How to Prepare Your Team for Headshots

A great team headshot starts before anyone steps in front of the camera.

Whether you're updating your website, refreshing your team page, or preparing for a rebrand, a little planning can make your team headshot photography feel polished, cohesive, and much easier for everyone involved.

Here are a few ways to prepare your team for headshot day.

1. Communicate the Plan Early

Give your team plenty of notice and share the basics ahead of time. Let them know when and where photos will take place, how long they'll need to be available, and what to expect.

A clear timeline helps everyone arrive prepared and keeps the day running smoothly.

2. Set Expectations for Wardrobe

Rather than leaving employees wondering what to wear, provide simple guidance that aligns with your brand. Consider sharing recommended colors, levels of formality, and any wardrobe choices you'd like the team to avoid.

The goal isn't for everyone to look identical. It's for the images to feel cohesive while still reflecting each person's personality.

3. Consider the Background and Setting

Think about where the images will live and how they'll be used. A clean studio-style headshot may be ideal for a team directory, while environmental portraits can add more personality to a website or marketing campaign.

If you're working with a creative team, discussing these needs before the shoot helps determine the right approach.

4. Remind Everyone to Be Themselves

Headshots don't have to feel stiff or overly posed. A skilled photographer can provide direction while allowing each person's personality to come through.

The best images should feel professional and authentic to your team.

5. Plan for More Than Just Headshots

If your team is already together for a photography session, consider what other content could be captured while everyone is on set. Team interactions, workspace imagery, individual portraits, and behind-the-scenes moments can all become valuable pieces of your visual content library.

At Lumen Creative Co., we help marketing teams plan photography with the bigger picture in mind. From creative direction for brand photoshoots to final deliverables, our goal is to create imagery that works across your website, recruiting, social media, and ongoing marketing.

Whether you're updating headshots or planning a larger brand photography project, thoughtful preparation makes all the difference.