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  • Leadership Headshots And Environmental Portraits For A Grocery Retailer – A Photo Editor

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    Andrew Souders. Wonderful Machine

    Each month, we explain a recent cost estimate, contract, or purchase order in the form of a Pricing & Negotiating article. By redacting the names of the photographer and the client, we can share useful information that would otherwise be confidential. You can read more about our Building Estimates service on the Consulting Services page of our website.

    Concept: Executive Headshots and Environmental Portraits
    Licensing: Perpetual Publicity and Collateral use of 7 images
    Photographer: Portrait and Lifestyle Specialist
    Client: National Grocery Store Chain

    Summary

    I recently collaborated with a photographer to develop an estimate for a corporate portraiture photoshoot for a US-based grocery retailer. The project’s goal was to capture the authenticity, approachability, and leadership of the company’s Chairman/CEO and President/Vice-CEO.

    We planned for the shoot to take place in a single day at a store location in the Southwestern US. The client would plan to coordinate the schedule to minimize disruption to store operations and, at the same time, allow the photographer to accomplish everything they needed to.

    Deliverables included 4 high-resolution headshots and 3 environmental portraits, all licensed for perpetual publicity and collateral use. They intended for these visuals to enhance the company’s marketing materials, reinforce its brand ethos, and connect with its customer base on a more personal level.

    Fees

    The client’s brief outlined a need for Publicity and Collateral use for the imagery, which informed the pricing structure. We determined that perpetual usage rights were appropriate for this particular project.

    • Perpetual usage relates to the duration the client can use the images. Perpetual usage means the client can use the images indefinitely. But, the usage is still confined to the agreed-upon media (in this case, publicity and collateral).
    • Unlimited usage, on the other hand, implies no restrictions on the type of media placement, often making it broader usage for things like paid advertising.

    Why Perpetual Usage?

    • Leadership portraits don’t stay relevant forever. Executives update their photos every few years, so setting a time limit on usage would likely expire after the images are already outdated.
    • It simplifies things for both the client and the photographer. No need to track expiration dates or negotiate renewals for images that won’t be used long-term anyway.
    • It encourages repeat business. Even with perpetual rights, occasional leadership changes (just in the age and look of the person, or who’s in the actual role itself) mean new photos will be needed. Making the process easy builds goodwill and increases the chance they’ll return to the same photographer.
    • The intended use is long-term but not commercial. Since these images are for PR and internal branding (not paid advertising), perpetual licensing makes sense — it’s a one-time cost for the client, with not much downside for the photographer.

    The creative and licensing fee was set at $3,500, a rate reflecting the project’s somewhat smaller scope balanced with the longevity of the usage rights. We also included a tech/scout day, priced at $500, to allow the photographer to familiarize themselves with the location and refine logistical details.

    Crew

    We included a first assistant at $500/day, with an added 25% payroll fee, bringing the total to $625 for the shoot day. Given the shoot needs, the inclusion of the photographer’s trusted first assistant to handle equipment setup, lighting adjustments, and management of digital workflows was of great importance.

    Styling

    We allocated $875 for a men’s groomer/hair and makeup stylist to be present on shoot day. This role would also include light wardrobe adjustments, providing the professional polish necessary for high-quality headshots and portraits.

    Equipment

    We allocated a conservative budget of $250 to cover any supplemental equipment needs. The photographer owned most of the required equipment, but additional backdrops were necessary to achieve the desired aesthetic for the headshots.

    Misc.

    To cover incidental costs such as meals, parking, and mileage, we included a budget of $200. We noted these expenses were to be billed at cost to provide flexibility while maintaining transparency.

    Post-Production

    We budgeted $300 for the initial edit and client review, hosted on a web gallery. We allocated an additional $700 for retouching seven selected images, priced at $100 per image to include up to one hour of retouching work each. This process ensured each image met the client’s expectations and upheld the brand’s standards.

    Results

    The photographer was awarded the project, and the shoot was scheduled to take place within the following weeks!

    Follow our Consultants @wonderful_at_work.



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  • Best Sports Photo Background Ideas for Stunning Athlete Portraits

    Best Sports Photo Background Ideas for Stunning Athlete Portraits

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    One way to improve your sports photos is to get the right background. Choosing the right background can make or break a sports photo. Whether you’re capturing individual headshots, team portraits, or promotional images, the backdrop plays a crucial role in setting the tone, reinforcing branding, and making the subject stand out.

    In some cases, a transparent background gives you max flexibility, while other scenarios call for a bold team-branded backdrop, a dynamic stadium setting, or a clean, neutral tone. Check out some of the best background options for sports photography—including field and court settings, team logos, dramatic lighting effects, and templates—to help you create impactful images every time.

    Sports photo background ideas

    The “field”

    Using a real sports environment helps establish context and energy in your shots. Some great location choices include:

    • Stadiums: A stadium backdrop can emphasize the grandeur of the sport, making it ideal for professional headshots or team portraits. Be mindful of the composition—an empty stadium creates a different feel than one filled with fans.
    • Tracks: A running track or cross-country trail provides a sense of movement and purpose. Position the athlete at a starting line for an action-driven portrait.
    • Beach: Perfect for sports like beach volleyball, surfing, or running, the ocean and sand can create a lively, high-energy image. Plan your shoot during golden hour for the best lighting.
    • Indoor arenas: Basketball courts, hockey rinks, or even boxing gyms provide an enclosed environment with controlled lighting. Use a wide aperture to blur out distracting elements while keeping the athlete as the focal point.
    • Sports fields: Soccer fields, cricket pitches, or rugby grounds offer a natural, open space that works well for solo and group shots. If the field is in use, position your subject in an area with minimal distractions.

    Split-image of two athletes preparing to compete—on the left, a track runner in a crouched starting position holding a baton, and on the right, a swimmer standing on a diving block, ready to jump into a pool. Both images capture moments of intense focus before the start of their respective races.

    Gyms and locker rooms

    For an intense, gritty look, gyms and locker rooms can provide a compelling backdrop. Weight rooms, benches, and training spaces add authenticity, making the athlete’s preparation a key part of the story.

    Split-image of two athletes engaged in fitness training—on the left, a woman in a pink tank top balancing on a BOSU ball in a gym, and on the right, a shirtless man performing a kettlebell exercise in a CrossFit-style gym. Both demonstrate strength, stability, and focus in their workouts.

    Use directional lighting to highlight muscle definition and create dramatic shadows. If shooting in a locker room, frame the shot to include elements like jerseys, team logos, or open lockers for added storytelling. Pay attention to the composition. You can avoid cluttered backgrounds by positioning your subject in front of an open locker with a neatly arranged jersey and equipment, for example.

    How One Sports Photographer Uses Path to Edit Photos for 16 Teams Every Season

    Urban settings

    Cityscapes, iconic landmarks, or industrial settings can be excellent backdrops for sports photography, especially for athletes who train outdoors. This option works particularly well for individual portraits of runners, cyclists, or street athletes.

    Split-image of outdoor urban activities—on the left, a large group of cyclists participating in a biking event on a city street, with a man in a green shirt joyfully riding with his arms open. On the right, two young boys play street soccer on an open road, showcasing energy and movement in a lively urban setting.

    Again, be mindful of busy backgrounds—use a shallow depth of field to keep the focus on the athlete. Early morning or evening shoots often provide softer light and less foot traffic.

    Smoke or lighting effects

    If you want to add drama, using colored lights, LED strips, or smoke effects can create a bold, high-impact background. This is a great option for marketing shots, posters, and social media content.

    A triptych of intense sports moments surrounded by smoke—on the left, a motocross rider emerges from a cloud of dust in a black-and-white image; in the center, two athletes wave blue smoke flares on a grassy field; on the right, an American football player walks through thick smoke and sparks, creating a dramatic entrance scene.

    Smoke and lighting effects can create a variety of looks, so the possibilities are truly endless. In the examples above, you can see how smoke and fog add dama to photos of a dirt biker, soccer players, and a football player. 

    In some cases, you may shoot with the smoke, lighting, and fog on location—in others, you may add it in during the editing process. Find out how to add smoke and fog to photos in this tutorial. 

    Branding

    Showcasing team identity is always a smart choice. You can use the team logo or colors, or a sponsor’s logo and colors. Solid or gradient backgrounds in team colors can create a consistent, polished look.

    A composite image featuring two sports teams—on the left, an American football player in a black and orange

    Image source

    Blur

    A blurred background helps isolate the subject and remove distractions. This technique is useful when shooting in a busy location, like a crowded gym or an active playing field.

    A collage of three sports images featuring athletes in action: an American football player running with the ball, a boxer intensely training with sweat on his face, and a group of cyclists racing with motion blur in the background.

    There are a few ways to get a blurred background: 

    • Shoot with a shallow depth of field: Use a wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8 or lower) to blur the background while keeping the athlete sharp.
    • Use motion blur: Works well for dynamic shots where slight movement is captured.
    • Edit the background in post-production: If you can’t get it in-camera, you can add the blur effect during the editing process. Find out how to blur the background in this tutorial.

    Neutral

    A clean, neutral backdrop—like gray, white, or black—keeps the focus on the athlete. This is a solid choice for profile shots, media use, and professional headshots.

    A triptych celebrating women's fitness—on the left, a woman in athletic wear performs a high jump against a white background; in the center, a dancer leaps gracefully in mid-air with a black background highlighting her movement; on the right, two women in colorful activewear smile and pose confidently together, showcasing strength and joy in fitness.

    Use a softbox or ring lights to help maintain even lighting without harsh shadows. Seamless paper or collapsible fabric backdrops work best for the backdrop materials.

    Transparent

    For maximum flexibility, a transparent background allows you to place the subject onto any background later. This is especially useful for promotional materials, digital content, and merchandise design. You can find out how to make a transparent background with this tutorial and in the video below: 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXTiQNtoQS0

    Editing your sports photo backgrounds

    Not happy with the background you’ve already got? Remove it and try a new one with Path’s background removal services.

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    Sports photo background FAQs

    What’s the best background for a team photo?

    A stadium, team-branded backdrop, or a solid color with team colors works well for team portraits.

    Should I use a green screen for sports photos?

    A green screen can work if you plan to replace the background, but good lighting is crucial for a clean result.

    What’s the advantage of a transparent background?

    The advantage of a transparent background is that it gives you flexibility to place the subject onto different backgrounds later, making it ideal for marketing materials and graphics.

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