Professional in white dress shirt and tie sits at wooden desk against colourful geometric patterned wall.

Recently, I had the pleasure of working with Joel Storr for a brand and headshot photography session at his place of work—the Hampton by Hilton in Blackburn. Joel's role at the hotel is pivotal: he is the Sales Manager, responsible for bringing more business to this fantastic venue by showcasing its unique spaces, particularly for business meetings and events. To reflect his role and the hotel’s offerings, it made perfect sense to shoot his portraits in the very environment he represents.

Professional headshot of someone wearing a white dress shirt, navy blue tie and name badge against a colourful blurred background.
Environmental image of sales manager looking out from the hotel exterior
Sales Manager at Hampton by Hilton, Blackburn

Showcasing the Space I arrived at the Hampton by Hilton with the goal of not only capturing Joel in a professional yet approachable light but also making sure that the backdrop—the hotel itself—played a significant role in the visual story. The hotel offers modern, flexible meeting spaces that are ideal for business functions, and we wanted these elements to subtly shine through in the photos.

By choosing different locations within the hotel, I aimed to highlight the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the venue. The bright, clean lines of the meeting rooms and the inviting communal spaces served as excellent backdrops, providing a perfect mix of professionalism and warmth.

Hands typing on a laptop keyboard with a disposable coffee cup on wooden table.
Modern workspace setup with laptop on wooden table against bright window view.

Connecting Joel’s Brand with his Work - Joel’s job is all about forming connections, fostering business relationships, and making people feel confident about choosing Hampton by Hilton for their corporate events. This meant the photographs needed to convey his friendly, approachable demeanour while maintaining an air of professionalism. We captured a range of headshots that reflect this balance—highlighting his confidence in his role while showcasing the hotel's dynamic environment.

Modern Hampton hotel exterior facade with blue windows and green accent wall.
Hampton hotel sign visible through window with outdoor greenery and trees.

The Importance of Location - Photographing someone in their place of work adds a layer of authenticity that can’t be achieved in a studio. The Hampton by Hilton in Blackburn offered the perfect backdrop for this branding session. The location reflected the quality of service the hotel provides and tied Joel’s brand to the wider offering of the hotel. The sleek, modern interior provided a professional atmosphere, while the subtle touches in the décor added personality to the shots.

Modern rectangular pendant lights hanging over geometric patterned wall in hotel lobby.
Hotel hallway with black doors and colorful geometric patterned wallpaper.

The images we captured reflect Joel's brand and the wonderful space the hotel offers for business events. I look forward to seeing how these photographs help him continue to promote this fantastic venue. I offer brand photography or headshots that capture you in your unique working environment. Please feel free to get in touch! I'd be delighted to hear from you.

View through decorative divider into hotel fitness center with mirrors and equipment.
Two white ceramic coffee mugs on round table with blue seating in background.