Preparing Your Team for Headshots: A Simple Guide
So, you’re thinking about getting some headshots or a team group photo done for your company? Maybe you have a whole team of employees who need new photos. I totally get it—it can feel a bit overwhelming to plan and schedule a photo session for everyone. But I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be a complicated or painful process. In fact, it can be quite enjoyable! Let me share some tips on how to prepare your employees so they show up ready and maybe even excited for their headshots.
1. Dress Code Matters
First things first, let your team know what they should wear. I usually focus on business headshots, but these tips apply whether it’s just a headshot or a full-body portrait. My go-to advice? Stick to solid, non-distracting colors. You want the focus to be on their faces, after all!
If your team has uniforms, that’s a no-brainer. For instance, I recently did headshots for an HVAC company, and they had a couple of uniform options in their company colors. It looked great and created a cohesive look for their website and social media. If you don’t have uniforms, I recommend business casual attire. Again, solid colors work best—something that won’t take attention away from their faces.
And a quick tip: remind everyone to iron their shirts and check for any stains. I can do some retouching in post-processing, but it’s always better to start with high-quality images. A little pop of color can be fun too! If someone is wearing a dark jacket, a bright shirt underneath can really liven up the portrait without being distracting.
2. Schedule Like a Pro
Next up, let your employees know when their photo sessions are and how long to expect them to last. If you have multiple people, I highly recommend setting up a schedule. When I do headshots, I usually spend about 5 to 10 minutes per person. It’s not just about snapping a quick photo; it takes time for people to relax and show their authentic selves.
I’ve seen it all—from janitors to surgeons—everyone gets a bit nervous in front of the camera. I once had a surgeon ask me what to do with his hands! So, having a schedule helps keep things moving smoothly. Aim for about 10-minute slots, and encourage everyone to show up a few minutes early. Efficiency is key, and you don’t want to waste anyone’s time.
3. Retouching is Included!
Now, here’s a little insider info that gets my clients excited: retouching comes standard with my headshot service. Let your employees know that they’ll look like their best selves! I do light skin smoothing, wrinkle removal, and even teeth whitening. I get it—many of us love our coffee and tea, and those can leave their mark!
I also take special requests. If someone has a scar they’d like removed or is self-conscious about their teeth, I’m happy to accommodate. I want everyone to feel comfortable during their session, so they can focus on looking great.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it! Hopefully, these tips will help you prepare your employees for their upcoming headshots, whether they choose to work with me or another photographer. The goal is to come in feeling ready, relaxed, and even excited about the process. One of my favorite things to hear after a session is, “Oh, that wasn’t so bad!” or “Wow, I actually look pretty good!” That’s what I aim for—enjoyment and satisfaction with their photos.
If you have any questions or want to book a session, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help.