What to Tell Your Employees Before a Company Headshot Day (A Ready-to-Send Guide)
If you are the person at your company responsible for organizing a headshot day, your job does not end once the date is booked. Getting employees to show up prepared — wearing the right clothes, knowing what to expect, and feeling confident enough to take a good photo — can make or break the quality of the final images.
The good news is that when you work with us, you do not have to figure out what to tell them. We handle it.
Every employee who books a time slot through our scheduling system receives everything they need to arrive prepared. But for those who want a preview of what that guidance covers — or who simply want to understand what a well-run headshot day looks like from the employee's perspective — here is exactly what goes into it.
What to Wear
Wardrobe is the single biggest variable in headshot quality. Employees who show up in the wrong outfit often end up with photos they are not happy with, regardless of how good the lighting or the photographer is.
We guide employees toward solid, neutral colors that photograph cleanly — navy, charcoal, white, soft grey, and muted tones tend to work well. Busy patterns, loud prints, and overly casual clothing pull attention away from the face, which is always the focal point of a professional headshot.
Employees are encouraged to bring a second option. Having a backup top takes less than a minute to try and can make a meaningful difference in the final result.
What to Do with Hair and Makeup
Employees should arrive looking exactly as they would for an important client meeting — not more dressed up, not more casual. The goal is an accurate, polished representation of how they present themselves professionally every day.
For those who wear makeup, we recommend a matte finish where possible, as shine can be amplified under studio lighting. Hair should be neat and intentional. If someone is considering a significant haircut or color change, they should do it before the session rather than after.
What to Expect on the Day
One of the most common sources of anxiety around headshots is simply not knowing what is going to happen. We address that directly in the prep materials we send.
Employees arrive at their scheduled time, check in by name, and are guided through the session from there. The process is efficient and low-pressure. Most employees are done within fifteen to twenty minutes. We direct posing, coach expressions, and review images together in real time so employees leave confident in their results.
There is no need to memorize poses or practice in the mirror the night before. We take care of all of it.
What Not to Do the Morning Of
A few common mistakes can affect the quality of a headshot even before the session begins. We remind employees to avoid trying a new skincare product or treatment immediately before the session, to get a full night of sleep, and to stay hydrated. These small details show up in the final images more than most people expect.
We also ask employees not to iron their clothes for the first time the morning of the session and discover a stain at the last minute — a lesson learned more than once on corporate headshot days.
Why This Matters for Your Company
When employees arrive prepared, sessions run faster, results are stronger, and the final images are ones your team is actually proud to use. A polished, consistent set of headshots across your entire staff reflects well on the company as a whole — on your website, on LinkedIn, and in every first impression your team makes online.
When you book a corporate headshot session with us, your employees receive all of this guidance automatically. Your job is simply to forward the scheduling link. We handle the rest.
Ready to Book Your Company's Headshot Day?
Contact us to learn more about how our corporate headshot sessions work for Atlanta businesses and what your team can expect from start to finish.
FAQ
Do employees need to do anything to prepare for a corporate headshot session?
Yes, but we make it easy. Every employee who books through our scheduling system receives detailed prep materials covering wardrobe, hair, makeup, and what to expect on the day. No coordination is required from your team.
What should employees wear for a professional headshot?
Solid, neutral colors tend to photograph best. Navy, charcoal, white, and soft grey are strong choices. Busy patterns and overly casual clothing distract from the face. We recommend bringing a backup outfit as well.
How long does each employee's session take?
Most employees are in and out within fifteen to twenty minutes. Sessions are efficient and low-pressure, with posing and expression coaching included throughout.
What if an employee is nervous about being photographed?
That is completely normal and something we address directly. We coach employees through the entire session, review images together in real time, and create an environment where most people relax quickly.
Do you provide prep materials to employees directly?
Yes. When employees schedule through our custom booking system, they receive everything they need to arrive prepared. The company contact does not need to compile or distribute any guidance.