Office Headshots: Getting A Photographer To Photograph Your Staff
Office Headshots: Getting A Photographer To Photograph Your Staff
Company Headshots - How The Process Works
Your company needs headshots. They’re the marketing tool that introduces your team, showcases your brand, and polishes your website and marketing materials. But how do you go about getting them? How does it work?
I can’t speak for all photographers, but I can speak about my own photography sessions that I regularly offer for teams in Melbourne, Australia.
The first key to a successful staff headshot photoshoot is prior planning.
You and the photographer need to go into the process with a clear understanding of the brand the the intention behind the photoshoot.
Questions you need to ask include:
- Where will these images be used?
Is it just on the website, or will they be printed in marketing materials? - Given the use, what ratio is required?
Consider whether you need images to be shot wider for banner shots. Or whether the portraits should be longer, from the hips or waist-up to be more versatile across different placements. - What style reflects your brand?
Do you need to showcase your office or working environment? Will a plain background be more versatile to match with interstate or regional team members? - Do you need more than one image per-person?
Sometimes, especially for key leadership, having multiple expressions or poses is useful for variation across your different marketing channels. Different images can be used for publications and press releases.
Pre-Shoot Preparation For Your Staff
In all my shoots, I always provide documentation that will help with preparation. Your staff deserve to feel guided through the process. They should have as much notice as possible so they can plan in advance (outfits, hair appointments, scheduling).
A good pre-shoot guide will have shoot-specific information. This should include wardrobe advice and expectations, example images, and tips for hair and makeup.
What To Expect On Your Staff Photoshoot Day:
On the day of the photoshoot, the photographer will take some time to set up. They should give you a guideline of how much time they require – I usually allow 30-40 minutes. This often involves professional lighting equipment, reflectors and backgrounds.
When it’s time to start photographing the staff, I work one-on-one. Ideally staff portraits are captured solo, so they don’t feel watched and self-conscious. I guide staff on the direction and angles of their head and chin, as well as prompting for different expressions. There is no awkward silence!
The most vital part of the photoshoot day: review. Staff are allowed to see their photos, go through them, make shortlists and take the time to recapture anything they need.
My goal is for staff to feel supported. I want them to like their images, and give them as much control over the final result as possible.
The Final Edit
Once images are chosen images move into post-production.
My editing process for staff headshots aims to keep a consistent result across colour, background and retouch. When necessary, this includes background replacements for a really tight collection of matching imagery.
Generally, I tame major flyaways, remove unexpected blemishes or cuts, and subtly brighten and soften (such as under eyes, reducing shine subtly, etc.). The goal is that your staff look like themselves on their best day.
Looking for A Staff Headshot Photographer in Melbourne?
I am a staff headshot photography specialist, and have worked with teams from as small as 2 people to 100+. My experience spans years of creating consistent imagery that works time and time again. With a streamlined process, I’ll ensure I keep disruptions to a minimum and your staff looking their best.
You can reach out to me directly via email, or request a quote on my staff headshot page – this will give me all the required information I need to put together a tailored quote for your business.
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