Photographs are the face of any brand. Internal photo shoots that showcase your team, your working methods and your company are all about authenticity. Do you want to show your employees in the best light and convey your corporate culture at the same time? Then a well-planned internal photo shoot is key. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your shoot.

What it's about

 

1. Getting ready to go

2. Authenticity vs. staging

3. Equipment and technology

4. Timing and procedure

5. Post-processing and fine-tuning

Getting ready to go

You think a photo shoot starts when someone picks up a camera? Think again! Most of the time is spent preparing. From finding the location to choosing the outfits and dress code to coordinating the staff, everything needs to be well thought out.

  • Consistent look: Develop a briefing that informs everyone of the desired style and visual language. Consistency ensures a professional look.
  • Location check: Where will the shoot take place? Office, conference room, or outdoors? Make sure the environment reinforces the desired message. A modern office setting or an interesting architectural backdrop emphasizes dynamism and creativity.
  • Clothing and styling: What are employees wearing? Uniform or individual? Clothing should be in keeping with the corporate culture, but should not distract from faces and emotions. In general, we recommend avoiding clothing in bright colors, with small patterns or prints.

     


 

Time wasters: When planning, do not underestimate the time needed to coordinate appointments. The more "models" you have to photograph, the more coordination you will need. And don't forget about last-minute cancellations and last-minute rescheduling requests. It is best to always have someone "up your sleeve" who can step in when needed.

Authenticity vs. staging

There is often a fine line between natural and posed photos. The goal is to create authentic images that still look professional.

  • Shoot without "awkward" poses: Posed photos can quickly look stiff and unnatural. Instead, focus on real interactions. Coworker conversations, small meetings, or focused work moments provide many opportunities for real snapshots.
  • The workplace as a stage: Use the workplace as a natural backdrop. Images that show employees in their familiar surroundings look authentic and convey a real sense of the company's culture.
  • Capture emotions: Smiling faces and relaxed postures signal a positive work environment. Create a relaxed atmosphere during the shoot to capture genuine emotions.

Time wasters: It often takes a while for people to feel comfortable on camera. Give them time to settle in and create a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
 

Equipment and technology

An internal photo shoot is not the same as a glossy photo shoot, but the technique should be right.

  • Light is everything: Make sure you use natural light. This adds warmth and authenticity to the photos. If there is not enough light in the office, softboxes or external light sources can help.
  • The right camera: A good SLR camera is often sufficient for indoor shots. It doesn't have to be the most expensive piece of equipment - but the person behind the camera should know how to use it.

Time wasters: The technical setup takes longer than you think. Setting up the lighting and especially the camera requires sensitivity and patience. If the location is your own workplace, the background may also need to be set up in a few simple steps. The more locations you use and the more location changes you have to make, the more time you should allow.

Timing and procedure

While preparation is crucial, you should remain flexible during the shoot. Sometimes the best photos are spontaneous.

  • Involve employees: Let your employees know when and where the shoot will take place. Explain what to expect so they feel comfortable. Some people are more nervous in front of the camera than others - take time to loosen everyone up by taking breaks to move around or make funny comments.
  • Breaks and relaxation: Plan the shoot to include time for breaks. This will keep the mood going, and employees will look fresh and motivated in the pictures.

Post-processing and fine-tuning

After the photos are taken, the post-processing begins. The goal is to put the finishing touches on the images without making them look unnatural.

  • Image selection: Choosing the best images from hundreds can take hours. Make sure the images you choose reflect the diversity of your team and the atmosphere of your company.
  • Consistent visual language: Ensure that the photos have a consistent style. Color adjustments or filters and subtle retouching can help give the images a professional look.
  • Get feedback: Involve employees in the process by allowing them to approve their images before they are published. This creates transparency and satisfaction.

Time waster: Post-processing can take a lot of time, especially if there are a lot of photos. A clear visual language up front can help minimize the effort.

Conclusion

Preparation saves time and nerves. Keep an eye on time wasters and plan for adequate buffers. The more time and mental flexibility you have, the easier it will be to create a relaxed atmosphere for yourself and your employees.