Behind the Scenes: A Quick Portrait Shoot with Sam Sunderland at Red Bull HQ

As a London photographer, one of the things I love most about this job is the variety of shoots that come my way, sometimes all in a single day. A recent highlight was being called in by British watch brand Christopher Ward to capture a quick set of commercial portraits of Dakar rally champion Sam Sunderland at Red Bull’s UK HQ.

I’d already spent the morning working as a corporate photographer at a conference hosted by the Institute of Engineering, so by the time this job came up later that afternoon, I had a decision to make: turn up to Red Bull in casual clothes or rock up in a full suit straight from the corporate gig? I’ve always been of the mindset that it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed, so I showed up suited and booted. Probably the only photographer in London to ever walk into Red Bull HQ in full formalwear… but I stand by it. We all had a laugh, and it broke the ice.

Fast-Paced Portrait Photography in a Visually Busy Space

This was a short but sweet portrait photography session, just 30 minutes with Sam on Red Bull’s rooftop. The space looked fantastic but was visually quite busy, and the brief from Christopher Ward was clear: they needed clean, punchy commercial portraits for use across social media and digital platforms.

To deliver on that, I utilised an existing white wall in one of the hallways. That plus a strong, direct flash setup. The result? A crisp, high-contrast look that felt bold and editorial, with a bit of Red Bull grit thrown in. Exactly the kind of imagery that works for a brand like Christopher Ward, versatile enough for multiple platforms, but with a distinct edge.

Working with a Legend

Sam was great to work with, super chilled, professional, and up for a bit of creative play. One standout moment was asking him to put his feet up on the table. He wasn’t sure at first (and fair enough, it’s not your typical pose), but he trusted the process and we ended up with one of my favourite shots from the day. Sometimes the best business portrait photography happens when the subject leans into something unexpected.

Delivered Fast, Used Everywhere

With the event going live quickly, I turned around the finished images the next day. The team at Christopher Ward were happy, Sam was happy, and I walked away with another great day’s work as a commercial photographer in London.

Whether it’s a corporate conference in the morning or a rooftop portrait shoot in the afternoon, I always aim to bring creativity, flexibility, and a bit of personality to every project.

If you're looking for a portrait photographer in London who can adapt to any environment, and maybe even show up to Red Bull HQ in a suit, feel free to get in touch. I’m James Robinson, and I’d love to help bring your next shoot to life.