We are Halcyon Visuals

halcyon / ˈhalsɪən/ hal-see-uhn

adjective

1. denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful

noun 

1. One who leads with clarity and composure. A calm, guiding force who brings alignment, connection, and personality to everything they create.

2. a mythical bird said by ancient writers to breed in a nest floating at sea at the winter solstice, charming the wind and waves into calm.

My Journey to Halycon

Hi, I’m Jon. A creative who’s spent decades behind the camera, and eventually learned what it means to step in front of it.

For years, I worked behind the lens of global advertising campaigns, creating portraits of people like Sir David Attenborough, Sir Lewis Hamilton, and other world-recognised names. I built a career on precision, lighting, and excellence. My work spoke for itself. And for a long time, that was enough.

Then the industry shifted. Visibility became everything.
Suddenly, it wasn’t just about what you could do — it was about how you showed up.

For the first time, I had to turn the camera around.
Talk about myself.
Be seen.

Like many of my clients today, I felt uncomfortable in front of the lens. I’d spent years helping others look confident and natural, yet I avoided doing it for myself. I’d think, “Why should I have to show myself? My work should speak for me”.

But I learned that being exceptional isn’t enough if no one ever feels it. People don’t buy from faceless businesses. They connect with people, stories, and emotion. Your visuals are the bridge between who you are and how the world perceives you.

And I know how hard that bridge can be to cross.

I’ve stood in your shoes. Camera-shy, sceptical, and unsure where to start. But I also know how quickly that can change with the right photographer behind the lens. When someone helps you feel comfortable, confident, and genuinely yourself, everything shifts. The visuals, the energy, the connection, it all comes alive.

I’ve also stood in rooms where there was no time to think, only to perform. Like the day I was photographing a world-famous personality for a UK and Europe-wide campaign. After hours of waiting, I was told I had less than five minutes to capture a full portrait and a headshot, for a billboard seen by millions.

But here’s the truth: connection doesn’t need hours. It needs presence, energy, and someone who can create trust — fast.

That’s what I bring to every project: calm under pressure, clarity in chaos, and the ability to draw out the real person, even in the most uncomfortable or time-sensitive moments.

Because I know what it feels like to resist being seen, and the power of finally showing up.

That’s why Halycon Visuals was created: to bridge the gap between who you are and how the world sees you, and to give you that unmistakable pride and excitement when your business finally looks and feels as remarkable as it truly is.

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Trusted by global brands

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

25+ yrs

PROFESSIONALS WE’VE EMPOWERED

1000+

BRANDS DEVELOPED AND COUNTING

 100+ 

What we’re known for

· Helping even the most camera-shy people feel at ease, relaxed, and confident.

· Clear, intuitive direction that brings out your best side.

· Bringing 25+ years of celebrity and advertising-level experience to business shoots.

· The highest advertising-grade equipment, lighting, and natural retouching.

· Effortless sessions that feel more like a relaxed chat with a friend than a photoshoot.

· Fast, efficient, and streamlined experiences delivered with precision and care, ensuring minimal disruption to your schedule and your team’s flow.

What we believe

Photography is personal — even in business.
The way someone looks in a photo can change how they feel about themselves.
How they show up.
How they lead.

We take that responsibility seriously.

We also believe that creating content should feel easy and effortless.

That’s why we handle every detail, bring the best crew, and keep the mood relaxed from start to finish.

Meet the rest of the Halcyon Visuals team

Photographer and Creative Director

Charl

“With over two decades of experience in the fashion and beauty industry, I’ve learned how to bring calm, creativity, and connection into even the most high-pressure environments. My background working with celebrities and global brands taught me to capture authenticity fast by finding emotion, personality, and presence within structured settings. For our corporate clients, that means photography that doesn’t just look polished but feels real, confident, human, and alive.

I’ve collaborated with leading names such as Adidas, Austin Reed, Hackett, Cesare Attolini, DHC, and Code 8 Beauty, with editorial work appearing in Vogue, Marie Claire, Grazia, GQ, Men’s Health, and The Rake. These experiences shaped a deep understanding of how to balance creative vision with business goals. I know the pressures of tight schedules, brand consistency, and the need for images that reflect both identity and emotion purely because I’ve been there myself. My process makes it easy for teams and individuals to relax, connect, and deliver results that resonate with a wide audience.

Both outside and inside the studio, I’m a believer in humour as an instant connector. A well-timed joke can transform a boardroom into a creative space where people open up and feel at ease. I’ve been known to get a whole team laughing mid-shoot and that’s usually when the magic happens. I work internationally between London, Milan, Paris, and New York, still chasing that perfect balance between elegance, emotion, and the beautifully unexpected moments in between.”

Andrew

Studio and Business Manager

Andrew ensures the flawless coordination and success of every aspect of your experience at Halcyon Visuals.

With a keen eye for detail and a passion for exceptional service, Andrew handles everything from scheduling and transportation to studio operations and wellness days, making sure every client feels comfortable and taken care of.

His expertise and organisational skills help create a seamless process, allowing the creative team to focus on capturing your best moments.

Kate

Head of Post Production

Kate leads a skilled and talented team of retouchers dedicated to delivering flawless final images.

With a passion for perfection, photography principles and creativity, Kate ensures that every photo meets the highest standards, enhancing each shot while maintaining a natural and authentic look.

Her leadership skills guarantees that our post-production process is efficient, creative and perfectly aligned with the vision of every client.

Request Our Full Pricing And Availability Details

Contact Us

You deserve visual content that exceeds expectations. That’s why it’s important to make sure that we’re a great match.

We partner with brands and businesses that align with our values and vision, taking on only a select number of projects to ensure every collaboration receives the focus and attention it deserves.

We would love to know more about you, your company and what makes your story unique. Fill out the contact form and we’ll be in touch right away.

Ready to elevate your brand?
Let’s create something you’re proud to share.

Request Information

Visit our Reviews page to see for yourself what our clients have to say.

Selected Client List

Work featured in


Selected Celebrities | TV Personalities

AJ Odudu, Alesha Dixon, Alan Carr, Alex Jones, Amanda Holden, Anna Richardson, Bear Grylls, Bob Mortimer, Sir Bruce Forsyth CBE, Cheryl Cole, Claudia Winkleman, Crystal Reed, Dara O'Briain, Sir David Attenborough, Davina McCall, Denise Van Outen, Dermot O'Leary, Emmy Rossum, Fearne Cotton, Gary Barlow, Greg James, Holly Valance, Hugh Dennis, Jack Dee, James McAvoy, James Nesbitt, Jean-Christophe Novelli, Jo Brand, John Bishop, Johnny Vegas, Kat Graham, Kimberley Walsh, Laura Whitmore, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Lulu, Maya Jama, Mcfly, Mel C, Muse, Nick Grimshaw, Paddy McGuinness, Peter Capaldi, Philip Glenister, Sarah Hadland, Sarah Millican, Sofia Richie, Sophie Okonedo OBE, Tess Daly and Zoe Ball.


Selected Sports Personalities

Amir Khan, Audley Harrison MBE, Barry McGuigan MBE, Ellie Simmonds OBE, James Haskell, Judy Murray OBE, Sir Lewis Hamilton MBE, Louis Smith MBE, Natasha Jonas and Robbie Savage.