Capturing CityUs team at Duns Castle
Corporate Retreat Photography for CityUs
Location: Duns Castle, Scottish Borders
Client: CityUs (formerly At Home Switzerland)
Category: Corporate Retreat Photography – Headshots, Corporate Portraits & Group Photos
Corporate Photography in different surroundings
When CityUs took their team to Duns Castle in the Scottish Borders for a corporate retreat, it wasn’t just about team-building—it was a perfect opportunity to showcase their brand in a fresh, authentic way.
Away from the usual office setting, the team was able to relax, connect, and enjoy the stunning surroundings of a romantic Scottish castle dating back to 1320. It was a great opportunity for me to harness some of that fun and energy through natural headshots, dynamic group photos, and fun portraits that capture the human side of the people behind CityUs.
Kind Words from the Client
“Ashley did an incredible job capturing stunning team photos of us in a fantastic setting in Scotland. He was highly professional, made everyone feel at ease during individual and group shots, and brought out the best in each of us. The final pictures were absolutely beautiful, with some expertly retouched portraits that exceeded our expectations. Ashley was also super responsive throughout the process, and his pricing was very reasonable for the exceptional quality and service he delivered. We couldn’t be happier and highly recommend him!”
— Alice Elodie Vibert, Communications Specialist, CityUs
Why Professional Team Photos Matter
Corporate retreat photography provides a unique chance to create engaging brand imagery. Instead of traditional boardroom shots, this session allowed for:
- Relaxed, natural portraits that show personality.
- Stronger team identity with authentic group photos.
- A fresh visual approach to corporate branding.
These images will help CityUs showcase their team in a more personal, approachable way, perfect for their website, social media, and marketing materials.
Looking to Refresh Your Team’s Brand Image?
If your company is planning a retreat or wants high-quality corporate headshots with a more personal touch, let’s chat!
Duns Castle – an exceptional location
Duns Castle is a wonderful location for a corporate retreat photography for several key reasons:
Stunning Historic Setting
Duns Castle offers a fairytale-like backdrop with its historic stone walls, turrets, and beautiful estate grounds. This creates a unique and memorable setting for team photos that feel far removed from a typical corporate environment.
Scenic Natural Surroundings
The castle is set within 1,200 acres of private parkland, providing a mix of woodlands, lakes, and open fields. As a result, these natural elements help create relaxed and visually striking portraits. The resulting images are softer, with a more personal feel than traditional office-based shots.
Exclusive & Private Atmosphere
As a private-use venue, Duns Castle allows teams to fully immerse themselves in their retreat without distractions. This sense of exclusivity encourages a more relaxed and engaged team dynamic, making for genuine, candid photos that reflect real connections.
Activities for Team Building
The castle offers archery, falconry, nature walks, and other group activities, perfect for capturing action shots and fun, informal moments that showcase a company’s culture and camaraderie.
Timeless & Elegant Aesthetic
Whether inside its beautifully furnished rooms or outside in the vast estate, Duns Castle provides a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere—ideal for businesses wanting to blend professionalism with personality in their brand imagery.
A Trusted Connection
The owners, Alick and Aline Hay, have always been incredibly welcoming. I really appreciate that they often recommend me when their guests need a photographer. Having worked at Duns Castle many times over the years, I know how to make the most of all it has to offer. I ensure that every client comes away with pictures that exceed their expectation.
And a shout out to Andrew at Skene Whisky who provided a highly entertaining and informative Scottish whisky tasting experience.
