Smooth shoot – happy team.

Talk First.
It may not seem like the basis for good great team headshots, but communication is key. Let’s talk right here about how to make capturing your team a fun and smooth process.

A photographer who listens
There is one overriding element that is a must: Communication with your photographer. Have they quickly scheduled a time to talk with you? Have you had an opportunity to get to know one another and explain about what your team does, the overall corporate culture there, and what you’re hoping to capture and accomplish?

Take a phone call
Sure, email’s convenient, but if you hope your photographer to understand you and your team or group, jump on a call (phone or video) to clearly communicate what you need, want and aspire to.

Get down the logistics
One challenge often overlooked is getting the photographer’s gear into your space and ready to go. The following is what I send to my corporate contacts about a week before the shoot so that we have logistics in place:

• Location – may please have the exact address and suite number?
• Directions – Beyond Google maps, are there any tips and tricks to getting to you, especially if this is a loading dock situation?
• Security – am I cleared with building security and has security been notified so that I can get to you with my gear?
• Setup – have we discussed background and style so that I can properly pack up for your session?
• Room Size – Is there a room basically clear of furniture that is at least 15’x15’ in size with at least an 8’ ceiling?
• Does your building require a COI (Certificate of Insurance) for me to come work for you?

Your best face forward.
Ask if your photographer will do light camera-ready makeup prep. That can be as simple as bringing powder and multiple brushes and brush cleaner to keep things sanitary. That and some neutral lip treatment for dry lips. It can go a long way to making your teams faces look their best.

Timing and touch-ups.
Another good question is if retouching is included for each person’s selection and if not, what is the cost.

It’s also a good idea to discuss turn around times and methods for getting your proofs and finals. When and how do the proofs come. When and how do the retouched, final photos come.

For example, I deliver proofs within 2 business day via a file sharing service like wetransfer. Depending on the size of the team, I deliver finished edited photos within 3-10 business days via the same way. If you have special deadlines, the photographer needs to know in advance.

What to wear – Style Guide

Each team’s culture and dress is different. It’s important to let the photographer know what style you want to capture. Send sample photos you like; share your website.

• Condition: Wear clothes that are comfortable and make you look great. Clothes should be neatly pressed and should look new or like new.
• Pattern: Avoid picking something with bold, distracting patterns or colors – unless you can layer a plain blazer over it so that not so much of the pattern is showing and there’s a nice little pop of color. Tight grids or small herringbone patterns can have a moire pattern effect on camera so please try to avoid grid-like patterns
• Neckline: V-necks accentuate the neckline and generally tend to look best on women – Just be careful as to not choose something with too lowcut. Avoid turtlenecks.
• Sleeves: Try to avoid short sleeves or tank tops – Executive headshots look best without bare arms, unless it fits with your brand personality, in which case, try going for a sleeveless blouse or shift dress.
• Color: For a casual look, bring various colored blouses ideally darker than your skin tone.
• Jacket: Bring a couple blazers to try as options.

Jewelry

• Wear something small and classic – not too reflective or flashy. Earrings shouldn’t dangle more than an inch or so from the earlobe – The simpler the better!

Make up

• Professional makeup is recommended. Makeup should be clean and natural.
• A heavy layer of translucent powder. This will make the shine disappear, pores look smaller and the skin will look even. Avoid shimmers or any products with too much sparkle or shine. Avoid frosts or overly-bright colors.

Hair

• Don’t get a new haircut just before the shoot–let it grow in a bit to get that natural and comfortable look.

For Men

Clothing

• Condition: Wear clothes that are comfortable and make you look great. Clothes should be neatly pressed and should look new or like new.
• Fit: Make sure your jacket and shirt fit you well. A poor fitting jacket or shirt will be obvious in the photos (especially Casual business look: This is often a jacket and open dress shirt, shirt and tie (no jacket), or dress shirt on its own. around the neck).
• Style: Avoid overdressing – the best look is one that looks and feels effortless.
• Pattern: Avoid busy patterns and large lines/stripes.
• Business look: The standard is a suit jacket, dress shirt and tie.
• Casual business look: This is often a jacket and open dress shirt, shirt and tie (no jacket), or dress shirt on its own.
• Shirt: For a no-jacket casual look, bring colored shirts – ideally darker than your skin tone.
• Jacket: Bring a few different jackets, shirt colors and ties so you have choices on the day of your session

Hair

Don’t get a new haircut just before the shoot–let it grow in a bit to get that natural and comfortable look.

We hope this helps. Please call or email us with any questions. We’re always happy to help!