Corporate headshots are often the first impression potential clients, partners, and employees have of your team. Yet after photographing hundreds of businesses across Hertfordshire and beyond, I've noticed the same mistakes appearing time and again—costing companies credibility, consistency, and ultimately, conversions.
As a commercial photographer who's worked with everyone from local start-ups to big multi-nationals, I've seen what works and what doesn't. Here are the five biggest mistakes businesses make with their corporate headshots, and more importantly, how to avoid them.
1. Using Different Photographers (or Styles) for Different Team Members
The Mistake
Your Operations Director was photographed two years ago by one photographer. Your new Marketing Manager used their friend with a DSLR. Your CEO had professional headshots done in London. The result? Your "Meet the Team" page looks like a ransom note—different backgrounds, different lighting, different editing styles.
Why It Matters
Inconsistent headshots signal an inconsistent brand. Research shows that brand consistency increases revenue by up to 33%. When your team photos don't match, it suggests:
Lack of attention to detail
Disorganised business practices
Different standards for different people
The Fix
Book all headshots in one session with one photographer. If you're hiring throughout the year, establish a relationship with a commercial photographer who can maintain consistency. At a minimum, agree on:
Background colour/style (plain grey, white, or subtle blur)
Lighting setup (same direction, same softness)
Framing (headshot vs head-and-shoulders vs three-quarter length)
Retouching style (natural vs heavily edited)
Pro tip: Keep a reference photo from your first session to share with your photographer for future team additions.
2. Accepting "Good Enough" Self-Portraits and Smartphone Photos
The Mistake
"Sarah can just take a selfie," or "John's iPhone 15 Pro has portrait mode, that'll work." I hear this more than you'd think, especially from tech-savvy teams who assume equipment equals quality.
Why It Matters
While smartphone cameras have improved dramatically, they cannot replicate professional lighting, lens quality, and most importantly, the perspective that makes faces look natural and flattering. Common issues with DIY headshots:
Distortion from wide-angle lenses (makes noses look larger, faces rounder)
Unflattering angles (looking up or down creates double chins or appears condescending)
Inconsistent lighting (harsh shadows, unflattering highlights)
Amateur composition (too much headroom, off-center subjects)
A study by PhotoFeeler found that professional headshots scored 14% higher for competence and 18% higher for trustworthiness compared to casual photos.
The Fix
Invest in professional headshots for anyone client-facing or representing your brand. The ROI is substantial:
Higher conversion rates on "About Us" and team pages
Improved LinkedIn engagement (profiles with professional photos receive 14x more profile views)
Enhanced recruitment appeal
For businesses in Hertfordshire, I charge £225 for an hour shoot (perhaps 5-7 people) or £795 for a full team day session. This typically includes:
Professional lighting setup
Basic retouching
Digital files optimised for web and print
3. Choosing the Wrong Background and Setting
The Mistake
Photographing the CEO in front of a bookshelf, the sales team against a brick wall, and the finance team on a plain white background. Or worse—the dreaded "office background" with filing cabinets, computer monitors, and colleagues inadvertently photobombing.
Why It Matters
Your background should enhance your subject, not distract from them. The wrong choice can:
Date your photos instantly (that mid-2000s blue swirl background, anyone?)
Confuse your brand message
Look unprofessional due to clutter or distractions
Create technical issues (reflective surfaces, busy patterns)
The Fix
For most businesses, simpler is better. The three best options:
1. Solid neutral backgrounds (grey, white, black)
Timeless and professional
Works across all industries
Easy to maintain consistency
Focuses attention on the person
2. Subtle environmental blur
Shows your actual workspace without distraction
Adds personality while maintaining professionalism
Great for creative industries and modern brands
3. Branded backgrounds
Incorporates company colours subtly
Creates strong brand recognition
Best for larger organisations with established visual identity
Avoid: Busy offices, windows (creates lighting challenges), anything with text or distracting elements, overly "creative" backgrounds that date quickly.
4. Neglecting to Update Headshots Regularly
The Mistake
Your Finance Director's headshot is from 2018. She's since changed her hairstyle, started wearing glasses, and frankly, looks nothing like her photo. Meanwhile, she's meeting clients who've only seen her online profile.
Why It Matters
Outdated headshots create an immediate credibility gap. When someone meets you in person and you look significantly different from your photo, it triggers unconscious distrust. They wonder: "What else isn't accurate?"
Additionally:
SEO and social media algorithms favour fresh content—updating your team page with new photos signals active business
Fashion and styling date photos faster than you think—what looked professional in 2019 may look dated in 2025
Life changes happen—weight fluctuations, hairstyles, ageing, facial hair, glasses
The Fix
Implement a headshot refresh schedule:
Every 12-18 months: Client-facing roles (sales, customer service, leadership) Every 2-3 years: Internal or less visible roles Immediately upon significant change: New hairstyle, facial hair, glasses etc
Smart scheduling tip: Book annual or biannual sessions for your whole team. This is more cost-effective than ad-hoc bookings and ensures consistency. Many photographers (myself included) offer discounted rates for repeat business.
Seasonal approach: Schedule team headshots in spring or autumn when lighting is optimal and people look refreshed (avoid post-Christmas indulgence or mid-summer fatigue).
5. Forgetting to Prepare Your Team (and Yourselves)
The Mistake
Team members show up for their headshot session without preparation:
Wearing wrinkled shirts or busy patterns
Stressed and camera-shy
Unaware of where or how photos will be used
The result? Stiff, uncomfortable photos that don't represent your team's true personality.
Why It Matters
A professional photographer can work magic, but they can't override:
Genuine discomfort that shows in your eyes
Ill-fitting or inappropriate clothing
Lack of understanding about the photo's purpose
Great headshots happen when subjects are relaxed, prepared, and confident. The difference between an "okay" headshot and an exceptional one often comes down to preparation.
The Fix
Before the session, communicate:
Wardrobe guidance
Solid colours in jewel tones (navy, burgundy, forest green) or neutrals
Avoid: White (blends with background), black (too harsh), busy patterns, large logos
Bring 2-3 outfit options
Ensure clothes are pressed and fit well
Grooming standards
Hair appointment day-of or day before
Men: Fresh shave or neatly trimmed facial hair
Women: Professional makeup (natural look, slightly enhanced)
Glasses wearers: Clean lenses!
Mental preparation
Explain where photos will be used (website, LinkedIn, email signatures, etc.)
Encourage people to look at examples they like
Remind them: the photographer wants them to look great
Schedule adequate time—rushing creates anxiety
During the session:
Allow 10-15 minutes per person
Brief them on where to look, how to position their body
Take multiple shots with variations (smiling, serious, different angles)
Show them previews so they feel confident
After the session:
Get feedback on the selection process
Ensure photos are delivered in correct formats and sizes
Update all platforms simultaneously for consistency
Bonus Mistake: Skimping on Photography Budget
I'll add one more common mistake I see regularly: treating headshots as an expense rather than an investment.
Businesses that view headshots as "just photos" tend to:
Choose the cheapest option available
Skip retouching to save money
Use junior team members or interns
Repurpose casual event photos
The reality: Your team's headshots appear on:
Your website (often the first thing prospects see)
LinkedIn (viewed by potential clients, partners, and recruits)
Email signatures (seen hundreds of times daily)
Marketing materials
Conference materials and speaker bios
Press releases
A quality headshot gets thousands of impressions.
How to Get Corporate Headshots Right
Getting professional corporate headshots doesn't need to be complicated. Here's the process I use with clients across Hertfordshire:
1. Initial consultation
Discuss your brand guidelines and colour palette
Understand where photos will be used
Agree on background and style
Set expectations on timeline and deliverables
2. Pre-session preparation (1 week before)
Send wardrobe and preparation guide to all participants
Confirm timing and location
Share example photos
3. Photography session (2-4 hours depending on team size)
Professional lighting setup
Individual attention for each person
Multiple variations and angles
Immediate review so everyone feels confident
4. Post-production (5-7 days)
Natural retouching (removing temporary blemishes, evening skin tones)
Colour consistency across all images
Multiple size options (web, print, social media)
5. Delivery
Digital gallery for easy selection
High-resolution and web-optimised versions
Usage rights for all business purposes
The Bottom Line
Corporate headshots are not just photos—they're a crucial element of your brand identity and first impression. The five mistakes above all stem from the same root issue: treating headshots as an afterthought rather than a strategic business decision.
When you invest in professional, consistent, updated headshots and properly prepare your team, you're investing in:
Credibility that converts prospects into clients
Consistency that reinforces your brand
Professionalism that attracts top talent
Trust that accelerates business relationships
Based in Hertfordshire, I've photographed headshots for businesses ranging from local start-ups to international charities. The companies that get it right see measurable improvements in website engagement, LinkedIn activity, and even recruitment success.
Ready to upgrade your team's professional image? Check my availability for corporate headshot sessions or call me on 07801 414732.