How to Prep Your Team for Brand Photos + Headshots | Norman, Oklahoma Brand Photographer

If you’ve booked a brand session that includes team headshots — yay! These photos are such an important piece of your brand presence, and I promise they don’t have to be stressful or stiff. In fact, one of the most common things I hear after team sessions is, “Wow, that was so easy!”

Here are a few helpful tips to make sure your team is prepped, confident, and ready to show up as their best selves:

1. Spread the word early (and set the tone!)

Let your team know that we’re keeping things relaxed, efficient, and well-guided. I’ll be directing each person through a few quick poses and letting them choose their favorite headshot right there on the back of my camera. The whole process takes just a few minutes per person, and I promise — no awkward yearbook photo vibes.

Encourage them to show up as themselves, but polished and professional.

2. What to wear (and what to avoid)

Ask your team to come in clothing that fits your brand vibe and feels like them — solid colors, simple textures, and minimal patterns usually photograph best. A few tips to share with your crew:

• Avoid tiny patterns like pinstripes or houndstooth (they can warp or flicker on camera)

• Steer clear of large logos unless they’re part of your brand

• Bring a lint roller and give clothes a quick once-over for pet hair or fuzz

• Make sure clothes are wrinkle-free and well-fitting

Bonus points: bring a brush or comb to tame flyaways right before their turn in front of the camera.

3. Bring ideas — or just show up!

I’ll guide and direct everyone throughout the session (promise!) but if anyone has a pose they love, or if you’ve seen a headshot style you’d like to try, bring it! A few photo examples or a Pinterest board are always welcome.

This is your chance to capture not just polished professional portraits, but a little bit of the personality and heart behind your brand.

4. Let me handle the logistics

I’ll scout the best photo locations within your office (or wherever we’re shooting), and I can bring a solid-color backdrop if needed. All you need to do is make sure your team arrives during the timeframe we’ve planned for their shots — I’ll take it from there.

5. Want to go deeper?

If you're a small business or founder who’s also planning to get some updated personal brand photos during this session, check out my brand client prep guide here — it goes more in-depth on outfits, location ideas, and what to bring.

Photos don’t have to feel like a chore. With just a little prep, we’ll create natural, professional images that actually feel like you and your team — and that you’ll be excited to share.

If you have any questions before the session or want to talk through outfit ideas or locations, I’m just an email away.