A good team photo is more than just a group shot—it’s part of your business portraits and shows who you are: as a company, as people, as a unit. To make sure your employees not only look good in the photos but also come across as a cohesive team, you need outfits with a clear concept.
12 tips
Here are 12 tips that go beyond the usual—and will ensure your team photos look modern, harmonious, and strong.
1. No loud patterns or lots of different, bright colors
Patterns—as well as too many different colors—are distracting. Both interfere with the overall impact of the image. Instead, go for calm, muted tones or soft color contrasts. That way, the focus stays on the person—not the top.
If you want to use bright colors as an accent, do it in small doses. An earring, a glasses frame, or a belt can add a nice touch without distracting the viewer.
Agree on ONE accent color as a team. Otherwise the image becomes too colorful and the eye won’t know where to look first. (See point 5 for more.)
2. No logos—unless they’re part of your brand identity
A Nike logo on a sweater? Better not. Unless it’s your own company logo and part of your corporate identity. Otherwise it can quickly look unprofessional and distract from what the image is actually about.
3. Clean, ironed clothes (yes, it needs to be said)
Wrinkles, stains, or lint are mercilessly visible in photos. A fresh shirt or an ironed blouse makes more of a difference than any retouching.
4. Bring enough tops to change
A change of outfit can work wonders. If you need several employee portraits or are being shown in different roles, you should have at least two to three tops with you. They should be different but color-coordinated. This creates varied images with a consistent style.
5. Colors that work together
For team photos, color coordination is key. When everyone wears similar tones—e.g., blue, gray, rosé—the image looks harmonious. Small accents, like a pop of color or a pattern, can lighten up the overall look.
6. No uniform look—please don’t all dress the same
If everyone wears exactly the same thing, the team photo can quickly look dull and sterile. Better: a shared color scheme with individual interpretations. Example: black trousers or skirt with rosé tops—and one colleague wears a black-and-white striped blouse.
7. Light jackets, blazers, or cardigans
Clothing that can be opened or layered adds depth to the image. A smart blazer, a fine-knit cardigan, or an open suit jacket looks professional. They give the outfit structure without feeling stiff.
8. Use accessories intentionally
A watch, a subtle bracelet, or a simple necklace can complete the outfit. But please: less is more. Accessories should complement, not dominate.
9. Scarves? Better not.
As cozy as they are—scarves visually shorten the neck and are especially unsuitable for people with shorter necks. They hide lines, cast shadows, and often look unflattering in photos.
Instead:
- V-neck—visually elongates.
- Open blouse with clean lines
10. Shoes are part of the outfit
Even if they’re not always in the shot: shoes affect posture and overall presence. Clean, well-kept shoes complete the look—and help you feel confident when you step in front of the camera.
11. Hair & beard: well-groomed, but not overstyled
A fresh haircut or a neatly trimmed beard makes a big difference. But please no hairspray helmets or over-the-top styling. Natural, with structure, is the goal here. If you don’t normally wear an updo, don’t do it for the photoshoot either. Otherwise, you will look unnatural, and it will show in your portraits.
12. Mood beats style
The best outfit is useless if the mood isn’t right. Create a relaxed atmosphere, clear communication, and good preparation. Then your employees won’t just look well dressed—they’ll also come across as authentic and approachable.
Conclusion: Stylish team photos don’t happen by accident
With a bit of planning and the right tips, a simple group photo becomes a strong visual statement. Your employees don’t need to look like models—but they should feel comfortable and come across as part of a cohesive whole.