A good team photo is more than just a group picture. It shows who you are – as a company, as people, as a unit. To ensure that your employees not only look good in the pictures, but also come across as a coherent team, you need outfits with a concept.
12 tips
Here are 12 tips that go beyond the usual – and ensure that your team photos are modern, harmonious and strong.
1. no wild patterns or many different, bright colors
Patterns and too many different colors are distracting. Both distract from the effect of the picture. It is better to use calm, muted tones or soft color contrasts. This keeps the focus on the person – not on the top.
If you want to use bright colors as a signal color, do so in good measure: An earring, a pair of glasses or a belt can provide beautiful accents without distracting the observer.
Agree on ONE accent color as a team, otherwise the picture will be colorful and the eye will not know where to look first. (Read more about this under point 5).
2. no logos – unless they are part of the CI
A Nike logo on the sweater? Better not. Unless it is your own company logo and part of your corporate identity. Otherwise it quickly looks unprofessional and distracts from the actual image content.
3. clean, ironed clothes (yes, you have to say that)
Wrinkles, stains and lint are mercilessly visible in photos. A fresh shirt or an ironed blouse make more of a difference than any retouching.
4. enough tops to change into
A change of outfit can work wonders. If you need several portraits or are shown in different roles, you should have at least two to three different but color-coordinated tops with you. This creates a variety of pictures with a uniform style.
5. colors that match each other
Color coordination is crucial for team photos. If all employees wear similar colors – e.g. blue, grey, rosé – the picture looks harmonious. Small accents, such as a splash of color or a pattern, can break up the overall picture.
6. no uniforms – not all the same, please
If everyone wears exactly the same thing, the team photo quickly looks bland and sterile. Better: a common color scheme with individual interpretations. Example: Black trousers or a skirt with a pink top – and a colleague wearing a black and white striped blouse.
7. light jackets, blazers or cardigans
Clothing that can be opened up or combined adds depth to the look. An elegant blazer, a fine cardigan or an open jacket look professional and give the outfit structure – without appearing stiff.
8. targeted use of accessories
A watch, a discreet bracelet or a simple necklace can round off the outfit. But please: Less is more. Accessories should complement, not dominate.
9. scarves? Better not.
As cozy as they are, scarves are visually compressive and are particularly unsuitable for people with shorter necks. They conceal lines, cast shadows and often look unflattering in photos.
Instead:
- V-neckline – visually stretches.
- Open blouse with a clear line
10. shoes are part of the outfit
Even if they are not always in the picture: Shoes influence posture and overall appearance. Clean, well-groomed shoes round off your appearance – and give you confidence in your appearance.
11. hairstyle & beard: well-groomed, but not overstyled
A fresh haircut or a neatly trimmed beard make a big difference. But no hairspray helmets or exaggerated styling, please. Naturalness with structure is the aim here. If you don’t wear your hair up in any other way, don’t do it for the photo shoot either – it might make you feel unnatural and your portraits will show that.
12. mood beats style
The best outfit is useless if the mood is not right. Ensure a relaxed atmosphere, clear communication and good preparation. Then your employees will not only look well dressed – but also authentic and likeable.
Conclusion: Stylish team photos are no coincidence
With a little planning and the right tips, a simple group photo can be turned into a strong visual statement. Your employees don’t have to look like models – but they should feel comfortable and appear to be part of a coherent whole.