Brand photography Essex
Brand photography in Essex
I’m Gary Derbridge, a brand photographer and videographer based in Hullbridge, Essex. I photograph businesses across Essex and London: the people who run them, the teams who make them work, the places they work from and the products and services they sell.
You come away with a library of natural, on-brand photos for your website, social media, proposals and press. I’ve been behind the camera since 2008, working with businesses from IKEA Harlow to local practices and growing firms.
Brand photography explained
What is brand photography?
Brand photography is a planned shoot that captures how your business really looks and feels: your people, your premises, your work in progress and the details that make you different.
It’s broader than headshots. Instead of one portrait per person, you get a set of images that tell your story and work together across all your marketing. Stock photos look like everyone else. Brand photos look like you, which is the whole point.
What’s included
What I photograph
Founders and leadership. Relaxed portraits that look like the person your clients will actually meet.
Your team at work. Meetings, conversations and people doing what they do best.
Your premises. Offices, shops, workshops, clinics and showrooms, inside and out.
Products in use. Your products in real settings, not just on a white background.
Behind the scenes. The process and the craft, the bits customers don’t normally get to see.
Your service in action. Your team with customers, with everyone’s permission of course.
Short video and reels. Clips for your website and social media, filmed on the same day.
Is it right for you?
Who brand photography is for
Most of my brand work is for businesses with a team behind them, usually booked by the owner or a marketing manager. It tends to happen when something’s changing:
- a new website or a rebrand
- moving into new premises or a refurbishment
- a growing team whose photos are out of date
- launching a new product or service
- an agency or marketing team that needs a fresh bank of images
If you’re a founder who simply wants great photos of you and your business, that’s fine too. The approach is the same: relaxed, natural and planned around what you’ll actually use.
Recent work
Recent brand shoots
Wine de Vine, Southend
A fresh set of brand and product images for a local wine shop.
Read the story →
Fusion Technology Solutions, Chelmsford
New team photos for a growing technology business.
Read the story →
The Dental Works, Shenfield
The team and the practice, photographed for their website and marketing.
Read the story →
Pack & Send Harlow
PR-style images of owner Franco for the launch of his new business.
Read the story →See more of my work on the Recent work page.
The process
How a brand shoot works
1. A quick chat
We talk through what the photos are for, where you’ll use them and what’s coming up for your business. A short phone call is usually plenty.
2. A simple shot list
I put together a plan of the shots we need, who’s in them and roughly when, so the day runs smoothly and nobody’s left hanging around.
3. The shoot
I come to you. I work around your day, direct people gently and keep things relaxed. You don’t need to be a natural in front of the camera. Clients regularly tell me how quick and easy it was.
4. Your gallery
I’m usually able to deliver the edited images within a few days, in an online gallery you can download from and share with your team.
Photo and film
Photos and video on the same day
Because I shoot both, I can film short clips while I’m with you: B-roll for your website, vertical reels for social media, or a short brand film. One visit, one supplier, and the photos and video look like they belong together.
See my brand film workUsage
How you can use your photos
You’re free to use the images across your marketing, including your website, social media, press, proposals and printed materials. Paid advertising campaigns for larger brands are agreed separately.
I’ll use a selection in my own portfolio. If you’d prefer the images stay completely private, that’s possible for an additional fee.
Pricing
What does brand photography cost?
I charge by the hour rather than selling fixed packages, and the rate covers travel, the shoot and editing. There’s no separate mileage, and you’re only ever charged for the time actually spent.
Most brand shoots are half a day to a full day on site. Tell me what you need and I’ll send you a clear quote straight away.
What clients say
“Gary was flexible, demonstrated great patience and empathy and, importantly, understood the need to deliver the finished images in very tight timescales. A calm and professional attitude ensured all the images were captured and delivered to the client’s total satisfaction.”
Graeme Holiday, employer branding project for the CAA
“The images he created for my business are better than I could’ve imagined and I’ve had so many compliments on them! He understood what I wanted and captured everything perfectly.”
Rebecca Rayner, business owner
Your photographer
About me
I’m Gary, and Focus Commercial Photography is my business. I’ve been photographing since 2008 and work with businesses of every size across Essex and London, from independent shops to national brands.
I’m based in Hullbridge, so most of Essex is under an hour away. I keep things relaxed, work quickly and always think about how each photo will be used. A picture that looks lovely but doesn’t help sell anything isn’t much use to you.
Questions
Brand photography FAQs
What’s the difference between brand photography and headshots?
Headshots are a clean portrait of each person, usually against a consistent backdrop. Brand photography covers the whole business, including people at work, your premises, products and process, so you have images for every part of your marketing. Most brand shoots include headshots as part of the day.
How long does a brand shoot take?
Most brand shoots are half a day to a full day on site, depending on how many people, locations and set-ups are involved. I’ll suggest a sensible length once I know what you need.
Where does the shoot take place?
Usually at your premises, because that’s what your customers want to see. I can also shoot at a client’s site, at an event or at an outdoor location if that suits your brand better.
How should we prepare?
Tidy the spaces we’re photographing, let your team know the plan and wear what you’d normally wear for work, perhaps with a second option. I’ll send a short checklist before the day.
Can you film video at the same time?
Yes. I can film B-roll, social media reels or a short brand film on the same day, so your photos and video match.
How quickly will we get the photos?
I’m usually able to deliver the edited images within a few days. If you need a handful sooner for a launch or announcement, just let me know.
Can we use the photos anywhere?
Yes, across your website, social media, press and printed materials. Paid advertising campaigns for larger brands are agreed separately.
Do you cover all of Essex and London?
Yes. I’m based in Hullbridge and regularly work in Chelmsford, Southend, Basildon, Harlow, Brentwood, Colchester and London. Travel is included in my hourly rate.
How much does brand photography cost?
I charge by the hour, and the rate covers travel, the shoot and editing, with no separate mileage. Most brand shoots are half a day to a full day. Get in touch and I’ll send you a clear quote straight away.
Ready for photos that look like your business?
Tell me a bit about what you need and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours. Or give me a call on 07852 457661. I’m always happy to talk it through.
Get a quote