Preparing for Team Headshots: Help Your Team Look Their Best
First Impressions are often lasting impressions—what type of impression is your Team making in your online presence?
This was a fun shoot with some Yogis in Saratoga. Everyone was well prepared and looked great!
Preparing for Team Headshots
Your Team Headshots can be used for your website, marketing materials, or social media profiles. It is so important to have well-executed team photos that don’t “just” leave a lasting impression. They need to leave the right impression. Proper preparation is critical to ensure you and your colleagues look polished and cohesive.
After you have chosen a Headshot Photographer, the next steps are simple:
Scheduling the Team Headshot Session
1. Schedule and Plan the Team Headshot Session. Whether you have a couple employees or many, scheduling and logistics are essential to ensuring a smooth photoshoot experience. Here’s how to prepare:
• Choose the Right Time: It might sound obvious but the most important step in preparing for Team Headshots is making sure the entire team is there! Make sure you choose a date and time that everyone is sure to be available. Plan the photoshoot during a time when the team is least likely to be distracted by meetings or work commitments. This will help everyone remain focused and ready for their turn.
• Allow for Prep Time: Make sure there’s enough time before the shoot for people to touch up their appearance, fix their hair, or make adjustments to their clothing.
• Make a time schedule with slots for everyone involved. Treat this as an actual appointment. We recommend scheduling people in 15 minute increments. This gives us time to do multiple poses and will give people a choice on which shot they like best. It also allows for those instances when people are running a little behind.
Communicate Your Vision
2. Communicate with the Photographer
A good photographer will help guide your team through the session, but it helps to establish some expectations beforehand:
• Share Your Vision: If you have specific ideas or styles in mind (such as a casual look or formal headshots), communicate these to the photographer. Share your company’s branding guidelines if applicable. If you have inspiration photos, it can be very helpful to share those as well.
Dress for the job.
Dress for Success
3. Coordinate the Wardrobe
Proper wardrobe goes a long way in communicating professionalism and attention to detail. In any type of portrait, we want the attention on the viewer’s face not their clothing. Here are some tips for selecting the right outfits:
• Solid Colors Work Best: Choose solid colors that complement each other without being too bold or distracting. Avoid busy patterns and stripes, as they can detract from the overall image.
• Avoid Bright White & Neon Colors: Bright white can sometimes wash out under lighting, and neon colors can be distracting. Instead, opt for neutral tones or muted shades that will look flattering on everyone.
• Dress for Your Brand: If your team is in a casual or creative industry, feel free to dress more casually. For corporate settings, business attire such as blazers, button-down shirts, or blouses works best.
• Keep It Simple: Ensure clothing is clean, pressed, and free of wrinkles. A quick pass with a lint roller can do wonders! Layers like blazers or cardigans can help create structure and dimension.
Good Grooming
4. Grooming and Personal Care
General appearance plays a major role in how your headshot turns out. Here are some basic grooming tips:
• Hair: Make sure your hair is clean, styled, and neat. Avoid drastic changes to your hairstyle right before the shoot. If you will be getting a hair cut, we recommend doing so a week prior to let it “grow in” a bit. Make sure if you dye your hair that the roots have been touched up.
• Facial Hair: If you have facial hair, ensure it is trimmed and well-groomed. For those without facial hair, a clean shave or well-maintained look is key.
• Makeup: For those who wear makeup, apply it to enhance your features subtly. You want to look like the best version of yourself, not a completely different person. Avoid heavy makeup that may not translate well on camera. A natural, polished look works best for Business Headshots. Note: We can recommend some amazing stylists who are used to applying makeup for photos.
• Nails: If your hands or nails will be visible, ensure your nails are clean and trimmed. You can apply a neutral or clear polish for a neat, professional appearance.
Location can subtly communicate your work ethic and brand values.
Carefully Plan the Location for Team Headshots
5. Discuss the Background/Setting Ahead of Time
The setting and background should align with your brand identity. They can be a subtle way of communication brand identity, especially if in the office.
Neutral Background: A neutral or simple background is often ideal for headshots. We can certainly find a plain wall to accomplish this. This type of background will guarantee the focus remains on the person and not on any distracting elements in the background.
Environment Consistency: If you want your Headshots in more of a work environment, make sure the office is clean and neat without unnecessary clutter. It is often helpful if the Photographer can come ahead of time to scout out locations and make suggestions.
Enjoy the Photoshoot
6. Relax and Have Fun
While headshots are important, remember they are also an opportunity to showcase personality and professionalism. Try to relax and enjoy the process—when you’re at ease, it shows in your photos. Take deep breaths and focus on being natural in front of the camera. Your smile is often your best accessory.
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Conclusion
Team headshots are definitely about looking professional. But they should also ensure that each individual’s personality shines through. Preparing for Team Headshots will definitely pay dividends down the road. Well thought out clothing, proper grooming, and effectively communicating with the photographer will help you achieve stunning, cohesive headshots that reflect the values and style of your team as well as your brand. With a little preparation and a positive mindset, you’ll walk away with headshots that you can all be proud of.
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To schedule a consultation, use our Contact Form or call the Studio directly at (518) 584-4237 today.
