Vanessa Guzzo Photography
Corporate headshots have come a long way. Gone are the days of stiff poses, awkward smiles, and overly polished backdrops that feel more like a yearbook photo than a true representation of the person in front of the lens. These days, businesses—especially iconic brands like Coca-Cola—are leaning into a fresh approach that tells a story. Brands want to highlight the company culture as much as their brand. Narrative photography can achieve that, even for headshots!
When Coca-Cola invited me to photograph their team for a headshot session, I knew this wasn’t going to be your standard shoot. They didn’t just want photos; they wanted authenticity. A narrative approach. Something that would capture not only their employees’ personalities but also the company culture that fuels their success.
Company Culture on Purpose
Coca-Cola is a brand synonymous with connection—it’s in their DNA to bring people together, whether over a shared laugh or a refreshing bottle of soda. But what struck me most during our conversations was how deeply this philosophy extends to their employees. They prioritize well-being and build in moments throughout the day for their team to feel motivated, cared for, and empowered to tackle big goals. From group activities to quiet mindset resets, their people-centered mission is their magic ingredient.
I wanted to reflect all of that in their team headshots. So, instead of going the overly airbrushed, cookie-cutter route, I aimed for warmth, relatability, and yes—just a touch of imperfection. Some of the photos are delightfully raw, even before edits, with natural smiles, unique quirks, and a sense of realness that you can’t fake. These are the faces behind the Coke you reach for at 3 PM on a stressful Tuesday. They’re industrious, hardworking, and human, and I’m so thrilled we could bring that to life through these images.
What Are Narrative-Style Headshots, & Why Are They Taking Over?
So, what exactly are narrative-style headshots? In essence, they’re photos that tell a story. They capture more personality, more emotion, and more connection than traditional corporate portraits. Instead of a generic, one-size-fits-all look, they reveal the individuality of the subject while still aligning with the company’s overall branding.
Here’s why more brands—like Coca-Cola—are making the shift:
Authentic Connection
In a world full of stock photos and filtered perfection, people crave authenticity. Narrative-style headshots help businesses connect with their audience on a deeper level by showcasing the real people behind the brand.
People connect with people, not faceless corporations. By showcasing employees as real, relatable individuals, companies can build trust with their audiences. When you see a team that feels approachable and vibrant, you’re more likely to connect with their brand on a human level.
Social Media Gold
Let’s face it—your traditional corporate headshot doesn’t exactly scream “engaging content.” Narrative photos, on the other hand, are perfect for social media. They’re relatable, eye-catching, and they give followers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the team that makes the magic happen. You’ll have lots of fun content to work with.
Putting a Face to the Title
Whether you’re a potential client or a future hire, it’s always reassuring to see the human side of a business. Narrative-style headshots make it easy to put a friendly face to the email signature or LinkedIn profile, fostering trust and connection from the very start.
A Reflection of Values
A company’s headshots are often the first visual impression they offer. Narrative-style photos reflect modern values like individuality, diversity, and collaboration—all while maintaining a professional edge.
Your headshots should be a visual extension of your brand values. Coca-Cola’s warm and people-first vibe came through in every smile, every laugh, and every spark of personality in their photos. A polished yet personal headshot tells the world, “This is who we are—and we’re proud of it.”
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Balance in Narrative Headshots
Creating headshots that are both personable and professional requires a thoughtful approach. Here’s how I do it:
1. Start with Conversations, Not Poses
Before I even pick up my camera, I spend time chatting with each person to break the ice. It’s imperative to homing in on their company culture. What’s their role? What excites them about their work? What makes their workplace unique? These conversations build a connection, which translates into natural, confident expressions during the shoot. It also helps me know how to guide them accordingly in a way that fits both the brand and the employees’ individual personalities.
People tend to stiffen up when a camera is pointed at them, so it’s crucial to make everyone feel at ease. For Coca-Cola’s session, I took the time to chat with each team member, crack some jokes, and encourage them to relax. Building that rapport is key.
2. Use a Comfortable, On-Brand Setting
A studio can sometimes feel stuffy and artificial, so I love incorporating some natural light and familiar spaces into shoots. For Coca-Cola’s session, we needed to stick with a consistent solid backdrop for their team photos, but I used a bit of crisp, natural-looking light to highlight the facial features and expressions that make each person unique.
3. Encourage Movement and Interaction
Stiff poses? No, thank you! I encourage team members to move naturally, whether it’s adjusting their jacket, leaning casually on a chair, or even laughing at a coworker’s joke. These small movements make the photos feel alive.
Again, we needed to stay consistent for these headshots, but we played with hand placements, body language, angles, and even personal items and accessories, such as a coat or work cap. Each person’s photo has a unique feel to it. Some are cheerful, some poised, and others relaxed or confident.
Note: While it’s great to capture individuality, remember that these are still professional headshots. I aim for subtle personality cues—a genuine smile, a natural pose, or even a thoughtful expression. We’ll steer clear of overly casual looks that might feel out of place in a corporate setting.
4. Capture Personality Through Expression
Not everyone’s a big, toothy smiler—and that’s okay! Some people shine best with a quiet confidence or a thoughtful glance. My job is to pay attention and guide them toward an expression that feels authentically them.
5. Find the Story in the Shot
A great narrative portrait tells a story. Maybe it’s the glint in someone’s eye that shows their passion for their work, or the way they lean in slightly, ready to listen.
Capturing the Heart of the Brand
From mindset encouragers woven into the workday to activities that help employees feel valued and equipped to shine, Coca-Cola is a brand that knows the magic doesn’t just happen on its own—it’s powered by people. And those people deserve to be celebrated, not just in the workplace but in the way they’re represented to the world. So, when tasked with creating headshots for this incredible team, I wanted the photos to reflect their vibrant personalities, warm energy, and, most importantly, the heart of their company culture. I think we accomplished just that.
Want to capture your mission, values, and company culture in your team photos? Let’s go!
