At Emma Milestone Photography, I specialise in delivering high-quality corporate headshot photography to businesses of all shapes and sizes, from small estate agencies and legal practices to national and global organisations. Whether it’s a local team of 10 or a multi-site workforce of 1,000+, my role is to ensure a smooth, well-organised, and stress-free photoshoot experience that delivers consistent, professional results.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with a wide variety of clients, including SMEs such as solicitors and estate agents, through to enterprise-level organisations like General Electric, the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), NatWest Bank, and many more. Some businesses prefer a uniform, formal style across their entire team, while others opt for a more relaxed and personalised, freestyle approach. Regardless of the brief, my approach is always the same professional, adaptable, and people-focused.
Based in Rugby, Warwickshire (CV22 7UQ), I’m ideally located to serve companies across the Midlands and Central England. You can find and follow me on Google My Business here. For larger clients with offices in multiple locations across the UK, I travel regularly and build detailed logistics plans to ensure a smooth and consistent experience across every site.
Pre-Shoot Logistics: Planning for Success
The key to a successful headshot session lies in the planning and preparation. Once we’ve discussed the brief and agreed on a style (uniform or freestyle), we’ll establish the number of people to be photographed, and where they are based. This allows me to build a realistic shoot schedule, factoring in travel, setup times, and the availability of your team.
How Long Does a Headshot Take?
As a guide, each headshot takes around 3 to 5 minutes per person, depending on the individual’s confidence and how smoothly the team moves through the shoot space. If people arrive in a steady flow—especially when a coordinator is appointed to rally them—the process is much more efficient. For large teams or shift-based workplaces, we may need to spread the shoot across multiple days, or schedule visits to different sites, all of which can be planned ahead.
I understand that most clients continue normal operations during a headshot day, and that meetings, calls, and unexpected priorities can get in the way. Some companies find it easier to schedule headshots during staff away days, though this depends on the day’s structure and activities.
Whatever the case, I recommend giving all staff at least one week’s notice. This allows time for preparations—many people like to get a haircut, arrange makeup, or buy a new outfit. While some are relaxed in front of the camera, others are more particular or self-conscious. I’m especially skilled at helping those individuals feel at ease, taking a little extra time to ensure they’re happy with the final result.
On the Day: What to Expect
On the day of the shoot, I typically arrive 15- 30 minutes ahead of time to set up in a meeting room or similar private space provided by the client. The setup time varies slightly depending on the location, but usually takes between 15–30 minutes.
I bring professional lighting and a backdrop if needed, though some clients prefer natural settings or branded office environments. Once the setup is complete, I begin photographing staff at their allocated times or free flow, adjusting pace and approach as needed.
Refreshments and Facilities
For full-day shoots, it’s customary for the client to provide basic refreshments, especially as I’ll often be interacting with staff over a long period, maintaining energy and morale.
For high-security locations, such as MOD sites or sensitive General Electric facilities, I’m more than happy to complete any required security checks or clearances in advance. I have experience working within these environments and am fully respectful of site protocols and access requirements.
After the Shoot: Editing and Delivery
Once the shoot is complete, images go through a light editing process. This includes:
- Cropping and alignment
- Adjusting lighting and exposure
- Minor retouching (e.g., removing temporary blemishes or marks)
I do not alter permanent facial features or reshape images unless this is specifically requested. More in-depth retouching or advanced edits are available as an optional extra and will incur an additional fee.
All final images are delivered digitally, usually via a secure online gallery, with clearly labelled files for easy identification.
Director and Senior Leadership Headshots
It’s worth noting that director or executive headshots often take longer than standard staff portraits. These shoots are frequently closer to personal branding sessions, involving more time for wardrobe changes, lighting variations, and different backdrops or locations. I’m happy to plan these separately or incorporate them into the team photoshoot, depending on availability and priorities.
Trusted by Top Brands — Ready to Help You Too
With years of experience photographing corporate teams of all sizes—from 10 to 1000+—and trusted by major brands including NatWest, General Electric, MOD, and many SMEs, I’m well-versed in the complexities and sensitivities of on-site corporate photography.
Whether you’re a small business looking to improve your digital presence or a national organisation in need of multi-site coordination, I’m here to help.
Book a Free Consultation
I offer a complimentary consultation to discuss your needs, define your brief, and map out the best approach. Let’s talk through the logistics, timelines, and style you’re after so we can create headshots your team will be proud of.
📩 Get in touch via Emma Milestone Photography
📍 Or find me on Google Maps
Let’s capture your team at their best; efficiently, professionally, and with a friendly, experienced approach that puts people first.
