PREP LIST FOR CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
My professional corporate headshots are bold and straightforward.
They show the subject to viewer and says, “Hey, these are my strengths. I am confident. I can help you out with this particular problem. Lets have a conversation!”
But like anything else, you can refine the message.
When you start considering business headshots for your team, use the checklist below to make sure you get all your details covered!
1. PURPOSE FOR CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
Corporate headshots can serve many needs: websites, promotional materials, LinkedIn, and beyond. Knowing exactly why you need these headshots helps shape your approach, from headshot location to style.
Clarify your goals before moving forward.
2. NUMBER OF PEOPLE
I use different headshot approaches for small and large teams. As well as locate different amount time.
Small teams or teams without an office are easier to bring to photography photography studio, but larger teams often benefit from headshot photographer coming to your workplace.
Consider all options so you can streamline the corporate headshots process for everyone involved.
3. NUMBER OF LOOKS
Think about how many poses, outfits or backdrop changes each person needs.
More variations would provide richer content lets say for website. But it also means longer sessions and possibly higher costs.
Make sure to clarify exactly how many final edits you want included in the final delivery.
4. CONSIDER HEADSHOT LOCATION
Usually I photograph corporate headshots in my photography studio or on-location. I steer away from public or 3rd party places as they could create some serious logistical challenges.
Indoor setups works best because they are easier to plan, executed and replicate when needed. Especially if your team is spread out over multiple states/locations or if you plan adding new employee headshots in the future.
Ideally for an on-location headshots I ask for at least a 12×10 ft area with 10–12 ft ceilings.
When planning location, also consider the privacy and convenience provided by the space.
5. SCHEDULING LOGISTICS
Decide if it’s best to shoot everything in one day or spread it out—especially for larger teams. Will everyone be able to make it if you do it one sitting?
Online schedulers (as a headshot photographer I usually take care of that) let people pick times that work for them and get automatic confirmations, instructions and reminders.
Leaving some buffer time in the schedule helps avoid last-minute absences.
PLANNING YOUR TEAMs’ HEADSHOTS?
Download FREE company headshots checklist
Quick checklist to guide you through each step of planning and ensure you don’t miss anything!
6. BEST TIME TO SCHEDULE YOUR CORPORATE HEADSHOTS
Choose a day and time with the fewest meetings and distractions.
Make sure key team members and executives can attend.
Also, pick a first half of the day for corporate headshots whenever possible. Feeling fresh and energized helps to get better results for your corporate headshots or portraits.
7. VISUAL STYLE
Think about how your headshots will reflect your company’s brand.
Besides outfits, consider whether you’re leaning toward more classy or modern, lighter or atmospheric headshots.
A solid vision keeps your images aligned with your company’s identity, as well as helping determine lighting setup.
8. SHARE INSPIRATION
Create a simple mood board to guide the overall look and keep expectations clear.
Pinterest is a great option for more advanced mood board, but an email with screenshots, links, or low-resolution photos work just as well.
9. CONSIDER HEADSHOT BACKDROP/ SCENERY
A clean white or neutral backdrop keeps focus on the person, while colored or textured backdrops could add more character.
Environmental shots—office or outdoor—can tell a unique story but require more logistical work, outdoors especially due to unpredictable weather and always changing light.
10. INDIVIDUAL HEADSHOTS vs. GROUP SHOTS
If you need updated team photos, figure out the best time and factor in extra time to gather everyone together.
If you have a rapidly growing/changing team or want group shots of different departments, consider asking your headshot photographer about composite team photos.
11. NEW EMPLOYEES ADDITIONS/ HEADSHOT UPDATES
If you are planning to add new employees in the future, discuss your plans with the photographer for best approach and practices.
Planning in advance will help to keep your headshots consistent in the long run.
12. PLAN YOUR BUDGET
Know how much you can spend from the start. Remember, that larger teams might require multiple shooting days.
13. CONSIDER OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY NEEDS
Using a photographer who’s already familiar with your brand and your team can save time and maintain consistency if you also considering commercial photography, lifestyle shots, product photography, or other visuals down the road.
Packaging extra services together might help to maximize your investment.
All above are general rules and suggestions. With this in mind, background look and location is dictated by each client’s and their particular needs.
To discuss best approach for your corporate headshots, reach out to me via contact page or give me call at 608-239-4199.
