Every headshot photographer has been in this position. You are on a professional headshot job, shooting headshots on location when the client asks you, “Can we also do a quick group photo?” Here’s the truth: good group photos are rarely quick. They need space, time, and a little bit of planning. If you want your team photo to look awesome, here’s how to plan your corporate group photos.
1. Corporate Group Photos Need Space
Use this simple formula: 2 feet of width per person.
- 4 people = 8 feet wide
- 10 people = 20 feet
- 20 people = 40 feet
Most offices don’t have that kind of space. Open lobbies or cleared-out conference rooms work best. For outdoor photos, you still need the same space, plus good lighting and a simple background.
2. Time of Day and Weather Matter
Outdoor photos look best in soft morning or late afternoon light. Midday sun creates shadows and squinting. If you’re planning to shoot outside, always have an indoor backup. Weather can shift fast, and scrambling for Plan B in the moment adds stress no one needs.
3. Do the Group Photo First
Group photos are best done before individual headshots.
- People are fresh and focused
- You get everyone in one place
- Folks with tight schedules can leave sooner
It’s just a smarter use of everyone’s time.
4. Communicate Clearly
Let your team know:
- What to wear
- Where to go and when to be there
- That the group photo is happening
And tell your photographer how many people will be in the photo. Don’t wait until the day of to make that decision.
5. Give the Photographer Time
Setup matters. For lighting, testing angles, and arranging people, allow at least 15–30 minutes before shooting. Skipping this step leads to rushed photos that don’t reflect your team’s professionalism.
6. Can You Add Someone Later?
Technically, yes. But honestly? It never looks right. For small groups or headshot composites, it’s doable with planning. In larger group shots, it’s tough to match lighting, angles, and placement perfectly. If someone will be missing, let us know early. We can sometimes plan the setup to make adding them easier. But the best result always comes from having everyone there at once.
Final Thought: A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
A great group photo is a valuable asset. With just a little prep, you can avoid last-minute stress and get a clean, professional image your team will actually want to share.
Need Corporate Group Photos for Your Team?
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Check back soon for our video guide to planning the perfect group photo.
