A strong team portrait should do more than just show who they are, it should say something about them.
Thoughtful composition, a well considered setting, posing and lighting can elevate a corporate image beyond the cookie-cutter group shot.
As one of our highest mentioned and storyboarded team portraits, we felt we’d provide a breakdown of the key elements we considered when crafting this Team Hero Shot
1. Contrast Between Corporate and Industrial
The industrial backdrop immediately sets this image apart from typical team photos.
The raw concrete, exposed pipes, and steel elements contrast with the business attire, making the team feel dynamic and forward-thinking.
This contrast visually communicates a business that is both structured and adaptable, traditional yet modern. A team that understands both strength and innovation but aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves when the going gets tough.
2. Posing
Each individual has a deliberate yet natural stance, avoiding stiff or overly formal postures. The variation in heights, hand placements, and positioning keeps the image visually interesting and breaks away from the rigid, straight-line formations seen in most corporate portraits.
- The casual confidence in their expressions and postures makes them look approachable yet authoritative.
- The balance of openness and professionalism suggests a team that is both easy to work with and highly capable.
- The use of different levels (some standing, one seated) creates depth and flow, encouraging the eye to move across the image.
3. Holding Attention through composition
Attention is gold when it comes to any commercial image. The longer the viewer looks at an image allows for a deeper connection.
We arranged the team in a way that naturally guides the viewer’s eye, rather than letting them glance past or even focus on one spot..
The diagonal lines of the staircase and railing lead toward the subjects, keeping the composition engaging. This subtle visual storytelling makes the image more memorable, reinforcing the company’s brand identity.
4. Balancing Individuality and Cohesion
Each person stands out while still feeling part of a unified team. Their varied outfits within the corporate dress code show personality, avoiding a monotonous, overly uniform look, suggesting an organisation that values both teamwork and individual strengths, an important message for clients, partners, or potential hires.
5. Connection to the Environment
The industrial machinery in the background adds depth without overwhelming the subjects.
It mirrors the colours already present in the clothing and connects the environment with the subjects further, bringing a gap between the opposing (corporate and industrial) aspects whilst suggesting a business that understands structure, and innovation. The deliberate points of connection with the environment also make the team feel more ‘real’ as if to say ‘this is really us’
6. Lighting
The soft, natural light look enhances the subjects’ features without creating harsh shadows, making the team look approachable and authentic.
Additional lighting was used however care was taken to maintain the natural direction of light, keeping this largely unnoticeable, but allowing for a more even distribution of light across the frame.
It communicates
- Confidence and competence without arrogance.
- A modern, adaptable business that’s ready to evolve.
- Professionalism with personality.
When crafting team portraits, you need a portrait that holds attention rather than something that just fills a website’s “About Us” page.
It should make the viewer pause, take in the team dynamic, and get a feel for their energy. Even if this is oaky for a second, it shook still make an impact.
All of our photography is designed to connect, engage, and make an impression.
If your team photo isn’t doing the same, maybe it’s time to rethink your current assets and how you can level up.
