@ Leticia Gaidon Bradford Photography
Balancing Corporate Guidelines and Creative Expression
Sometimes companies have very specific corporate headshot guidelines, from the backdrop and lighting to the angle and posture. As photographers, we follow these details carefully to ensure every image fits the brand’s visual identity. That was exactly the case with this project for Eurofins, a global leader in laboratory testing and scientific services.
Their goal was clear: consistency and cohesion across all executive portraits. The setup, lighting, and positioning were defined by the company’s visual standards. Yet, even within these parameters, there’s always room for creativity.
Finding Personality Within Structure
Creativity doesn’t disappear when there are rules, it simply takes new forms.
Natural expressions, subtle posture changes, or small variations in lighting can make each image stand out while keeping everything cohesive.
For this session, I worked with Etienne Roux, Group Executive Vice-President of Eurofins, who has one of the busiest agendas imaginable. He had just landed from London the night before, and the next morning we had our session.
Despite the tight schedule, he arrived with great energy and a positive attitude. The session ran smoothly and efficiently, we created a collection of images suitable not only for corporate use but also for keynote talks and professional announcements.
@ Leticia Gaidon Bradford Photography
A Quick Turnaround During My Holidays
This particular project was quite special. I was actually on holiday when Etienne contacted me personally. He needed new portraits urgently for the company’s announcement of his new position.
As I always do my best to support my clients, I rearranged my time to make it happen. Everything was ready when he arrived: the lights, the backdrop, and the company’s approved setup.
Two Versions, One Story
I also experimented slightly with the poses. This allowed us to create two complementary versions of the same portrait:
An uncropped image, showing a relaxed, natural look that captures his personality.
A cropped version, which delivers a polished and professional corporate headshot perfectly aligned with Eurofins’ brand.
It’s a simple but powerful way to blend professionalism and personality, both essential qualities for strong executive portraits.
@ Leticia Gaidon Bradford Photography
The Problem with AI Portraits
With the rise of AI-generated images, many professionals are tempted to use them as a quick solution. While AI can mimic photographic styles, it often fails to capture authenticity. These images tend to:
Alter your facial features, sometimes subtly, sometimes dramatically.
Give an artificial (plastic doll style) or “too perfect” look that feels unrealistic and not natural.
Miss the natural spark in your eyes or expressions, often creating what many describe as a “lifeless” or “soulless” expression.
Remove the small imperfections that make you unique, replacing them with a flat, generic version of a person who looks a bit like you, but not quite.
In professional settings, these details matter. People can sense when an image feels fake or detached, and that instantly affects credibility.
A professional portrait, on the other hand, shows the real you, your confidence, warmth, and individuality. It’s the difference between a digital replica and a genuine human connection.
Book your free consultation today and discover how professional headshots can elevate your brand.
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Thank you for reading.
Bye for now.