Case Study: James at Next Step Asset Finance – Bringing Finance to Life in a Vibrant Manufacturing Setting

The Brief – Why James Needed New Photos

James from Next Step Asset Finance was launching a new product offering and needed fresh, dynamic images that placed him in an industrial or manufacturing setting. Previously, we’d taken headshots in a hotel lobby, but this time, the goal was to showcase James in action—engaging with clients, presenting ideas, and visually aligning his brand with the world of manufacturing and production.

The Perfect Location – A Creative Industrial Playground

James pulled off a masterstroke by securing a shoot location at one of the most visually striking industrial spaces in West Yorkshire—a renowned signage company. If you’ve ever driven past the M621 in Leeds, you’ve likely seen their vibrant HQ. Inside, the place was a photographer’s dream: neon-lit meeting rooms, massive printers, high-tech machinery, and bold, colourful backdrops that screamed creativity and manufacturing.

The Shoot – Capturing Personality, Professionalism & Storytelling

We began in the meeting room—James at the end of a table, working on his laptop, framed by glowing signage. A couple of strategically placed lights made him pop from the scene, creating punchy, high-impact images.

Next, we moved to a whiteboard setup where James simulated presenting to a client. This shot required balancing the lighting so that the background wasn’t lost in shadow—meaning pushing the camera settings to keep a natural brightness while ensuring James remained the focal point.

As we explored the space, I spotted a corridor with an intriguing green-lit end, a stylish chair, and a TV screen above. It was a perfect setup for a relaxed, “in-the-moment” working shot. The screen could later be used to overlay finance-related messaging—an ideal branding opportunity.

We then moved to the manufacturing floor, where James was photographed alongside high-end industrial printers—the kind of equipment he helps businesses finance. With vibrant green roller shutters behind, we experimented with angles, layering, and composition to provide the design team with versatile images suitable for multiple formats.

A particular challenge arose when shooting on a stairway framed by neon signs. With no high stand available, I had to improvise—holding a light stand aloft like an Olympic torch while simultaneously shooting with my other hand. Perhaps not the most flattering angle in hindsight, but always worth trying something different!

In the heart of the manufacturing floor, we found a machine working on acrylics, a perfect backdrop to showcase James in a hands-on, problem-solving scenario. With lighting set up on both sides, he engaged naturally in conversation with a team member, resulting in authentic, documentary-style shots of James as a trusted, approachable financial advisor.

We wrapped up with some final, fun character shots—including an irresistible moment of James hopping onto a forklift truck, as if trialling the very kind of asset he finances. A few polished headshots later, we had everything we needed.

The Experience – A Shoot That Was as Fun as It Was Productive

As with any great shoot, the magic wasn’t just in the photos—it was in the experience. 99% of the time was spent chatting about music production, drumming, and performing live, with James sharing insights into transcribing drum scores (which, to a non-drummer like me, is absolute wizardry). That relaxed, natural energy carried through into the photos, making for a set of images that felt authentic, engaging, and full of character.

The Result – Engaging, Professional, and Versatile Brand Imagery

The final set of images provided James with:
✅ Professional action shots of him working, presenting, and engaging in a real-world industrial setting.
✅ Versatile branding imagery with negative space for text and marketing messages.
✅ Authentic client interactions that visually demonstrate his personalised, face-to-face approach to finance.
✅ Characterful and engaging portraits, including a fun, offbeat forklift shot that adds personality to his brand.

Final Thoughts

This shoot was a brilliant example of how professional photography can bring a service-based business to life. Instead of generic office shots, we created a bold, industrial narrative that tells James’s story in a way that’s both eye-catching and meaningful to his audience.

Need Engaging Photos for Your Business?

If your business could benefit from striking, professional photography that tells your story, let’s have a chat! Whether you’re in finance, construction, or any other sector, we’ll create images that help your brand stand out.