A Simple Guide for Professionals and Teams

Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile, refreshing your company website, or preparing a press kit, a well-executed corporate headshot speaks volumes. It projects trust, approachability, and professionalism in today’s digital-first business world, it's often the first impression you’ll make.

At Framed Duck Studio, we’ve worked with individuals and companies across various sectors—from legal and tech to real estate and creative services. While every brand has its own tone and values, there are a few universal tips that apply to every corporate headshot session.

Here’s how to prepare for your shoot and what to expect:

1. Know Your Brand (and Dress for It)

Your clothing should reflect your industry and your role within it. A solicitor in a boutique firm will have different expectations than a tech startup founder or a freelance consultant. Some general guidelines:

Formal Industries (Legal, Finance, Corporate): Opt for classic tailoring—suits, blazers, shirts with collars. Keep patterns minimal and avoid overly bright colours.
Creative & Tech Sectors: Smart-casual often works best. Think clean lines, solid colours, and stylish comfort.
Startup Vibe or Personal Branding: Want something more relaxed and authentic? That’s fine too—but it should still look intentional.

Tip: Bring two options to the shoot. We’ll help you decide what photographs work best under studio lights.

2. Grooming & Styling

Corporate doesn’t mean stiff, but polish matters. Here’s what we recommend:

Hair: Get a trim a few days before the shoot (not the day before). Avoid experimenting with new hairstyles.
Skin: Stay hydrated in the days leading up. Moisturise. If you’re prone to shiny skin, a bit of translucent powder or blotting just before the shoot helps.
Makeup: Should look natural and clean. Avoid overly glossy finishes.
Beards & Facial Hair: Tidy up edges or shave clean, depending on your usual look.

We’re here to help you look like your best self, not a different person altogether.

3. Posture, Expression & Confidence

This is where coaching makes the biggest difference. A great headshot is less about the angle and more about you feeling comfortable in front of the camera.

At Framed Duck Studio, we’ll guide you through poses and expressions to find that sweet spot between professional and personable.

Eyes: Engaged, present, alert.
Smile: Open and relaxed, not forced.
Posture: Relaxed shoulders, good spine alignment, slight lean forward-subtle cues make a big difference.

We often shoot tethered so you can preview a few frames. That feedback helps us fine-tune your best angles and get that confident, authentic shot.

4. Studio vs. Location vs. Outdoors

We offer several setup options depending on what your business needs:

Studio (Morden): A clean, distraction-free environment with controlled lighting. Ideal for consistency across teams.
On-Location (Your Office): Great for larger groups or busy teams. We bring the setup to you.
Outdoor Portraits: Want something less formal or with a modern twist? Outdoor headshots around London (especially for founders, consultants, and creatives) are an excellent choice.

We can mix setups too - for example, studio headshots for your team and outdoor portraits for your leadership page.

5. Team Headshots: Keep It Consistent

If we’re shooting your whole team, we’ll create a consistent visual language across everyone’s photos. That means:

Similar framing and lighting
Background cohesion
Coordinated styling tips shared in advance

We’ll help make the process seamless, organised, and enjoyable for everyone involved (even for camera-shy team members, we’ve got you covered).

6. Delivery, Retouching & Usage

After the shoot:

You’ll receive a private, secure online gallery to review and select your preferred images.
Your chosen images will be retouched (light and natural: flyaway hair, blemishes, undereye shadows).
Files are provided in high-res and web-optimised formats, perfect for LinkedIn, press releases, websites, and business cards.

Need your headshot on a transparent background? Want a portrait version for speaking gigs? We’re happy to tailor the output for your exact needs.

Final Thought

A corporate headshot isn’t just a picture-it’s a tool. It tells the story of who you are, what you do, and how you work. Whether you're solo or part of a larger team, we're here to make sure that the story comes across clearly, confidently, and professionally.

Feel ready?
Book a session with Framed Duck Studio or get in touch for tailored advice - we’d love to help.

How to Prepare for a Corporate Headshot