactive Launch: A unique experiment where guests drew sketches in response to live readings. The décor was dark and mysterious, requiring me to work with the widest aperture to reflect the moody scene without disturbing the creative flow.

  
  

• AQUA: A reading night led by the Italian writer Chiara Barzini, exploring themes of water, decay, and abandonment. The focus here was to document the intimate, quiet connection between the reader and the audience in very low light.

Behind the Lens: Painting with Darkness

The Challenge: These events were lit only by candles or dim gallery lights to create an intimate atmosphere. Introducing a flash would have instantly shattered that carefully curated mood and distracted the writers.

The Solution: I relied on "fast glass"—prime lenses with an ultra-wide aperture. This allowed me to soak up every drop of available light, preserving the mysterious vibe of the salon while ensuring the images remained sharp and professional.

Portraits: The "Casual Corporate" Aesthetic

In 2025, the corporate headshot portfolio expanded. While the classic clean studio background remains the gold standard for LinkedIn profiles and company websites, this year I saw a massive surge in clients asking to step outside the office environment.

The Outdoor Portrait: I worked with several founders and business leaders who wanted to complement their formal studio shots with something fresher. We moved the shoot to garden settings to capture a modern "Casual Corporate" look.

The Vibe: We traded ties for open collars and studio strobes for leafy backgrounds. The result is less "Boardroom Titan" and more "Approachable Visionary."

Why It Works: By shooting outdoors using natural light (supported by a subtle flash to lift shadows), the images feel organic and relaxed. It builds trust instantly—showing clients there is a real human being behind the job title.

Fun Fact: Why are professional headshots important? The science is clear. According to research from Princeton University, it takes just one-tenth of a second for someone to judge your competence and trustworthiness based on your face alone. Whether it’s for your LinkedIn profile or a pitch deck, you really do only get one chance to make a first impression!

Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead to 2026

If 2025 taught me anything, it is that in a world flooded with instant content, intentional photography and videography matter more than ever. From the dynamic energy of a corporate summit to the technical precision of an art installation and the approachability of a founder's portrait, these images become the historical record of our work.

As I finally put the lens cap on the year, I am incredibly grateful for the trust my clients placed in me to build that record.

I am now ready to take on 2026. Whether you need to capture a massive corporate gala, document a new exhibition, or update your headshot so it doesn’t look like a mugshot, I’m happy to help you tell your story!

Have a project or event in the pipeline for 2026?

Let’s Chat!