Branding Headshots: How We Build Cohesive Leadership Images for Modern Teams
Branding headshots are essential for modern NYC teams seeking a cohesive, professional image. A branding photographer brings expertise in crafting authentic, creative images that align with your brand’s goals, ensuring your team’s visuals are both strategic and on-message. In today’s competitive business landscape, the way your team is visually represented can make or break first impressions—whether on your website, LinkedIn, or in press materials. Every branding headshot session starts with a clear idea that shapes the vision and outcome of the images, making your photos more effective for marketing and brand storytelling. This article is designed for HR leads, employer brand managers, executives, and business owners who want to understand how to create unified, on-brand leadership images that tell a compelling story.
Scope
We’ll cover what branding headshots are, how they differ from traditional headshots, why they matter for modern teams, and the step-by-step process for planning and executing a successful branding headshot session. You’ll learn about our core formats (studio, on location, and remote), the principles that keep every headshot on message, the logistics of running a smooth team photo day, and how to ensure consistency across distributed teams. We’ll also discuss deliverables, pricing, and how to get started.
Why Branding Headshots Matter
For modern teams, branding headshots are more than just photos—they are a visual extension of your company’s story, values, and professionalism. Branding photography communicates your brand personality and helps you to tell your brand story in an instant, helping your business stand out in the market and connect with your target audience. Consistent, high-quality images help build trust with clients, attract top talent, and present a unified brand across all platforms.
What Are Branding Headshots?
Branding headshots are customized, storytelling images that showcase an individual’s personality, profession, and brand values. A personal branding photoshoot is a professional session aimed at capturing authentic images that showcase an individual's personality and brand. Unlike traditional headshots, which are often generic and formulaic, branding headshots are crafted to tell a story. Personal branding photos aim to highlight both personality and brand, making them ideal for websites, marketing materials, and social media.
Branding photography is much more than traditional headshots; it involves creativity and collaboration between the photographer and the client. The process goes beyond simply capturing a face—it’s about showcasing the heart of a business and telling a story that resonates with your audience.
Branding headshots require defining your brand message, selecting appropriate outfits, and choosing a location that tells your story.
Defining Branding Headshots: How They Differ from Traditional Headshots
Branding headshots are customized, storytelling images that showcase an individual's personality, profession, and brand values. Personal branding photos aim to tell a story, showcasing personality and brand, and are often used for websites, marketing materials, and social media. Unlike traditional headshots, which typically focus on a neutral, professional appearance, branding photography is much more than traditional headshots; it involves creativity and collaboration between the photographer and the client. Branding photography goes beyond traditional headshots by showcasing the heart of a business and telling a story.
What Branding Headshots Actually Mean for NYC Teams
Branding headshots are not random portraits collected over three years from five different photographers. They are a coordinated set of executive portraits and team headshots that look like they belong together. When a visitor scrolls your leadership page or clicks through LinkedIn profiles, the images should feel like one company with one story, not a patchwork of vacation selfies and outdated photos from the last office.
Consistent lighting, backgrounds, and editing create a unified brand look. That means your CEO’s portrait matches your marketing lead’s headshot matches the new hire in Brooklyn. Same color temperature. Same crop logic. Same level of retouching. The result reads as professional images across every platform: LinkedIn, your website, press kits, and investor decks.
I am Lisa Soldberg, Head of Production at Match Production. We run our studio in Times Square and handle corporate headshots NYC, executive portraits, and remote headshots for teams across Manhattan, the boroughs, and beyond. My job is to make sure every person in front of our camera walks away with images that connect to your brand, not just their face.
Here is a concrete example. A 40-person Manhattan fintech company came to us mid-rebrand. They had a product launch in under two weeks and needed a cohesive look for their entire team. We mapped the schedule, shot leadership in studio, ran a corporate headshot day at their FiDi office, and matched remote hires through our in-house workflow. Every photograph hit the same aesthetic. Their website launched on time with a gallery that looked intentional.
What We Typically Deliver for Branding Headshots
Leadership portraits for founders, C-suite, and board members
Team headshots for all staff and new hires
Press-day images formatted for media kits and publications
LinkedIn photos cropped and sized for profile optimization
Branding sessions provide a wide variety of shots and scenes, including full-body poses, lifestyle scenes, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work process. Meaningful props can be incorporated to enhance the authenticity of your branding headshots and highlight your personality or brand essence.
Each deliverable follows the same visual standard. That is how you build a brand story through photography instead of hoping stock photos will fill the gaps. The final images from your branding session can be used for websites, social media, email newsletters, and printed materials.
Branding Headshots Deliverables and Primary Uses
| Deliverable Type | Who It’s For | Primary Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership portraits | Founders, C-suite, board | Investor decks, press, leadership pages |
| Team headshots | Staff and new hires | About pages, recruiting, internal directories |
| Press-day image set | PR / Comms teams | Media kits, announcements, publications |
| LinkedIn-ready crops | Everyone | LinkedIn profiles, speaker bios, profile refresh |
Branding Details That Keep Every Headshot On Message
Aligning headshots with brand guidelines is where branding photography separates from generic portraits. We work with your team on background color, contrast levels, wardrobe notes, and visual tone. Some companies want open and friendly. Others need formal and editorial. Both are valid. Both require different approaches.
When it comes to wardrobe, we recommend putting thought into your clothing choices—solid mid-tones and jewel tones are universally flattering for branding headshots. Choose clothing that complements your established brand color palette to ensure consistency across your marketing materials. Setting your intention for the shoot and putting energy into the process is crucial to ensure the photos reflect your authentic self.
We review existing guidelines or help define new ones. That includes preferred crop for LinkedIn photos, horizontal versus vertical framing for websites, and retouching rules that keep images authentic. No one wants their team looking like they were processed through an aggressive filter.
Concrete examples:
A Brooklyn creative agency wanted soft gray seamless backdrops to match their minimal aesthetic.
A Midtown healthcare group preferred warm office environments that felt approachable to patients.
A small business owner in the Bronx needed lifestyle headshots that showed her actual workspace, not a sterile studio.
Each choice supports the brand. We incorporate these details into every session so your gallery tells a consistent story.
Brand Alignment Checklist We Use Before Shoot Day
| Category | What We Confirm | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Background + tone | Neutral vs environmental, warm vs cool | Keeps the set consistent across departments |
| Wardrobe guidance | Color palette, formality level, “no-go” patterns | Prevents mismatched looks and visual noise |
| Crops + framing | LinkedIn vs website vs PR crops | Ensures images work in the real world |
| Retouching rules | Light touch vs more polished executive finish | Keeps people looking like themselves |
| Delivery needs | Press deadlines, launch dates, team onboarding | Prevents timeline surprises |
Next, we’ll walk through how we run a smooth team photo day for corporate headshots in NYC.
Our Core Formats: Studio, On Location, and Remote Headshots
We run three main formats for branding headshots. Our Times Square studio offers controlled lighting and a calm environment. On location headshots NYC covers offices, co-working spaces, and venues across all five boroughs. Fully remote headshots happen through our in-house workflow for distributed teams who cannot make it to New York.
Branding headshot sessions are more collaborative and involved than traditional headshot sessions, often including pre-shoot strategy calls to align on your goals and brand identity. The process is designed to be fun and creative, making your session feel like an enjoyable, collaborative experience that brings out your authentic self. This approach not only results in lively, genuine images but also helps simplify and enhance your professional life by providing visuals that support your personal brand and career growth.
Each format produces matching, on-brand looks. A founder photographed in our studio, a Queens manager shot at their office, and a remote team member in Austin can all end up on the same leadership page looking like they work together. Because they do.
Typical Session Lengths
Corporate headshot days: 10 to 15 minutes per person
Dedicated executive portraits: 45 to 90 minutes for multiple looks and setups
Remote sessions: 15 to 20 minutes with live direction from our team
For information about our cancellation and rescheduling policy, please see our terms.
Some teams mix formats. Executives come to the studio for deeper sessions. NYC staff get photographed on site during a single company photo day. Remote hires book sessions from wherever they are. We apply one shared visual standard across all three so the images feel like a branding session, not a scrapbook.
The sections below break down each format step by step.
Corporate Headshots NYC: How We Run a Smooth Team Photo Day
If you are an HR lead, employer brand manager, or operations person planning group headshots, this section is for you. Running a corporate headshot day in a Manhattan office involves logistics that can go sideways fast. We have done enough of these to keep them smooth. For advice on what to wear for standout headshots, see our expert guide.
Our advice: To ensure your branding headshots session goes as smoothly as possible, encourage your team to prepare in advance. We recommend professional grooming, including hair and skin care, before the session for the best results.
What We Bring On Site
Backdrop options (seamless paper in brand-matched colors or portable fabric)
Continuous or strobe lighting with modifiers for consistent, flattering light
Tethered monitor so subjects can see their images in real time
Backup gear for every critical piece
Compact footprint that fits conference rooms in Midtown or FiDi
What Your Team Experiences
Clear call times with 5-minute windows
Gentle posing direction (we make people feel comfortable, not awkward)
Fast selections via tethered review
No drama, no delays, no confusion
A typical schedule looks like this: Our crew arrives at 8:30 a.m. for load-in. By 9:00 a.m. we have the set built and test shots complete. First subject steps in at 9:30 a.m. We photograph 10 to 12 people per hour, which means a 30-person team wraps by early afternoon. Last slot at 3:00 p.m. gives us buffer for stragglers and those who missed their window.
We keep the look consistent across departments and dates. If we photograph your sales team in March and your engineering team in June, the images match. Same lighting diagram. Same camera settings. Same color profile. Your employer brand lead should not have to squint to figure out which headshots came from which shoot.
Planning Your NYC Team Headshot Schedule
Scoping a corporate headshot day starts with headcount, roles, and timing. A 30-person team in SoHo might book a 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. window with 5-minute staggered slots and one backup slot each hour for meetings that run long.
Pre-production makes the difference between a press day that runs like a branding photoshoot and one that feels like chaos. We send a contact sheet template or sign-up link so your team picks their own slots. We build a shot list that separates leadership (more time, more setups) from general staff (efficient, consistent). We note special needs: new hires who joined after the last shoot, interns, contractors who need images for client-facing work.
When teams need multiple locations in one day, we plan around NYC realities. Manhattan to Brooklyn means realistic travel buffers. Busy office towers mean elevator time. We have learned that a 15-minute cushion between buildings saves more headaches than any fancy lighting rig.
Think of this section as a practical playbook. You should be able to visualize your next press day or all-hands photos without getting lost in technical details. For information on how we handle your data, see our privacy policy.
Executive Portraits: Leadership Images for Board Decks and the Front Page
Executive portraits go deeper than team headshots. These sessions are crafted for C-suite leaders, partners, and founders who need press-ready portraits, investor deck images, and speaking engagement photos. The images appear in board presentations, media features, and the front page of your website. They carry more weight. Executive portraits help leaders stand out and differentiate themselves in a crowded market, ensuring your presence is memorable and impactful. Branding images also showcase the heart of your business and work, embracing the quirks that make you unique.
Typical Deliverables from an Executive Portrait Session
One hero image (the photograph that goes everywhere)
Five to ten alternates for different contexts
Color and black-and-white versions
Crops sized for website, LinkedIn, and PR use
A standard executive portrait flow takes 45 to 90 minutes. That includes multiple wardrobe changes, two to three lighting setups, and both tight headshots and wider leadership portraits. We capture enough variety that you have options for different contexts without scheduling another shoot.
Our Times Square studio is the primary space for these sessions. We have Manhattan skyline views for environmental shots, neutral sets for classic portraits, and options for analog film and instant-film portraits when founders want something more tactile. The studio gives us complete control over light, sound, and pace.
We keep executives relaxed between emails and board calls. Sometimes their car is waiting downstairs. That is fine. We work with the calendar, not against it.
In-Studio Executive Portraits at Our Times Square Studio
Our studio sits mid-block in Times Square with easy subway access. We schedule call times that avoid rush hour when possible, usually between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for the smoothest experience.
We pre-light sets before a CEO or founder arrives. That means we can start shooting within minutes of them walking through the door and wrap on time. No one wants to spend an hour watching a photographer fuss with equipment.
A typical shot list includes:
Classic corporate headshot (shoulders up, clean background)
Editorial three-quarter portrait (more environmental, more personality)
Studio environmental shot (showing the space, adding context)
One slightly bolder frame for media or internal campaigns
We can add analog film and instant-film portraits during these sessions. Some founders want something more timeless than a digital file. Those additional images make great office decor or personal keepsakes.
On Location Leadership Portraits at Your Office or Offsite
Some executives prefer being photographed in their own environment. We scout your office or venue before the session: windows, conference rooms, rooftop, lobby, and nearby streets that offer texture while staying on brand.
Timing works around real NYC constraints. Lobby security needs advance notice. Freight elevators have schedules. Shared floors mean coordinating with building management. We handle these details so you do not have to.
What the executive experiences is efficient. A short walk-through to identify setups. A quick wardrobe check. Two to three locations that can be done within a 45-minute window between meetings. On location headshots NYC can happen without derailing the entire day.
These shoots work well for PR and communications leads managing tight leadership calendars. We design them to be fast without sacrificing quality.
Remote Headshots for Hybrid and Fully Distributed Teams
Distributed teams are the reality. Your staff might be spread across New York, the rest of the country, and multiple time zones. In today’s connected world, remote headshots allow teams from around the globe to maintain a cohesive brand image. Flying everyone to Manhattan for a headshot session does not make sense.
Our remote headshots work through our in-house workflow. We guide sessions via smartphone, directing pose, angle, and light in real time. Then we process and grade the images to match your in-person brand style. Using custom branding images also helps you avoid generic stock photos, ensuring your brand remains unique and authentic. The result looks like it belongs on the same page as your studio portraits.
A typical remote workflow:
Team members receive invite and prep guide
Each person books a 15 to 20 minute slot
They shoot from home or a quiet office while we direct them live
We process and deliver images with matching color grading
Remote sessions start at around USD 100 per person. That makes it super easy to include freelancers, part-timers, and remote hires without flying anyone to NYC. Small business owners with distributed teams find this format especially practical.
Remote images are not second tier. They are designed to sit seamlessly beside our studio and on-location work.
Keeping Branding Consistent Across Remote and NYC Headshots
Consistency across formats requires a reference look. We create that reference from your studio or on-location shoot, then match lighting mood, crop, and color grading for every remote session.
We provide simple client-side instructions about clothing colors, available daylight, and background choices. A white wall works for some brands. A bookshelf adds warmth for others. We guide each person toward choices that stay on-brand even in a home office.
A practical example:
A professional services firm needed both Manhattan and remote staff to look cohesive. We standardized white shirts and navy jackets against mid-tone backgrounds. The creative direction was clear enough for remote team members to follow, and the final images matched across all locations.
Employer brand leads who worry about mixed-quality remote photos can relax. We handle the details.
Same Day Headshots NYC and Realistic Delivery Timelines
Urgent needs happen. A last-minute media request lands in your inbox. A speaker bio needs an updated photograph by tomorrow. Your website launch got moved up a week. Same day headshots NYC exist for exactly these situations.
If you're booking a branding headshot session for the first time, we guide you through every step so you know exactly what to expect. In 2026, authentic expressions are the standard for branding headshots—real human expression is prioritized over heavy retouching to ensure your images feel genuine and approachable.
We handle rush sessions through small-window bookings in the Times Square studio. Streamlined shot list. Prioritized editing. Delivery within 24 hours when feasible. Learn more about event headshots for your next occasion.
Standard vs Rush Delivery Timelines
| Step | Standard | Rush |
|---|---|---|
| Proof gallery | 2–3 business days | Same day / next morning |
| Final retouched selects | 3–7 business days | 24–48 hours |
| Rush fee | None | Applies when we adjust production queues |
We always discuss timing transparently before anyone steps in front of the camera. No surprises.
A Real Example from Our Crew
A founder called on a Tuesday morning. A national media feature had been scheduled for Thursday, and they needed new content fast. Their existing headshot was three years old and no longer matched their personal branding.
We slotted a 45-minute Times Square studio session that afternoon. Shot a tight set of executive portraits with two wardrobe options. Delivered retouched hero images by Wednesday evening. The pictures arrived in the journalist’s inbox with time to spare.
Practical details:
We suggested swapping a patterned tie for a solid one.
They received eight final images.
Those photographs appeared in the feature and now live on their website and LinkedIn.
That is the kind of turnaround our crew handles on a regular basis.
What You Get: Files, Formats, and Long-Term Brand Value
Standard deliverables from a branding session include web-resolution and high-resolution files, color versions and optional black-and-white, and usage rights appropriate for corporate, PR, and internal marketing. You own what we create. When choosing a branding photographer, it's essential to ensure their aesthetic aligns with your brand and that you can communicate openly to achieve the best results.
File organization matters when your PR team needs to find the right image fast. We use clear naming conventions: CEO_headshot_horizontal_PR.jpg instead of mystery files like IMG_4582.jpg. Folders are structured by person and format so you do not waste time hunting.
What you receive:
High-resolution files for print and large format
Web-optimized files for fast loading
Both color and black-and-white versions when requested
Organized folders with logical naming
Unlimited commercial usage rights
We can maintain a living headshot library for growing teams. New hires get photographed with the same look. Refreshes for existing leadership match what you already have. Your gallery stays cohesive over multiple years instead of fragmenting.
Optional analog film and instant-film add-ons serve as long-term branding assets. Some founders frame them. Others use them in marketing that stands out from the usual digital aesthetic.
Pricing Snapshots and How to Scope Your Project
Here are reference points rather than an exhaustive menu.
Individual Executive Session in our Times Square studio: starts from around USD 600
Corporate Mini Session for small teams: starts from around USD 1449
Remote sessions: start at around USD 100 per person
What usually drives cost:
Headcount (more people means longer shoot days)
Number of locations (studio only versus multiple offices)
Format mix (studio, on location, remote)
Rush delivery needs
Retouching volume for executive portraits
Think in terms of outcomes instead of line items. You want unified leadership portraits for your board deck. You want consistent team pages that showcase professionalism. You want on-call updates for new hires so your website never looks outdated.
Share headcount, timing, and location details with us. We will send a tailored, straightforward quote rather than a confusing menu of packages.
How to Get Started with Branding Headshots at Match Production
The process runs in clear steps:
Initial email with your scope (headcount, dates, locations, any references)
Quick planning call to align on format, style, and logistics
Schedule confirmation with call times and prep guides
Shoot day (we handle everything on site)
Delivery of proof gallery and final retouched images
We also offer family sessions for clients interested in capturing personal memories and authentic family moments alongside their professional branding headshots.
For PR and communications leads planning a press day: send us your timeline and headcount. We will map a schedule that works around your media calendar.
For HR and employer brand teams updating careers pages: tell us how many people, how many locations, and when you need images live.
For founders needing executive portraits: share your goals and we will plan a session that gives you photographs for every context.
For teams standardizing LinkedIn photos: we can run a single day that covers everyone with a consistent look.
Email your scope and timing to hello@match-production.com or visit our booking page. Details that help us move quickly: dates, locations, headcount, and sample references of looks you like. A few lines are enough to start.
By Lisa,
your guide to crafting cohesive, confident branding headshots that bring your team’s story to life—right here in the heart of NYC and beyond.
