Sidley Austin Global Law Firm Networking Reception at Vina Enoteca

Dec 15

On-Location Headshots for Sidley Austin: From Berkeley to Palo Alto

Sidley Austin Global Law Firm is a fan favorite here at Shannon Kelli Pictures. They're the best type of client: clear about their picture needs and an absolute pleasure to work with.

This year we had the opportunity to coordinate two onsite headshot sessions at their networking receptions in the Bay Area. One took place at Comal in Berkeley during October, and the other at Vina Enoteca in Palo Alto this November.

The Challenge of Evening Restaurant Headshots

When photographing professional headshots on-site at evening events, lighting becomes the critical factor. Restaurant venues are designed for ambiance, not photography. Warm, dim lighting that makes a space feel inviting creates challenges for capturing sharp, professional headshots.

Warm, low lighting to creates atmosphere and an ambient light problem. This means you have to consider, color temperatures that cast unflattering tones on skin, inconsistent lighting across the space, shadows that change as people move and dim conditions that require higher ISO (which introduces noise).

The solution to these challenges is to bring professional lighting that overpowers the ambient restaurant lighting entirely. And my lighting happens to be battery powered with eliminates the need for extension cords and trip hazards.

Bringing my own lighting gives me, complete control over color temperature (natural, flattering tones), light direction (eliminating unflattering shadows), consistent results and yields professional quality regardless of the venue conditions.

Usually my strategy consists of a two-light system, small foot print utilizing a soft box and a fill light, portable neutral backdrop and back-up camera bodies and lighting that can accommodate tight spaces.

Two Venues, Consistent Results

Comal, Berkeley

Comal’s setting presented it own lighting challenges. but having captured images there last year I knew what I was up against.

We used their lovely courtyard to set up our photography footprint. We positioned our portrait station in a corner area and set up a neutral grey backdrop. We used our lighting to create a clean professional environment, prepared a prep station with lint rollers, floss, safety pins and bobby pins and engaged with clients in a way that made them feel comfortable and at ease in front of the camera.

Vina Enoteca, Palo Alto

Vina Enoteca’s wine bar setting offered similar challenges to Comal and ones some fresh challenges too. The height of the venue was more limited and the space of the outdoor setting was also a bit tighter. Given that we didn’t want to disrupt the flow of the event or the ability for networking to take place we set up in the back of the venue and brought a smaller collabsable backdrop that didn’t require a backdrop stand. Then brought similar lighting to that of Comal’s venue, just adjusted the setting and height to meet the venue’s needs.

Why On-Location Sessions Work for Corporate Clients

For law firms and corporations an on-location headshot session during existing events offer real advantages:

Efficiency: Team members are already assembled in one location. No need to schedule 50+ individual studio appointments. Or interrupt the work day

Consistency: Everyone photographed with identical lighting and backgrounds creates cohesive imagery across websites, directories, and marketing materials.

Reduced Friction: The casual event atmosphere makes the process less intimidating than formal studio sessions. People relax, which shows in the images.

Cost-Effective: Leveraging existing event logistics rather than creating separate photography days just makes financial sense.

Planning Your Own On-Location Headshot Event

If you're considering on-location headshots for your law firm, corporation, or institution, here's what to think about:

Venue Considerations: Corner spaces or areas away from main traffic work best. Access to power outlets is nice, but not always necessary. Ceiling height matters (8+ feet ideal).

Timing: Allow 1-2 minutes per person, at the very minimum, but 5 minutes is best, when considering groups of 50+ people. Add buffer time for VIPs or executives who may want additional options. Less people equals more time per person and the oppertunity to capture more then one look.

Communication: Pre-event emails with wardrobe guidelines help ensure everyone shows up prepared.

Turnaround Expectations: Discuss delivery timelines upfront. Rush delivery (24 hours) is possible but requires planning and often increases the budget when over there’s over 15 people being photographed

Looking for On-Location Corporate Headshot Services?

Shannon Kelli Pictures specializes in on-location headshot sessions for Bay Area law firms, corporations, and institutions. We handle all technical logistics and bring studio-quality results to your venue.

Recent on-location clients: