How a 90-Person Headshot Session Became a Team-Building Game-Changer
I recently had the chance to do a massive headshot shoot for one of my long-term clients. Ninety people, all in one day, four images each. Usually, a shoot like this is straightforward—line up, shoot, done. But this time, we added a twist that turned the whole experience into something way more meaningful.
We did three traditional, professional headshots per person, but then came the fun part: one extra shot where each person could let loose and do something completely out of the box. I called it the “wild card” shot, and the only rule was, “Make it fun, quirky, or totally weird if you want.” What happened next surprised everyone. It turned into a friendly competition—people were laughing, chatting, and daring each other to get creative. By the end of the day, this simple idea of a funny outtake had transformed the entire atmosphere.
How Humor Can Break the Ice
It’s amazing what a little humor can do. As soon as people knew they had a free pass to be silly, they relaxed, chatted more freely, and, honestly, just looked like they were having a blast. Psychologists talk a lot about how shared laughter can bond people, and I saw it happen right in front of me. The team’s energy shifted, and they weren’t just there for a headshot—they were sharing a memorable experience. Those funny shots were more than just photos; they became moments of connection.
When you see your colleagues being goofy or playful, you start to see them as real people, not just roles. It broke down that workplace “formal” wall and gave everyone a chance to let their guard down. You could see it in the way people cheered each other on for the funniest photo or giggled about their poses. That kind of genuine connection doesn’t happen every day in a work setting, but it’s gold for building trust and team spirit.
Embracing Authenticity at Work
There’s something powerful about a workplace culture that encourages people to be themselves, quirks and all. The outtake photos showed a side of each person that wasn’t about their job title or “corporate self” but about their personality. And when people feel they can bring their whole selves to work—even in a tiny way like a funny photo—it opens the door to real, honest connections.
In this case, the wild card shot became a quick reminder to everyone that their individuality was valued, that it was okay to have a laugh and show up as yourself. When people feel this sense of freedom, they’re more likely to communicate openly, contribute ideas without fear, and work together in a genuinely collaborative way. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference in team dynamics.
Friendly Competition Brings the Team Together
The “outtake” shot turned into an unexpected team-building game. People started competing—who could get the best, funniest, or weirdest shot? It was all in good fun, but this friendly competition boosted everyone’s mood and got people really invested. Research shows that competition, especially when it’s lighthearted, can build morale and boost engagement. By the end of the shoot, it was clear that everyone was going to remember this day as more than just “photo day.”
A Lasting Impact: Shared Memories and Team Spirit
What was really cool was seeing how this simple shoot turned into something people could look back on together. The funny outtakes weren’t just photos; they became a story that the team could share—a small but memorable piece of their time working together. There’s something powerful about creating a shared memory. It brings people together in a way that even the best team-building activities sometimes don’t achieve because it feels real, not forced.
A Takeaway for Leaders
For other companies thinking about refreshing team headshots or building camaraderie, adding a playful element like this can be a game-changer. It’s easy to get stuck in the routine of standard headshots, but with a little twist, you can create something that resonates beyond just the photos themselves.
In this one session, we created polished professional images, gave people a moment to relax and be themselves, and left them with a shared experience. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable team-building happens when people let down their guard and have a laugh together.