The Power of Professional Headshots in the MSP Industry
A strong personal brand is a necessity for industry leaders, and nowhere is this more critical than in the MSP space. As competition grows, standing out requires more than just expertise; it demands a recognisable and approachable professional image.
In this Episode of Headshot Photography for MSP Experts
Richard Tubb, a renowned IT consultant and tech influencer, understood this when he embarked on a rebranding journey. His mission was to elevate his brand with a fresh, modern, and personality-driven set of professional headshots. So that the headshots would align with his expertise, authority, and passion.
In this case study, we dive into how strategic headshot photography for MSP experts can refine a personal brand, enhance visibility, and create lasting impact. This is also a great example of how a photoshoot fits in alongside other creative suppliers working in a rebrand.
Key Facts About This Case Study
Meet Richard Tubb
Richard Tubb is a leading authority in the MSP industry. As the founder of Tubblog, he provides insights, strategies, and advice. These assets are used to help IT Managed Service Providers (MSPs) scale their businesses. His expertise spans consultancy, professional speaking, podcasting, and blogging. This makes a strong personal brand essential to his success.
Richard’s Original Brand Assets
Like any savvy business owner, Richard took a scrappy DIY approach to getting his blogging business set up. He relied on a favour from a friend to get his first logo together, and made use of a well-lit photo of himself. Now it’s time to level things up.
Also…
Richard’s influence in the tech industry is substantial. His ability to simplify complex MSP challenges and provide actionable solutions has made him a go-to resource for IT leaders. With his expanding presence, a professional headshot shoot became a strategic move to align his image with his authority.
Planning the Headshot Photography for MSP Experts
A strong personal brand demands a visual identity that reflects expertise, approachability, and individuality. If you’re curious about how a Personal Brand can help Tech & MSP Experts you might want to take a look at this. In Richard’s case, this shoot wasn’t just about updating an old photo. It was about intentionally capturing his personality, his love for technology, and his dynamic leadership in the MSP world.
Therefore…
Rather than rushing into the shoot, we took a strategic, brand-first approach. Working alongside his creative team, I ensured that the headshots complemented the larger rebranding efforts. This meant:
- Aligning the shoot with his new website design and brand colours.
- Ensuring the imagery reflected his thought leadership in the MSP space.
- Selecting locations that emphasised his personality, including Newcastle landmarks and his passion for comics.
Photoshoot Wishlist & Moodboard for Headshot Photography for MSP Experts
Richard’s personal brand balances professionalism with personality. His wishlist reflected this duality:
✔ Newcastle Vistas
Showcasing his recent move and regional pride.
✔ Comic Book Influence
Infusing an element of his personal interests into his brand imagery.
✔ Authenticity & Approachability
Breaking away from the stiff corporate headshot stereotype often seen in IT.
In Result…
This planning phase was essential. It ensured that the shoot would deliver images that were not only professional, but also fully on-brand. Every detail was considered carefully. The goal was to create versatile images that Richard could use in a variety of ways.
As a result, he now has a set of photos that work across multiple platforms. He can use them on his website. He can share them on social media. He can feature them in speaking engagement materials. And he can even use them to promote his podcast. This kind of flexibility makes the photos a valuable, long-term asset for his personal brand.
Shoot Day: Capturing a Tech Leader’s Personal Brand
The photoshoot followed a clear, structured route. Every location was chosen carefully and with purpose. Each spot played an important role in telling Richard’s brand story.
📍 Location 1: Gateshead’s Quayside
We started at Gateshead’s Quayside, near Co Musica. This area features an evolving graffiti wall, well known for its creative energy. The space brings together the worlds of art, music, and tech culture. It was the perfect setting to reflect Richard’s innovative mindset.
Avoiding the Typical Corporate Look
The vibrant textures of the wall created a bold, modern backdrop. They added depth and visual interest to the images. At the same time, they injected fresh energy into his personal brand. This approach helped avoid the typical, corporate look that can feel stiff or generic.
Instead, it gave Richard’s photos a unique, memorable edge. One that feels authentic to his personality and positioning as a thought leader.
📍 Location 2: Geek Retreat – A Personal Touch
As a well-known comic book enthusiast, Richard wanted his personal interests to shine through. By incorporating Geek Retreat into the shoot, we added a meaningful layer to his brand story. This location allowed us to capture images in a setting that felt relaxed, authentic, and lifestyle-focused.
Formal & Informal
During this part of the shoot, we photographed Richard in both formal and informal styles. This intentional mix gave us a versatile collection of images. Some photos were tailored for professional use. Perfect for business platforms and corporate materials. Others offered a more casual, behind-the-scenes look. These can be used to share his personality on social media or in more personal brand touchpoints.
Multi-Purpose
By including both styles, we created headshots that serve multiple purposes. Each one helps Richard connect with different audiences, while still staying true to who he is.
The Headshot Photography for MSP Experts Post-Shoot: Image Selection & Editing
Rather than following a traditional, in-person selection process, Richard’s TeamTubb decided to take a different route. Instead, they embraced a more analytical, digital-first approach. Instead of gathering around a table, his remote team collaborated online to review the photos.
100% Remote
The team collectively reviewed the session’s preview gallery. Through this data-driven approach, they were able to make thoughtful and strategic decisions. Importantly, this process wasn’t rushed. Each team member contributed their insights and preferences. This collective effort ensured that every angle was considered and nothing was overlooked.
Healthy Collaboration Works
In the end, this efficient and collaborative approach paid off. It allowed the team to select a final set of images that felt right. More importantly, it ensured the chosen photos truly captured Richard’s brand identity. Every image supported his vision. All telling part of his brand story. Together, they created a cohesive, powerful set of visuals for his evolving brand.
The Editing Process for Headshot Photography for MSP Experts
True to Richard’s no-nonsense style, his retouching request was simple: “Nothing special. Do your magic.” Our focus was on natural enhancements. This ensured the final images maintained realism while refining key details for a polished, professional look.
Acknowledgements: Behind the Scenes Team
This successful personal branding shoot was truly a team effort. It didn’t happen in isolation. Instead, it came together thanks to collaboration, creativity, and shared expertise.
In addition, I want to give a special thanks to the rest of Richard’s rebranding team. Each person played an important role. Their contributions helped bring this project to life, adding valuable insights and skills at every stage.
Venues:
Reflecting on This Case Study of Headshot Photography for MSP Experts
This project shines a light on something really important. In particular, it shows why headshot photography for MSP experts is so much more than just a professional photo. Rather than simply focusing on looking polished or having a nice image, it’s about creating powerful on-brand visual assets.
Ultimately, this approach plays a key role in strengthening your brand positioning.
Impact
For Richard, the impact was clear. His photos now do more than just show his face. They communicate his authority and highlight his expertise. And at the same time, they showcase his personality. Moreover, all of these elements work together. His images now align beautifully with his evolving brand strategy. They don’t just support his brand. This actively helps tell his brand story.
Takeaways
One of the key takeaways from this shoot is something simple, yet powerful. It’s the importance of bringing real personality into professional branding. In today’s world, people are drawn to authenticity. They want to connect with the real person behind the brand.
When someone blends professional credibility with their personal interests, it creates something special. It builds a sense of resonance. In turn making this brand more memorable. For Richard, this idea really came to life. His love of comics became a defining element in his brand story. It wasn’t loud or obvious. But it was subtle, meaningful, and helped set him apart in a crowded industry.
Human to Human Connections
This approach does more than just look good. It helps potential clients and partners connect with him on a deeper, more human level. And even better, it makes his brand instantly recognisable. It gives him a unique signature that people won’t forget.
If you’re an MSP leader, consultant, or tech influencer who’s thinking about your own personal branding photography, let’s talk. Let’s explore how we can bring your personality, your story, and your brand to life through photography.
More Inspiration
I know – seeing is believing. That’s why I’ve pulled together a curated selection of past client work to show you what’s truly possible when we collaborate on your professional headshots.
Over the last 14 years, I’ve worked with hundreds of professionals: virtual assistants, consultants, creatives, coaches, and corporate leaders. Helping them go far beyond the typical boring headshot. Together, we’ve crafted striking, personality-rich imagery that supports not just how they look, but how they lead.
Take a closer look at the range of photography services in my portfolio, and imagine what we could create for your personal brand.
Fancy a chat to find out more? Book a call now.
