A team page with mismatched photos gives visitors a poor first impression. Different backgrounds, crops, and lighting make people look like they belong to different companies. Missing photographs leave gaps that highlight lack of attention to detail.
Professional team headshots in Manchester fix this by giving everyone the same look, whatever their role, no matter their role or how long they have been with you. This guide explains how to plan a team shoot and what to expect when working with Paul Currie Photography.
Why consistency matters
Website visitors often check the team or about us page before contacting you. They want to know who they will be dealing with. Matching headshots show that the business is organised, consistent and up-to-date.
Consistency also helps in practice. When every photo has the same crop, background and lighting, your designer can lay them out cleanly. The images look right wherever they are used, perhaps on your website, proposals, tender documents, brochures and email signatures.
Planning a team headshot session
A little preparation keeps the day running smoothly.
- Agree on the look first. Decide on background and style before the shoot. A plain light or dark background suits most professional services firms. A more relaxed setting may suit creative or hospitality businesses. Paul can advise based on your branding and existing website.
- Choose the formats. Tell Paul where the images will be used. Website team pages, LinkedIn and print often need different crops. It is easier to plan for these in advance rather than to fix them afterwards.
- Set a schedule. Allow 10 to 15 minutes per person and give each a time slot. This keeps the day moving smoothly and avoids staff waiting. For larger teams, spread the session over a half or full day.
- Brief your colleagues. Let staff know what to wear and how long the session will take. Solid colours work best, and it helps to avoid small patterns or large logos. Ask people to bring a spare top or two if they are unsure.
- Cover absentees. Staff on leave or working remotely will miss the shoot. Agree in advance how to handle them, whether a second visit, a short follow-up session or a day set aside for new starters. Matching a later photo to the original set is easier if the same photographer carries out a shoot on a regular basis.
Shooting at your premises
For most teams, the simplest option is for Paul come to you. A meeting room or quiet corner of the office is enough. Colleagues step out for a few minutes and return to work, keeping disruption low.
Paul has photographed corporate headshots on location for clients including Heineken and Greene King. One example in his portfolio was shot at a pub in Sale, Greater Manchester, showing the approach works in venues that aren’t conventional studios.
What you receive
Each person can review their images and choose their favourite. Paul retouches the selected photos to a natural standard, then supplies them in the agreed sizes and file types. You can then give the full set to your web designer, marketing team or HR department for use across various platforms.
Team headshots for growing businesses
If you hire regularly, it is worth keeping the same photographer. Paul can match the original style on later visits, so new starters appear alongside existing staff without any noticeable differences.
Frequently asked questions
How many people can be photographed in a day? It depends on the group size and how much time each person needs. Discuss numbers with Paul when you enquire, and he can suggest a schedule for you.
Can we have group photos as well? We can arrange group and office photographs alongside individual portraits. Mention this when you book so enough time is allowed.
Do you work outside Manchester city centre? Yes. Paul covers Greater Manchester and the wider Northwest.
Arrange your team headshots in Manchester
To discuss your team, numbers and dates, contact Paul Currie Photography via his enquiry form https://www.paulcurrie.co.uk/contact/.