Group headshots sessions can be fun and exciting, but they can also be stressful and chaotic. Like any other business event, planning and preparation are key to success. To ensure that the session goes smoothly, it is important to communicate clearly with the photographer, outlining your expectations and goals for the session. Doing so will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that you get the group headshots that you need. By taking the time to properly prepare for the session, you can help to ensure that the session runs smoothly and that everyone feels comfortable. This guide will outline the best practices for preparing for your group headshot session, so you can capture the perfect images for your business.
Defining Your Goals and Expectations
Before you begin to plan your group headshot session, it is important to sit down with your team and discuss your goals and expectations. Start by asking each member of the group how they envision the session going. Listen carefully to their responses and make note of any concerns that they express. Once you have heard from all of your team members, it will be much easier to outline your goals and expectations for the session. Your goals and expectations will likely vary, depending on the reason that you are getting group headshots. For example, if your goal is to increase brand recognition and marketing, it is important to consider the messages that your images convey. Do you want to portray your team as friendly and approachable? Or are you trying to convey a sense of professionalism and prestige? It is important to consider these elements when deciding which images will be used for marketing purposes.
Scheduling the Session
Once you have outlined your goals and expectations for the session, it is important to sit down with the photographer to select a time and date for the session. The best way to go about doing this is to send the photographer a message outlining your goals and expectations, as well as a date and time that you would like to schedule the session. This will allow the photographer to consider the best possible date and time, based on their current availability. Once you select a date and time for the session, be sure to send an email to your entire team, reminding them of the date and time that the session will take place. This will help ensure that everyone remembers the session and has enough time to schedule the time off work or find child care if needed. It is also a good idea to send any additional information that you discussed with the photographer along with the email.
Preparing Your Team
If your team has never worked with a photographer before, you may want to consider bringing in an expert to teach your team members how to pose. A posing expert can help your team members feel more comfortable in front of the camera and lead them through the session, so they don’t have to figure it out on their own. A posing expert can also teach your team members how to properly check their surroundings and make sure that they are positioned in a way that looks their best. Additionally, if several members of your team are uncomfortable getting group headshots, it is a good idea to consider bringing in a therapist or psychologist to help them feel more comfortable. This will help to ensure that everyone feels at ease during the session and that no one is holding back.
Choosing Wardrobe
When choosing wardrobe for your group headshot session, it is important to select pieces that fit the photographic style that you have selected and that will work well together. If you have selected a more formal photographic style, it is a good idea to dress in business casual attire. If you have selected an editorial style, you may want to consider wearing casual, everyday clothing. It is important to keep in mind that whatever clothing you choose, the outfits should look cohesive and match well together. It is also important to keep seasonal weather conditions in mind when selecting wardrobe. If you are getting group headshots outside during a chilly winter day, you may want to select thicker clothing. Similarly, if you are getting group headshots outside during a hot summer day, it is a good idea to wear clothing that is light and breathable.
Selecting a Location
Once you have selected your photographic style and wardrobe, it is time to select the perfect location for your group headshot session. If you have selected a formal photographic style, it is a good idea to select a location that has soft, neutral backgrounds. This will allow you to easily crop and edit the photographs, so that you can use them for different purposes. If you have selected an editorial photographic style, you may want to consider selecting a location with bold, vibrant backgrounds. This will allow you to create eye-catching photographs that are great for branding purposes. Additionally, if you have selected an editorial style, it is important to consider the weather conditions. If you are shooting during a hot summer day, it may be a good idea to select a location that is indoors and out of the sun. We can also shoot at our studio.
Preparing for the Session
Once you have selected your photographic style, wardrobe, and location for your group headshot session, it is important to begin preparing for the session. Begin by making sure that everyone on your team has plenty of time to prepare for the session. If you have makeup artists on your team, it is a good idea to have them come early to do makeup and hair for everyone on the session. This will help ensure that everyone is ready to go as soon as the photographer is ready to start shooting. Additionally, it is a good idea for everyone on your team to review their portfolios and headshots before the session. This will allow everyone to be familiar with their headshots and know what they want to go for in the session. This will ensure that everyone is prepared and knows what to expect during the session.
Working with the Photographer
Once you have arrived at the location for the group headshot session, it is important to make sure that you are prepared to work with the photographer. First, it is a good idea to check in with the photographer, letting them know that you are there and ready to begin. This will let the photographer know that you are prepared and ready to start working. As the group headshot session progresses, it is important to make sure that you are paying attention to the photographer’s directions. If you follow the photographer’s directions, you will be more likely to get the images that you want. It is important to keep in mind that not all photographers work the same way. Some photographers may ask you to do certain poses, whereas others may tell you when to change poses. It is important to pay attention to the photographer’s directions, so you know when to change poses.
Choosing Your Final Images
Once the group headshot session has come to a close, it is important to sit down with the photographer and select your final images. This can be a tricky process, as you will likely have dozens of images to choose from. Start by narrowing down your selections to the best images that represent your team’s brand. Once you have selected the best images, you will be ready to move forward with printing your group headshots. If you have not yet chosen a photographer for your group headshots, our Headshots team can help. We have a network of experienced and talented photographers across the United States. All of our photographers are carefully vetted and have years of experience working in a variety of industries.
Mike Haller
stlouisheadshots@gmail.com
314-913-5626
St Louis Headshots 