How to Prepare Your Team for Company Headshots

Planning your Raleigh company headshots? There is so much that goes into successful team photos – coordinating schedules, managing personalities, and finding the right photographer (hey, that part is done!). What often gets left out of the process is prepping your team so they show up polished, coordinated, and looking their best. Here is a guide for the person in charge of your company’s headshots. Want more details on what colors and clothing look best? Check out this page.

Set a Clear Dress Code (Without Making It Complicated)

In the initial phases of planning your team headshots, have a conversation about dress code. Do you want a jacket and tie, or is a polo appropriate? This will vary depending on your company’s industry, client base and culture, but you want everyone on the same page.

Are we corporate and traditional?
Polished but approachable?
Creative and modern?

A law firm will look different than a marketing firm, and that is intentional. This look will align with your brand identity, and should reflect how your clients experience your company. Once the overall look is decided, you will want to give specific details to your team. Instead of saying “Wear business attire,” send something like:

“Please choose solid colors within our approved palette: navy, charcoal, jewel tones, or soft neutrals. Avoid pastels, neon colors, and busy patterns.”

Clarity prevents mismatched outfits, and creates a stronger overall brand presence. We will send you an email template to send to your team.

Encourage Proper Fit and Styling

Some basic tips for clothing choices:

Wear well fitted clothing, both too large and too small is unflattering in photos
Arrive with all clothing items pressed and wrinkle free
Keep accessories simple
Choose mid tones to jewel tones (navy, burgundy, forest green, etc)
Avoid pastels, neon colors and shiny fabrics
No busy patterns or large logos, solid colors work better than patterns unless under a jacket

If you want a cohesive look on your website, suggest a shared color palette:

Jewel Tones (burgundy + emerald + navy)
Soft Neutrals (cream + muted blues + soft beige + light gray, white)
Corporate (navy + gray + white)
Charcoal + muted jewel tones

This keeps the team aligned without everyone looking identical.

Grooming Guidelines for Company Headshots

I highly recommend having a makeup artist onsite for your team headshots. This factor alone can make the biggest difference in your final images. This is not glamour, or full makeup application. For both men and women, the makeup artist will reduce shine, cover blemishes, even out skin tone, and tame flyaways. With just a few minutes per person, these touch ups will have your team looking camera ready. Below are tips for your team as they prepare for photo day:

Hair

Style hair the way you typically wear it professionally
Avoid trying a brand new haircut or dramatic change right before photo day
Make sure hair is clean, brushed and neatly styled

Makeup (Keep It Natural & Professional)

Aim for polished natural makeup, slightly heavier than you normally wear but not heavy, evening makeup.
Use powder to reduce shine under professional lighting
Avoid shimmer and shine products

Facial Hair

Trim and shape beards ahead of time
Clean shave the morning of the session (if that’s your usual look)

Prepare them mentally

Lastly, let your team know that these headshots will be much less stressful than they are probably envisioning! Many people have never gone through this process before, and that can lead to anxiety. Let your team know that:

The session will be very quick and guided
They don’t need to know how to pose
Expression coaching will be provided
Multiple images will be taken for them to choose from
The photos will be retouched

When people are relaxed and prepared, it shows in the photos. If you’re thinking of booking team headshots in the Raleigh area, reach out for a quote or with any questions you may have!