Why do you recommend headshot sessions start at 10am?
We’ve come to understand what works best from years of experience. At 9am, people are often still getting into the rhythm of their day—checking urgent emails, straightening hair, or even running a little late if the weather’s bad.
This rush can make everyone feel tense and distracted. By 10am, most have had time to relax, breathe, and center themselves. This calm leads to a much nicer, more natural photo session for everyone involved.
Isn’t 9am a good time to start?
It might seem that way, but in reality, 9am is quite tricky. To start at 9am, we arrive earlier and spend 15-30 minutes setting up, and check out the office spaces. Add rush-hour traffic into the mix, and someone has to be at the office as early as 8am just to make it work.
Meanwhile, staff are still easing into their day. Some might not have had breakfast, others could be recovering from the latest public transport problems. Their minds aren’t fully present, and that shows in photos. Starting at 10am lets everyone arrive feeling more settled and prepared.
Why not wait until after lunch?
We’ve found afternoon sessions don’t really offer the same results. After lunch, clothes can pick up creases or even food stains, and people’s energy naturally dips – we’ve all experienced the after-lunch food coma.
By late afternoon, many people are simply ready to head home. This natural tiredness tends to show in their expressions. Morning photos tend to have that fresh, bright quality that afternoon shots often miss.
Why is 10am such a sweet spot?
By mid-morning, people are alert, confident, and in good spirits. It’s the perfect balance between being early enough to catch energy and focus, without anyone feeling rushed. The result is natural, professional photos that show people at their best.
What if we have a large team?
We certainly can spread sessions throughout the day. However, kicking off at 10am sets a relaxed tone that often encourages positive energy for the whole group.
The first participants are relaxed, and spread this energy to the rest of the team. People who need more time to prepare can wait until later in the day.
Why have team and lifestyle photographs afterwards?
When people enjoy their headshot session, they feel more confident in front of the camera. They pick up ways to pose that look natural and comfortable. This makes a big difference for the team and lifestyle photos – everyone feels more at ease and many are even keen to being involved. It helps bring out real personality and connection in every shot.
Conclusion
While every team is different and we can certainly be flexible, we highly recommend starting in the morning with professional headshots wherever possible. Morning sessions bring the best energy and focus, and make the team and lifestyle photographs more efficient. Starting at 10am gives everyone the best chance to look and feel confident in front of the camera.