Staff Headshots at St Barnabas Church, Cambridge
April 3, 2025
When St Barnabas Church in Cambridge updated their website, they recognised the importance of professional staff headshots. They wanted clear, concise portraits that reflected the people behind their work—images that felt approachable yet professional. Rather than opting for inconsistent DIY photos or a mix of outdated headshots, they made the decision to invest in a professional photographer. So come with me and check out the staff headshots at St Barnabas Church, Cambridge.
Why Professional Staff Headshots Matter
In the digital age, first impressions often happen online. I know that for me I subconsciously make a judgement on a business if the website or photographs aren’t quite up to scratch. Whether it’s a church, a law firm, a creative agency, or a corporate office, staff headshots still play a crucial role in shaping how an organisation is perceived. Poor-quality images—selfies, cropped group shots, weird filters or inconsistent lighting—can make even the most reputable business look unpolished. Professional headshots, on the other hand, ensure a cohesive and high-quality visual presence.
The other thing is that you can now request for real-time edit viewing, to be able to view what the RAW to Final Image transformation could look like. This saves time on re-edits and puts you in the drivers seat.
St Barnabas Church considered this option but put their trust in me instead. The key points they prioritised was that they wanted photographs that would:
- Be uniform in style and lighting
- Show each staff member looking friendly and approachable
- Fit seamlessly into their new website design
- Be taken efficiently during a normal working day, rather than hiring a studio
This is where my role as a professional photographer with equipment to travel with came in.
The Approach: Simple, Effective, and Professional
To keep the process as seamless as possible, we arranged to do the staff headshots in the church itself. This allowed all employees to step away from their work for just five to ten minutes each, rather than travelling to a studio. With good planning, we scheduled everyone in a way that caused minimal disruption to their day.
I set up in an area of the church with soft, natural light, complementing it with professional lighting to ensure a polished finish. Each session was quick but effective—helping each person feel comfortable in front of the camera while capturing a professional yet natural expression. The result? A collection of high-quality, consistent headshots that elevated the overall presentation of their website. Check it out:
The Hidden Costs of DIY Headshots
Most brands and businesses allocate into their budget a spend on social media, branding and image, which as they near the end of the tax year can be super helpful to get in to keep the book-keeper and budget team happy. However, some businesses hesitate to book professional staff headshots, thinking they can manage with informal photos taken on a phone or by an in-house team member. However, what often gets overlooked are the hidden costs of DIY photography:
- Inconsistency – Different backgrounds, lighting, and quality across images create a disjointed look on a website or company profile.
- Time Wasted – Assigning someone internally to take photos, edit them, and chase up staff for missing images can take hours—sometimes days—away from their actual job.
- Lack of Professionalism – Customers and clients notice the difference. A website with high-quality, professional images conveys trust and attention to detail.
- Poor First Impressions – Inconsistent or low-quality staff images can give the impression that a business is unorganised or outdated.
St Barnabas Church avoided these issues by investing in professional photography, ensuring a polished and professional look from the outset. The other really helpful thing is that I make a note of the equipment, lighting and camera setting used, so if you have new staff members join the team I can always come in for top up sessions.
The Second Session: Capturing the Church in Action
Following the staff headshots, I was invited back to capture additional images during a church service. This was an excellent decision because while headshots provide a formal introduction, lifestyle and documentary-style images add depth and personality to an organisation’s online presence. Stock images are a massive no-go for any business or church that’s wanting authentic imagery to use across their platforms.
These photographs showed the church in action—people engaged in worship, volunteers supporting the community, and the warmth of the congregation. Combining headshots with storytelling imagery gives visitors a real sense of what an organisation stands for. This applies to any business, not just churches. A law firm might combine headshots with images of team meetings, while a creative agency might showcase their workspace and brainstorming sessions. The goal is always the same: to create a connection with the audience before they even step through the door.
Why Businesses Should Invest in Professional Staff Photography
If you’re a business owner or team leader, investing in professional staff photography is one of the easiest ways to elevate your brand’s presence. Whether you’re a small local company or a larger organisation, here’s why it’s worth making it a priority:
1. A Strong, Consistent Brand Image
Your website, social media, and marketing materials should all work together to present a cohesive brand. A set of professionally taken staff images ensures uniformity and a polished, trustworthy appearance.
2. Making a Great First Impression
Before meeting you in person, potential clients, customers, and partners will likely visit your website or LinkedIn page. High-quality headshots give them confidence in your business, making you look approachable and professional.
3. Efficient and Hassle-Free
When done properly, staff headshots don’t need to be time-consuming. Like with St Barnabas Church, I ensure sessions are quick, well-organised, and tailored to fit seamlessly into the working day.
4. A Long-Term Investment
Unlike other marketing materials that need constant updates, professional headshots have longevity. A great set of images can last years, making them a worthwhile investment in your business.
5. Keeping Staff Profiles Up to Date
As businesses grow and change, so do their teams. Having a professional photographer you can call on for periodic updates ensures that new staff members have high-quality images from the start.
Additional Benefits of Corporate Headshots
Beyond just looking good on a website, there are plenty of reasons why professional staff head shots matter:
- Enhances LinkedIn and Professional Profiles – A well-taken headshot makes staff members look credible and professional across online platforms.
- Helps with Internal Branding – Strong imagery boosts team morale and makes staff members feel part of a unified brand.
- Attracts New Talent – Job seekers often check a company’s website before applying. Seeing polished, high-quality staff portraits gives a great impression of your company culture.
- Can Be Used Across Multiple Platforms – Professional headshots aren’t just for your website; they can be used on business cards, email signatures, marketing materials, and company presentations.
St Barnabas really wanted to emphasise their position in the city, so they asked me to go out in Cambridge and capture the feel of the area – have a look.
More Than Just a Photo: The Power of Visual Branding
Professional headshots aren’t just about having a nice picture for LinkedIn or a website—they contribute to a business’s overall branding. Whether you run a law firm, a healthcare practice, a school, or a tech company, your team is a crucial part of your brand. Investing in great photography shows that you care about the details.
In addition to staff headshots, businesses should consider team photos, candid workplace shots, and behind-the-scenes images that bring personality and warmth to their brand. These kinds of visuals help build trust with customers and give them a glimpse of the people behind the business.
Ready to Elevate Your Business with Professional Headshots?
If you’re considering professional headshots for your team, whether in an office, a creative workspace, or a venue like St Barnabas Church, I can help. With experience in editorial and corporate photography, I create images that align with your brand while making the process smooth and efficient.
Your vision may be a single shoot, a full-day shoot, or quarterly sessions to keep things fresh – whatever your budget or ideal frequency, I can accommodate.
Don’t settle for inconsistent, low-quality staff images. Invest in professional photography and ensure your team presents the best possible first impression.
Get in touch today to book a session like these staff headshots at St Barnabas Church, Cambridge – take the first step towards a stronger, more professional online presence.
