It’s easy to feel nervous about the logistics of a corporate team shoot—what will the space be like? How do you light each person consistently? The reality is that the lighting in an office can be harsh and unflattering—overhead strip lighting is no one’s friend! And space can be really tight. So, I always bring some extra lighting in case we can’t use window light and some compact equipment. Versatile and portable kit is handy here, so I leave my large lights at home and pack light.
1. Hard Shell Suitcase
I spent a long time trying to find a tough camera bag that could hold all my bits and bobs and failed! I searched hardware shops for kit cases and came up empty. The solution that works for me is simply a hard shell suitcase—with a lock, so I can leave it while I pop to the bathroom. An added benefit is it doesn’t look like it contains expensive equipment when traveling to an office with it.
I pack my camera kit in a camera bag as usual but pack all my headshot accoutrement in the suitcase. This also means I can leave it all packed and ready to go when I’m home again, knowing it has everything I need in it for my next team shoot.
2. Folding Stool
Heavy stepladders are not ideal when you’re on the move—a folding stool is a great solution here. It packs flat and is very lightweight. I’m 5 ft 7 in., and this gives me enough extra height to photograph someone 6 ft tall. These are widely available and very cost-effective.
3. Trigrip Reflector
Having the handle on a trigrip reflector makes it much easier to hold for hours at a time. I’ve experimented with having reflectors on stands, and it just doesn’t work for me. Each person’s height requires a slightly different angle. I work alone, so it’s just me holding the reflector—taking the weight off a bit with a handle really helps me out.
When I know the size of the room I’ll be using, and that I’ll be photographing each team member in the same spot, I’ll take a Westcott Eyelighter Reflector. It’s a bit cumbersome and takes a while to set up and take down, but it does create a lovely effect—so when logistics allow, it comes with me!
4. Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Having someone’s favorite music playing really helps to relax them. The atmosphere in an office environment can be particularly quiet and far from relaxing, so I find taking a portable speaker is a great option. We play the music quietly so it doesn’t reach adjacent rooms, but the effect it creates on the mood in the room is notable.
5. Ring Light
These are surprisingly great for office shoots—the ability to adjust the warmth of the light means you can offset any strange office lighting, and they’re so light and easy to carry around. I find one ring light generally does the trick, but I always take two with me just in case. If you use two lights, you can set them up facing each other for parallel lighting or position them at an angle facing inwards toward your subject. The brilliant thing with ring lights is even a cheap one is totally fine! Another benefit is you can easily place it on a desk without worrying about it scratching the surface or causing any damage.
6. Floor Safety Mat
You definitely don’t want any trip hazards on your corporate shoot, and you will typically be expected to arrange your own safety precautions. The fabric ones work well as you can roll them up—I’m always thinking about how to keep everything in that suitcase! Lay this mat over any trailing cables, such as from your lighting equipment.
Side note: Do check with your insurer as to whether they require electrical checks on equipment taken on shoots.
As photographers, we’re used to packing camera bags—but these other little bits and pieces can make life easier. As a final check, I work through every piece of equipment from its power source to the appliance—do I have the attachments and connectors necessary? If it’s an international shoot, do I have the right plug adapter? And, as I’m totally risk-averse, a duplicate of everything in case one fails?
I hope this helps you plan out a corporate team shoot. What do you take with you, other than your camera bag? Let’s share those must-haves!
A lint roller should be top of list.