One workshop shoot gave theWholeStory a library of real photography to replace stock imagery across their website and marketing. More than a year later, they're still using it.

Introduction 

I first encountered theWholeStory while photographing a personal branding session for another client. 


Part of that shoot took place at an event where theWholeStory led a workshop. I captured candid moments from the session and, as a courtesy, shared a selection of images with them through my client. 


A few months later, Lily from theWholeStory reached out. They were planning a full-day workshop in London and wanted me to photograph it. 


Why they chose me 

They had another photographer they could have used. But Lily wrote: 


“There was another photographer I might have used, [but] I prefer your photos, and so Josh and I would still like to use you at our Taster on 18 Sept.[2025]” 


What stood out to me was that our connection wasn’t made through a sales pitch—they had seen my style and results firsthand, in both images and approach. 


Two professionals presenting to colleagues in a modern office training room, with a whiteboard visible behind them.
Diverse group of professionals engaged in lively discussion at conference room tables during workshop event.
Woman laughing joyfully during a group meeting or workshop, wearing a red lanyard and white t-shirt.
Woman presenter pointing at blue screen displaying speech bubbles with text about storytelling elements during a workshop.
Two professionals engaged in a partner discussion exercise at a workplace training seminar.
A storytelling communication toolkit booklet with a pen on a conference table.
Focused businessman writing notes at a conference table during a professional training workshop.
Professionals attend a business workshop seminar with presenter standing near projector screen in modern conference room.

The Brief 

As with all my projects, we began with a pre-shoot questionnaire and a detailed conversation about the day, their needs, and how the photographs would ultimately be used. 

The brief was straightforward: document a full-day workshop in London and create a library of authentic imagery for their website, which previously relied on stock photography. 

theWholeStory’s work is about helping people communicate and connect. Rather than stage a version of that for the camera, I wanted to photograph it actually happening. 


Being invisible 

Arriving before the event began allowed me to assess the room, study the available light, and identify positions where I could work without disrupting the flow of the workshop. 

At the start of the day, attendees were told photography would take place and could opt out; none did. 

Lily shared something with the group that has stayed with me: one reason they chose me was that I was "invisible" as a photographer. 

Of course, that doesn’t mean hiding behind a curtain with a long lens. It means recognising that the event is not about the photographer. 

Especially at the start, I deliberately kept my distance. Sometimes, I’d even step outside and use the corridor to move around, avoiding any disruption to group dynamics. 

Eventually, people stop noticing the camera. That’s when I can move in closer to capture genuine moments. 


Woman in black shirt holds notepad, looking up with serious expression in bright indoor setting.
Two professionals focused on writing at a conference table with fruit bowl and glasses nearby.
Two women engaged in conversation at an elegant indoor event, one gesturing expressively while explaining something.
Three women engaged in lively conversation around a table with food and drinks in an elegant meeting room.
Two women sharing a joyful conversation, one laughing warmly in a bright indoor setting.
Two women engaged in conversation at an indoor meeting, one gesturing expressively while explaining something.
Woman holding a glass drink at an indoor networking event, with a man in a blue shirt standing in the background.
Person writing on a document with a pen at a green table with notebooks and a glass nearby.
Thoughtful man with glasses and beard sitting at a conference table, wearing a light blue polo shirt.

The Photographs 

As the workshop progressed and people became accustomed to having me there, I could work closer, documenting participants listening, thinking, laughing, presenting, sharing ideas and collaborating. 


The subtle expressions and authentic interactions became some of the images that best captured the energy of the day. 


The result wasn’t just an event record; it was a collection of images showcasing theWholeStory in action, doing what they do best. 


The Result 

After the workshop, I carefully culled, curated, and edited the photographs before delivering them in an online gallery. 


When theWholeStory began selecting images for their new website and brochure, we collaborated on the final choices, and I provided versions tailored for specific uses. 


The photographs’ value extended well beyond the event. They gave theWholeStory an alternative to stock photography: real photographs of their people, workshops and clients in action. 

More than a year later, images from that same shoot continue to feature in theWholeStory’s marketing materials and branded LinkedIn content. 

Smiling man in blue striped shirt holding tablet, gesturing while speaking at indoor event with name tag.
Three women laughing and conversing animatedly at a table during a professional workshop or networking event.
Two people engaged in conversation, man in white t-shirt gesturing while speaking to woman in brown patterned top.
Three people engaged in conversation indoors, two women and a man in casual attire near white doors.
Group of professionals networking at a conference table during a business meeting in a bright conference room.
Woman in dark sweater gesturing while speaking at an indoor presentation or workshop setting.
Two professional women smiling and exchanging documents at a formal indoor business event.
Women engaged in lively discussion at a conference table during a professional networking event in an elegant hall.
A woman laughing joyfully at a registration table, wearing a patterned shirt with a name tag, holding papers.
Two women engaged in conversation at an indoor event, one gesturing expressively while explaining something.
Woman holding a glass drink at an indoor networking event, with a man in a blue shirt standing in the background.
Three women stand near a green-draped table in a bright hall, one speaking while holding papers at a professional event.
Man in blue shirt gesturing while speaking at an indoor event or presentation.
Two people engaged in conversation, woman with sunglasses on head wearing black blazer listening attentively indoors.

Still working over a year later....


It's a joy to see my clients use their images for so many purposes over time. This is what I mean by:

One shoot. A library of images. Months of possibilities.


Running a workshop, event or training day?

Let's create a library of images that keeps working after the event is over

.

Talk to me about your next event →



Blue graphic with quote on human storytelling by Strategy Director at Aegis Media, featuring The Whole Story logo.
A testimonial post from The Whole Story featuring a woman presenting, with a positive quote from a Group Head of Culture at AXA.
Positive client feedback testimonial for The Whole Story coaching service on a blue background with a woman's photo.
A testimonial graphic from TheWholeStory featuring a Managing Director from Coutts praising a strategic communications training session.
LinkedIn post by The Whole Story featuring a testimonial quote from Ofsted Training and Insight Team praising a storytelling course.