How to Prepare Your Team for a Corporate Headshot Session

A corporate headshot session is a great way to showcase your team’s professionalism and unity. Whether you’re refreshing the images on your website, updating LinkedIn profiles, or preparing for marketing materials, having polished, professional headshots can enhance your brand. But to get the best results, preparation is key.

At Kat Squibb Portraits, we specialize in creating stress-free, professional headshot sessions that make your team look their best. Here’s how to prepare your team for a successful corporate headshot session.

1. Communicate the Importance of Headshots

Before the session, it’s important to communicate to your team why updated headshots are essential for your business. Explain how these photos will be used—on the company website, in marketing materials, or across social media platforms—and how they help build trust and represent your brand.

Letting your team know the significance of these headshots will encourage them to take the session seriously and put their best foot forward. If your team understands the impact of a professional headshot on the company’s image, they’ll be more motivated to come prepared.

At Kat Squibb Portraits, we ensure your team understands the value of a professional headshot and work to make the experience enjoyable and efficient for everyone involved.

2. Choose the Right Wardrobe

Wardrobe plays a crucial role in the success of your headshots. Encourage your team to wear clothing that aligns with your company’s brand image. For most businesses, this means wearing professional, business attire. However, if your company has a more relaxed, creative culture, casual or smart-casual attire may be appropriate.

Here are a few tips for wardrobe selection:

• Stick to solid colors: Bold patterns and busy prints can be distracting. Solid colors tend to photograph better and keep the focus on the person.

• Avoid bright white or neon colors: These can be harsh under lighting and may wash out the skin.

• Coordinate but don’t match: If you want a unified look, encourage your team to choose complementary colors without everyone wearing the same outfit.

• Consider company colors: Subtle use of your company’s brand colors in clothing or accessories can reinforce your brand identity.

At Kat Squibb Portraits, we provide wardrobe guidance to help your team select outfits that are flattering and professional, ensuring a cohesive look for your corporate headshots.

3. Grooming and Hair Preparation

Encouraging your team to come well-groomed for their headshots is essential. Here are a few grooming tips to share with your team:

• Haircuts: Suggest that employees get their hair trimmed or styled a few days before the session to ensure a neat appearance.

• Shaving and facial hair: For men with facial hair, make sure they trim or groom their beards to their desired look. For those who prefer a clean-shaven look, a fresh shave the day of the shoot is ideal.

• Makeup: For women (and men who wish to wear makeup), encourage a natural look. Heavy makeup can be distracting, and the goal is to look like a polished version of yourself.

• Moisturize: Hydrated skin looks healthier in photos, so it’s a good idea to apply a light moisturizer before the session.

At Kat Squibb Portraits, we make sure that your team members feel comfortable and camera-ready by offering tips on grooming and appearance.

4. Create a Comfortable Environment

Not everyone is comfortable in front of the camera, so it’s important to create a relaxed and supportive environment for your headshot session. Let your team know that they’ll be guided through the process, and that it’s okay to feel a little nervous. The photographer will help them find their best angles and expressions, ensuring that everyone looks professional and confident.

At Kat Squibb Portraits, we specialize in making people feel comfortable in front of the camera. We take the time to coach individuals through poses and expressions, creating an environment where everyone feels at ease.

5. Consider Location and Setup

Choosing the right location for your headshot session can make a big difference in the final results. You may decide to have the photos taken in a studio setting or on-site at your office. On-location shoots can add a personalized touch, showcasing your company’s work environment and culture, while studio sessions provide a clean, polished backdrop.

Once you’ve chosen the location, ensure that the setup is ready to go. If you’re shooting in your office, choose a space with plenty of natural light, or ensure the photographer has enough space to set up professional lighting. Make sure the area is clean and free of distractions, so your team can focus on the session.

At Kat Squibb Portraits, we offer both studio and on-location headshot sessions, and we work with you to choose the best setting for your team’s photos.

6. Prepare Your Team for Posing

Some team members may feel self-conscious about posing for photos, but a good photographer will guide them through the process. Let your team know that they don’t need to worry about posing perfectly—professional photographers are skilled at helping people look natural and confident in front of the camera.

Encourage your team to practice good posture, as it helps them look confident in photos. Remind them to relax and trust the photographer’s guidance.

At Kat Squibb Portraits, we coach each individual through poses, ensuring they look relaxed, confident, and professional.

7. Schedule Breaks and Time for Each Person

If your team is large, it’s important to schedule breaks and ensure that each person has enough time for their headshot session without feeling rushed. Stagger the times so that employees can continue working or attending meetings while waiting for their turn.

Make sure to plan enough time for each individual to be photographed. Rushing through the process can lead to less-than-ideal results. A well-paced session allows each team member to feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.

At Kat Squibb Portraits, we work with businesses to create a well-organized schedule that ensures the process is smooth and efficient for everyone involved.

8. Follow Up After the Session

Once the session is complete, follow up with your team and the photographer to ensure that everyone is satisfied with the final results. Give your team members an opportunity to review their photos and provide feedback. If retouching or editing is required, make sure the photographer offers options for subtle edits that enhance the final image without making it look unnatural.

At Kat Squibb Portraits, we provide a streamlined review process, allowing your team to choose their favorite images. We also offer professional retouching to ensure the final headshots are polished and ready for use.

Conclusion: Preparing for a Successful Headshot Session

A corporate headshot session is an opportunity to present your team at their best, showcasing your company’s professionalism and brand. By preparing your team in advance—choosing the right wardrobe, providing grooming tips, and creating a comfortable environment—you can ensure the headshot session is a success.

At Kat Squibb Portraits, we’re dedicated to helping businesses capture professional, high-quality headshots that align with their brand and make their team shine. Ready to schedule a corporate headshot session for your team? Contact us today to get started.