How to Prepare Your Team for Company Headshots
When someone asks us to photograph their company, one of my first questions is: what do you want these photographs to feel like?
Serious? Approachable? Consistent with the rest of your website? Sometimes you simply need customers to recognize the person they are about to meet.
That answer helps us plan the background, lighting and expressions. Then we figure out the practical things: how many people, where we will work and when you need the photographs.
A plain backdrop is not your only option.
We can plan a clean background in a color that fits your brand. That can be a good choice when you want photographs to sit consistently together in a staff directory.
Our personal favorite is often your business space. A little brick, an office or another familiar setting can say something about the company without taking over the photograph. We use lighting, framing and depth to keep the person as the focus.
You do not have to decide this alone. Show us where you are thinking, share an example you like and tell us if the new images need to match photographs you already use.
Plan around the workday, not just the camera.
If we are using an active office as the background, we need to think about people walking through it. Before opening or after the workday may make more sense than trying to photograph someone in a busy shared space.
Pick one organizer who can help with the roster, location and internal communication. Let us know about shift changes, people who cannot attend the main session and any deadline for the website or announcement.
We will discuss the setup and schedule with you. A separate return visit needs its own plan and quote, so it is helpful to identify that early.
Your employees do not need to know how to pose.
That is our job. We guide people through expressions and a few poses, often including sitting or standing options depending on the session. We want the photograph to feel like the person, not like everyone was told to hold the same uncomfortable position.
For clothing, start with what represents your business. Tell employees well in advance whether to wear uniforms, branded polos or another kind of attire. Give people time to check the fit, wrinkles and details before they walk in front of the camera.
Set aside about five minutes for each person to use a mirror and check their appearance before their turn. That is preparation time, not a promise that the entire photo appointment takes five minutes.
What if someone wears glasses?
Bring the glasses you normally wear. If we see glare, we can adjust the light or positioning; we may also ask whether you are comfortable taking them off for some photographs. If you already wear contacts and prefer them, that is another option. We will talk it through rather than make everyone follow the same rule.
Allow setup time before the first employee arrives.
Our lighting and camera setup often takes about 30 to 60 minutes. A long walk from the unloading area or a more involved location can take longer. That time belongs in the schedule before the first headshot appointment.
The actual time per person depends on poses, looks and how much reviewing you want to do. We confirm that with your organizer. Arriving on time and already dressed is one of the simplest ways to keep the rest of the team on schedule.
We usually have a laptop so people can review a few photographs. Some say, “Yep, we trust you.” Others want to see their smile and try another shot. That is useful, but the plan needs enough room for it so one appointment does not back up everyone else.
For the person who would rather skip the camera.
We keep it casual, talk you through it and give you direction. You do not need a rehearsed pose. For many headshot sessions, we prefer continuous lighting, which stays on rather than flashing between frames. Other setups need flash. We choose the approach for the space and the photograph.
Tell staff where to go, what to wear and that we will help them through it. It should feel like a short conversation, not a test.
Know what you will receive before booking.
Our current starting headshot options include five finished images per person, posing and expression guidance, basic retouching and digital gallery delivery. Your team can download the finished photographs for the agreed uses, such as your website, staff profiles and professional accounts.
Detailed retouching is something to discuss, not assume. Tell us if there is a specific request so we can confirm what is included or quote additional work.
We often aim to deliver within a week, depending on the number of people and the project. Your proposal confirms the delivery timing. Let us know about a firm deadline before booking.
What do company headshots cost?
At Fox Brush Films, team headshots start at $125 per person for 2–9 people, or $110 per person for 10 or more, plus $250 setup per location/session. Those rates apply to one scheduled session with one agreed backdrop or setting and include five finished images per person.
Individual sessions start at $375, including setup for one person, one location and one backdrop. Travel and applicable sales tax are additional. Extra looks, extensive retouching and separate return visits require a quote. For a large team, conference or event, ask about a tailored bulk quote. Your proposal confirms the scope and final total.
See the current headshot starting options and scope →
Questions worth clearing up early.
Can you come to our workplace?
Yes. We plan an on-location setup with you. Tell us about the available space, normal business activity and the background you want.
Can we update only a few team members?
Yes. Share the existing photographs so we can discuss the background and framing. We will confirm what is practical and quote the session before booking.
Can we add photographs of the business itself?
Bring that up during planning. Workplace images need time and a shot list of their own. We can discuss a combined scope instead of treating them as an assumed extra.
