As a photographer, one of the things I truly enjoy is taking corporate headshots. It’s not just about snapping a picture; it’s about capturing the essence of a person which can be a tough ask in the short time one has available to capture a corporate head shot. What fascinates me the most is that every shoot tells a unique story, and I get to be part of those stories, even if only for a brief moment.
Recently, I had the privilege of working on a project with Multiplex, the company behind the construction of the new airport’s first phase. The terminal is nearing completion, and it’s amazing to see how something so massive and intricate comes together piece by piece. The airport is scheduled to open by the end of 2026, but for now, it’s a symbol of both ambition and dedication, before it becomes a bustling metropolis of comings and goings.
What makes this job particularly exciting is the people I get to meet. When you’re in the construction industry, you’re not just photographing one type of person. You’re working with a wide variety of individuals from all walks of life. Construction is, in many ways, a microcosm of diversity. There are people from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, with varying points of view, different personalities, and unique perspectives on the world.
For this particular shoot, my assistant, Nick, and I set up in one of the temporary offices or meeting rooms at the construction site. I arranged the lighting the way I wanted it — a three-light setup, which gives a soft, even look that flatters most faces, and we shot against a mid-grey neutral background. It’s a simple setup, but it always delivers clean, professional results.
While I focused on taking the photos, Nick took charge of the computer and peripherals. We’d made a decision beforehand to streamline the process: after each shot, I’d hand the camera card to Nick, who would download the files and immediately take the subject through the process of selecting their favorite images. It’s always a great feeling to see the subjects react to the photos, even if they’re just a few moments old. They’d go through the shots, narrowing it down to their two favorite images, while I continued shooting with the next person in line.
This way, we could keep the flow going smoothly, making the most of the time we had with each individual. It’s a great system that keeps the session moving efficiently while still giving everyone a chance to review their photos on the spot.
What’s intriguing about corporate headshots in this context is that as a photographer, you have the opportunity to interact with so many different viewpoints in a relatively short space of time. It’s not just about capturing someone’s image; it’s about understanding who they are, even if for only a fleeting moment. Each headshot session becomes a tiny window into their world, their role in the grand project at hand, and how they contribute to something that will impact so many lives.
Construction, especially on such a grand scale as this airport, brings people together from different corners of society. Whether it’s the engineers, the architects, the laborers, or the project managers, everyone has their own story, and I get to be the one to capture that brief moment when they pause to have their photo taken. These small but meaningful interactions are what make this work so fulfilling.
It’s not just about taking a photo — it’s about telling a story. And in the construction industry, with its range of personalities, backgrounds, and experiences, I feel incredibly lucky to be able to document those stories, one headshot at a time.
