How to Create Cohesive Team Headshots That Reflect Your Brand

By Published On: August 7th, 2024

When it comes to presenting your company’s image, cohesive team headshots are essential. These photos go beyond just showing who’s who in the organization; they convey your brand’s identity, values, and professionalism. Whether for your website, marketing materials, or internal directories, a unified look across all team headshots ensures that your brand is represented consistently and powerfully.

Here’s how to create team headshots that truly reflect your brand:

1. Define Your Brand’s Visual Identity

Before you even pick up a camera, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your brand’s visual identity. Ask yourself: What is the overall look and feel of your brand? Are you modern and edgy, or classic and traditional? The answers to these questions will guide the style of your headshots.

Consider These Elements:

  • Color Scheme: Incorporate your brand’s colors subtly into the background or wardrobe to maintain consistency.
  • Tone: Decide whether the headshots should be formal or relaxed, depending on the nature of your brand.
  • Lighting: Bright and airy lighting might suit a creative agency, while more dramatic lighting could fit a corporate law firm.

Consult your company style guide, if possible, when considering colors and styles for your headshot session.

2. Choose a Consistent Background

A cohesive look starts with a consistent background. Whether you choose a neutral backdrop or an on-brand location within your office, make sure that all team members are photographed in the same setting. This consistency not only looks more professional but also makes your team appear unified.

Background Ideas:

  • Solid Colors: White, gray, or a color that complements your brand.
  • Office Environment: Showcasing a part of your office can reinforce your brand’s identity.
  • Outdoor Locations: If your brand is more casual or connected to nature, an outdoor setting might be ideal.

Explore my portfolio for examples of how different backgrounds can be used effectively.

3. Coordinate Wardrobe Choices

What your team wears in their headshots should also reflect your brand. Decide on a dress code that aligns with your company’s culture, whether that’s business formal, business casual, or something more creative. Providing guidelines for color schemes and styles can help ensure that everyone looks coordinated.

Wardrobe Tips:

  • Neutral Colors: These are always a safe bet and won’t clash with your brand’s color palette.
  • Brand Colors: Incorporate your company’s colors into ties, scarves, or jewelry for subtle branding.
  • Avoid Patterns: Solid colors tend to photograph better and keep the focus on the person’s face.

For tips on how to prepare your team for their headshots, see this post.

4. Direct Consistent Posing and Expressions

Consistency in posing and expressions is key to creating a cohesive set of headshots. Work with your photographer to establish a few standard poses that everyone can follow. Similarly, decide on the type of expressions you want—smiling, serious, or a mix, depending on your brand’s tone.

Posing Tips:

  • Posture: Ensure everyone is sitting or standing in a similar way to create a uniform look.
  • Angles: Photograph everyone from the same angle to maintain consistency.
  • Expressions: Decide whether a warm, approachable smile or a more serious look better suits your brand.

Learn more about posing techniques to achieve the perfect shot.

5. Ensure Quality and Consistency in Editing

After the photoshoot, the final step is editing. It’s important that all headshots are edited in the same style to maintain a cohesive look. This includes consistent lighting, color correction, and retouching.

Editing Tips:

  • Color Correction: Ensure skin tones are natural and backgrounds are uniform across all images.
  • Retouching: Subtle retouching can enhance photos without making them look over-processed.
  • Crop Uniformly: Keep all headshots cropped similarly, focusing on the head and shoulders.

Make sure your photographer is aware of any specific editing requests before your headshot session so they can shoot with those in mind.

The Impact of Cohesive Team Headshots

Cohesive team headshots send a strong message about your company’s professionalism and attention to detail. They help clients and partners feel confident in your brand and make your website and marketing materials look polished and intentional.

Ready to Elevate Your Brand?

At JGardiner Photography, we specialize in creating cohesive team headshots that perfectly reflect your brand’s identity. Whether you’re refreshing your website or updating your team directory, we can help you achieve a unified look that makes a lasting impression.

Book a session with us today and let’s create headshots that truly represent your brand!