Inside Chubb Fire & Security: Photographing Leadership Teams and Employees Across the UK
CASE STUDY
Over the past 18 months I’ve had the privilege of working with Chubb Fire & Security (part of APi Group), providing corporate photography and professional headshots across multiple UK locations.
As a corporate photographer based in London, I regularly work with organisations that want to present their people and culture with clarity and professionalism. This project involved photographing leadership portraits, employee headshots, workplace teams and operational environments.
What stood out most throughout the project wasn’t just the scale of the work, but the remarkable consistency of Chubb’s company culture.
Gary Moffatt, Managing Director UK & Ireland at Chubb Fire & Security
The Brief: Leadership Portraits and Corporate Headshots
My work with Chubb Fire & Security began when I was invited to photograph their senior leadership team following a number of new appointments.
Soon after, the brief expanded. I was asked to photograph:
professional employee headshots
client-facing teams
portraits for an internal engagement campaign
photography celebrating their modern and sustainable headquarters in Blackburn
Since then, the relationship has continued to grow.
Photography commissions have come from several departments across the organisation including the Marketing & Communications team, Site team and People team, reflecting the important role professional photography plays in both brand reputation and internal culture.
Photographing Teams Across the Business
Over the past 18 months I’ve photographed almost 200 employees across five locations, including:
Blackburn
Chesham
Nottingham
Birmingham
Hams Hall
The work included a range of corporate photography services, such as:
Leadership portraits to support executive visibility
Professional employee headshots across multiple teams
Volunteer portraits for a digital installation in the HQ reception
Team group portraits
Product photography of safety equipment and operational vehicles
Using a portable studio setup, I photographed teams directly within their workplaces. This approach keeps disruption minimal and allows employees to return to their day within around 15 minutes.
For large organisations, efficient on-site corporate headshot photography is essential.
Creating a Consistent Visual Style
Chubb already had a clear visual direction for their employee photography.
Headshots across the organisation use a neutral grey background, creating a consistent look across:
company websites
LinkedIn profiles
internal communications
marketing materials
For lighting, I use a clamshell lighting setup, a professional portrait technique known for producing clean, flattering light across a wide range of faces.
While the technical setup remains consistent, the focus during each session is always on helping each person look confident, relaxed and approachable.
Helping Employees Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera
For many people, this was the first professional headshot they had ever had taken.
Being photographed can feel uncomfortable, so my approach is highly guided and experience-led. I carefully direct each session so people always know what to do, helping remove the pressure many feel when standing in front of a camera.
During the shoot, my camera is synced to a laptop so employees can see the images we’re creating together. This usually builds confidence quickly and turns nerves into enjoyment.
One thing I often notice during corporate headshot days is the atmosphere in the office. Someone returns to their desk smiling and tells colleagues the session was actually enjoyable.
Soon afterwards, someone who didn’t book a slot asks if they can join too.
That moment is always a good sign.
Making Headshots Easy for Large Teams
Organising photography for large teams can involve a lot of administration.
To simplify this process, I use an automated booking system that allows employees to:
book their own time slots
receive reminders and preparation advice
select their preferred images during the shoot
receive final images directly by email
This removes the need for internal coordination and makes the process straightforward for both staff and organisers.
Some of the wonderful volunteers for the Blackburn HQ Campaign
A Company Culture You Can Feel
There’s a well-known quote:
“People will never forget how you made them feel.”
At every Chubb site I’ve visited, the teams have been incredibly welcoming and supportive.
Someone always makes sure I know where to park, where I’m setting up and who to contact when I arrive. Colleagues offer to help carry equipment, check in throughout the day and make sure everything runs smoothly.
At the Hams Hall site in Birmingham, team members even kept an eye on me while I was photographing around the operational areas to ensure I stayed within safe zones.
What stands out most is the consistency. Across every location, the same warmth, professionalism and pride in the organisation. That’s rare.
The Impact of Professional Corporate Photography
Gary Moffatt’s (photograph) featured in a PR piece in the Business Matters publication
The photographs from this project are now being used across a wide range of platforms including:
LinkedIn profiles
internal communications
marketing and PR
a reception installation showcasing site staff
One of the most rewarding outcomes has been seeing employees update their LinkedIn profiles with their new portraits, presenting themselves confidently while representing the organisation professionally.
The success of the project has also led to ongoing photography across additional offices, with further work planned across the UK and Ireland.
Client Testimonial
“Penny is an absolute joy to work with, and we have had tons of positive feedback following her sessions. It’s not just about the final results (which are always excellent!) but the experience she provides. People start a little hesitant and awkward, but always come away with a smile on their face, their shoulders relaxed, and their head held high. Penny makes people proud of themselves, which is no mean feat – the impact she’s had on our teammates’ self-esteem and sense of belonging to the business can’t be understated. She’s a great person to work with and a wonderful person to know. I’d recommend her to any business for any purpose – she’ll deliver outstanding results and brighten your day on the way!”
Ben Frew, Marketing, Communications and Brand Leader
Why Professional Headshots Matter for Organisations
Professional headshots are one of the simplest ways organisations can strengthen their brand.
They create visual consistency across teams, improve how employees present themselves professionally, and help businesses build trust with clients and partners.
A well-executed corporate headshot typically lasts two to three years, making it a small investment that delivers long-term value.Celebrating the people
The most successful organisations understand that their brand is built by their people.
Investing in photography that represents employees well sends a clear message: people matter here.
Working with Chubb Fire & Security has been a wonderful example of that philosophy in action, and it’s a company I look forward to visiting regularly in the future.
I shamelessly pinched this gorgeous photograph of two members of the Frontline Security Solutions team in Chalford St Peter to send a message back to everyone at Chubb.
