Not Your Average Office Shoot: Behind the Scenes
Creating Magic in an Industrial Space: An Encompass Africa Team Shoot
When people see polished team photos on a website, they often assume everything behind the scenes was just as polished.
But the reality? That’s where the magic really happens.
Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing the incredible team at Encompass Africa — a business built on passion, adventure, and genuine connection. This wasn’t just another corporate shoot for me. Danica and Jono, the owners, go way back in my life, so this felt more like working with friends than clients.
And like many growing businesses, they were in a transition phase.
The Challenge
Their office was mid-move into a brand-new, custom-built space… which unfortunately wasn’t quite ready in time for our shoot.
Instead, we were working in their current industrial-style office — practical, functional… but not exactly what you’d picture for warm, inviting “meet the team” photos.
Oh, and did I mention the suitcases?
Because when you run a travel company, there are always suitcases. Everywhere.
And then there was Penny — their very cute little dog — who quickly became part of the day (and, naturally, part of a few photos too!).
The Reality Behind the Photos
This is where experience (and a very helpful husband!) comes into play.
My trusty assistant for the day — AKA my tall, handy hubby Mark — stepped in to help transform the space. Furniture was shifted, angles were tested, and yes… suitcases were strategically hidden.
Mark also found himself on official “Penny duty” more than once, holding her between shots so we could keep things running smoothly — although I think he was more than happy with that role.
It wasn’t about completely changing the environment — it was about working with what we had and finding the best possible light, background, and flow to bring everything together.
Because great photography isn’t about having the perfect space.
It’s about knowing how to create one.
Capturing the Right Balance
For Encompass Africa, it was important that their photos reflected who they truly are as a team:
Professional and knowledgeable
Warm and approachable
Full of personality
So alongside clean, polished headshots, we made space for more relaxed, natural moments — the laughs, the interactions, the energy that makes their business so special.
Those are the images that people connect with.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Your “Meet the Team” page is often one of the first places potential clients go.
They want to know:
Who they’re dealing with
Whether they can trust you
What kind of experience they’ll have
And that comes down to more than just a standard headshot.
It’s about capturing people, not just positions.
The Takeaway
You don’t need the perfect location to create strong, professional imagery.
You need the right eye, a bit of creativity… and sometimes someone willing to move a few suitcases out of the way (and hold the office dog when needed!).
This shoot is a perfect example of how, with the right approach, any space can be transformed — and every team can be showcased in a way that feels authentic, engaging, and true to who they are.
If you’ve been thinking about updating your team photos but feel like your space “isn’t quite ready”… you might be more ready than you think.
