Preparing for your staff headshot

If you’ve found out that your workplace has arranged for a photographer to come on-site to capture staff headshots, you might be here to find some advice on how to get the most out of it (or how to look your best).

Most people cringe at the idea of having their staff headshot taken. It doesn’t need to be this way, and unlike the speedy process of school photography, you’ll find most corporate photographers really do care with how you look and feel in your portrait (at least I do!).

So let’s dive into how you can get ready for your staff headshot, so you’re prepared and can look your best!

1 - Understanding What The Photo Outcome Will Be:

Communication is everything. Before we dive into anything else, you need to know what is required of you before you can truly get ready.

Find out:
– Will the photograph be a typical corporate headshot (head and shoulders) or will it include more body (mid-length or full-length portrait)?

– Does your company have a specific dress code.

– Where and when is the photograph being taken?

2 - Planning Your Outfit:

Style:

Understanding the dress code is the first step in this process. You should be able to receive guidance on what style to wear. You don’t want to be dressed casually if everyone else is dressed in neat corporate attire, for example.

Generally, my first advice I give for what to wear to a corporate headshot shoot is to dress as if you were with a client, at a networking event, or doing a presentation. You want to feel comfortable, and you should look like you normally look in your photo.

Colours:

Block colours and tones always photograph well. I find these best for staff profiles, as they are less likely to clash with the other team members. This is particularly important if group images are being taken.

Neutral tones always work well, but check on the background. You may wish to avoid wearing tones too similar to the background colour (eg white on a white background, black on a dark background).

Other Tips:

Knowing when you are being photographed is helpful too. If your photoshoot is scheduled for the morning, you can start fresh and ready to go. If it’s scheduled for the afternoon, you might prefer to bring your outfit to change into, so it stays clean and pressed.

3 - Hair and Makeup:

Having your hair and makeup right is important, but my biggest tip is to keep your styling to your everyday look.

Do:
– Touch up any root colouring prior to your photoshoot if necessary.
– Bring a comb or brush along to tidy throughout the day and during your photoshoot.
– Keep your hair away from your eyes and out of your face.
– Use your regular foundation, that matches your skin properly.
– Opt for your everyday look.
– Touch up nails if they will be in your photos.

Don’t:
– Put additional makeup or products on if you don’t usually wear them.
– Drastically change yourself (go for a crazy new hair colour or fake tan before your photos).

4 - Shoot Day Tips:

On the day of your photoshoot make sure you keep an open mind. Communicate with the photographer about your likes and dislikes as you go along.

Discuss what smiles and angles work for you (if you know these things already), and request to review the images if the photographer isn’t already doing so with you.

If your photo is scheduled for after lunch, bring your photo outfit along to work with you, so you can change and avoid any spills, sweat, or creasing.

You’ll Be Fine!

Remember, don’t sweat the small stuff. Your staff headshot is and should be a celebration of you, your individuality, and your career. Keep your photo, and hold onto it to look back on in 20 or 30 years.

Don’t have your staff headshots booked yet?
If you are in Melbourne, Australia, I would love to work with your team. Check out all the information for my team photography and request a quote here.