HOW TO PREPARE
For Your Team Headshot Session
Your company booked a team headshot session. Great. Now you have one job: show up looking like the best version of yourself.
Unlike an individual headshot session where you have time to change outfits, try different looks, and ease into the process, a team session moves efficiently. Each person gets a short window in front of the camera. That is not a bad thing. It just means a little preparation goes a long way.
Here is exactly what to do before photo day.
Opt for a Tailored Look
You will most likely be wearing whatever you wore to work that day, so plan ahead.
Choose an outfit the night before that you would wear to an important meeting or a client presentation. Something polished, something that fits well, something that feels like you on a good day. Solid colors in muted tones photograph best. Avoid bold prints, busy patterns, and large logos.
If you want a second look, bring a jacket you can throw on or take off. Women with longer hair can pull it back or let it down between shots for variety. Small changes like that give you options without slowing anything down.
Iron or steam your clothes the night before. Wrinkles that are invisible in person show up on camera.
Grooming
Haircut: Schedule it 1 to 7 days before the session. A fresh cut can look too sharp, so if you go the day before, make sure your barber or stylist knows you have photos. A few days out is ideal if you want it to settle into its natural shape.
Hair color: If you color your hair, make sure your roots are touched up. Regrowth is more noticeable on camera than it is in your bathroom mirror.
Facial hair: If you have a beard, trim and shape it the day before. If you are clean-shaven, shave the morning of.
Skin: Drink water and get a good night's sleep. It sounds basic, but dehydration and fatigue show up on camera in ways you would not expect. If you are prone to dry skin, moisturize well the morning of.
Makeup
For women: come with your regular, everyday makeup. The goal is to look like yourself, not a glamour shot. If anything, go slightly more polished than your daily routine, but do not overdo it. Skip the false lashes. Avoid heavy contouring. Bring your makeup bag for touch-ups between your turn and the camera.
For men: basic grooming is enough. If you have uneven skin tone or redness, a light tinted moisturizer can help even things out without looking like you are wearing anything.
For a deeper dive into what photographs well and what does not, check out my makeup guide for headshots.
What to Expect During the Session
Team sessions are designed to be efficient, not rushed. Each person typically spends about 10 minutes with me. I handle all the posing and expression coaching, so you do not need to figure out what to do with your hands or how to angle your face. Just show up prepared and I will take care of the rest.
If you are someone who gets nervous in front of the camera, that is completely normal. Most people do. The session is quick enough that there is no time to overthink it, and I will guide you through the whole thing.
Quick Checklist
- ✓Avoid bold prints
- ✓Wear what you would wear for an important business meeting
- ✓Opt for a tailored look
- ✓Avoid necklaces
- ✓Solid muted tones work best
Have questions about your upcoming team session? Get in touch and I will help you and your team prepare.