Vegas means business. This city is built for conventions, retreats and large team gatherings. It’s no surprise that a hotel suite often doubles as company headquarters for a few days. Getting fresh headshots of your team members while everyone is in one place can be a great use of the space and time you are sharing while in town.
Fresh headshots that all match are a rare gift for any marketing manager, and using a suite you’ve already booked feels like the easy answer.
Here’s the thing, though. A hotel suite is designed for sleeping, working and relaxing, not for photography. I was reminded of that recently while photographing headshots and group photos for a company in a gorgeous luxury suite on the Strip. The room was beautiful and the team was wonderful, but the space wasn’t as tidy as it could have been, and it wasn’t really set up for headshots or group photos. It got me thinking about how a little prep could make the experience smoother for everyone.
The good news is that a few small steps can turn almost any suite into a place where your team looks polished and feels relaxed. These headshots end up everywhere, from your website’s team page to LinkedIn profiles to speaker bios and email signatures. Their usefulness and versatility make it all the more important that you set your group up for success.
Here’s the checklist I’d suggest every marketing manager use before the photographer arrives.
1. Scout the Space
The goal is to choose the spot best suited for photos. Take a quick lap around the suite a day or two ahead.
TO DO: Find the best window and the cleanest wall. Those are the spots where your photos will happen.
Snap a few pictures or record a quick video and send them to your photographer. I’m always happy to take a look and tell you where I’d set up, and it takes the guesswork out of shoot day.
2. Clear the Camera Zone
Whatever is situated behind your team members will show up in every single photo. Luggage, half-finished coffee cups, charging cables, swag bags and conference lanyards all love to clutter up an otherwise comfortable and easily accessible site.
TO DO: Grab a laundry bag or tote and do a quick “sweep and stash” to clear the area where the photos will be taken.
And close the bedroom door. An unmade bed doesn’t belong on your ‘Meet the Team’ page.
3. Let the Light In
Soft daytime window light is flattering on just about everyone, and you don’t want natural light and artificial light fighting each other. The contrasting light sources can make skin tones look totally off. Even LinkedIn’s own talent team recommends soft, natural light for profile photos.
TO DO: Open the curtains and turn off the lamps and overhead lights.
Las Vegas sunshine is no joke. But most hotel builders know this and have installed tinted windows. But, if it’s still blasting straight into the room when the photographer arrives, we can easily adjust the curtains by just shifting the sheer layer back into the mix.
4. Make Room for the Whole Crew
Suites often have a lovely living area that’s also packed with furniture. Group photos need open floor so everyone can stand comfortably and your photographer can step back to get everyone in frame.
TO DO: Push the sofa and coffee table to the side. A good rule of thumb: if you can’t walk all the way around your subject, the space is too tight.
Watch out for mirrors and glossy artwork too! They have a sneaky way of reflecting the photographer, the lights and that pile of luggage you forgot about.
5. Set Up a Support Station
The little details keep a session moving and your team relaxed.
TO DO: Create a corner with:
- A mirror for last-minute touch-ups
- A lint roller (and a steamer or iron, if the hotel can supply one)
- Drinking water
- A few chairs for waiting on-deck and in-the-hole before each team member reaches the batter’s box.
That waiting area matters more than you’d think. Teammates hovering behind the camera can make the person in the hot seat feel self-conscious.
6. Know When to Take It Somewhere Else
Sometimes, even with perfect prep, a suite just isn’t the right fit. If the room is small or dim, or you’ve got a big team to rotate through, you may get a better experience elsewhere.
A few options to consider:
- A hotel meeting room or ballroom: Plain walls and room to spread out.
- A studio rented by the hour: Peerspace lists photo studios around Las Vegas that you can book by the hour.
- Your own office or conference room: Familiar, convenient and easy to schedule around. (Good for companies that are local to Vegas)
- On location: Somewhere with a backdrop that fits your company’s personality. Vegas has just about everything you can need or imagine. I’ve done photo sessions for businesses in unique spots all around the valley. If you’re having trouble brainstorming a spot, get in touch!
TO DO: When you’re deciding, ask yourself three questions. Can everyone fit comfortably? Is the light flattering? Does the setting feel like our brand?
If the answer to any of them is “not really,” it’s worth exploring another spot. Matching the location to your company’s story is a big part of what makes brand photography work, and it’s much easier to get right when we plan it together.
Let’s Get Your Team Camera-Ready
Your marketing team has enough on its plate without worrying about rearranging furniture. I can help you choose the right space, plan the day and make sure your team looks great.
Whether it’s a suite, a ballroom or a studio across town, I’d love to help you pull it off. And if your headshots are part of a bigger gathering, I also cover corporate events in Las Vegas. Get in touch today and let’s get your team set up for photos you’ll be proud to use.
