Photography
Overview
Photography plays a key role in bringing our brand to life, helping us tell our story and express our personality in a distinctive, recognizable way. At Kyndryl, our photography style is clean and bright, leaning into airy neutrals and earthy greens. Dynamic angles and structural details convey strong infrastructure and connectivity, while organic imagery reflects sophistication, vitality and continual growth. When people are featured, they're typically shown at eye level, in motion, and with natural, authentic body language.
Our photography library includes a curated mix of imagery and bespoke photography captured across our NYC, India and Japan offices. Whenever possible, please prioritize using our bespoke photography before turning to stock imagery in your assets.
Sky
Our Sky photography reflects our big-picture mindset and forward-looking perspective. Dynamic compositions and thoughtful angles create a sense of progress and restless growth, inviting the viewer to look ahead. With a clear, fresh and modern feel, our Sky photography captures the openness and collaboration at the heart of how we work and connect with one another.
General guidance
01
Sky photography should always be captured during the day. Sky color may range from soft gray-blue to vibrant blue, but nighttime shots should be avoided.
02
Bold architectural, structural or natural elements can serve as focal points, reinforcing a sense of strong infrastructure and connection.
03
Images can be captured from horizontal or low angles to add interest and perspective.
04
When using Sky photography across multiple assets, vary the angles and viewpoints rather than repeating the same perspective.
Incorporating Sky photography in
industry-specific assets:
Sky photos featuring industry-specific scenarios can be used for industry-specific assets, helping to reflect the industries with which we engage.
Living systems
Our Living Systems photography celebrates the organic systems that make up our natural world and help us thrive. Close-up images highlight the beauty and detail within each system, while wider shots offer a more holistic view — together reflecting the complexity of the vital systems that power both the digital economy and our world. When used across content, this imagery adds richness through varied textures and pairs seamlessly with the Kyndryl color palette, emphasizing natural greens, soft neutrals and the occasional pop of red.
People photography
Our People photography is organized into three categories: People in a team, Teams at work, and Individual portraits.
Together, these categories tell a complete story of our people connecting and thriving in their environments.
People in a team
Our People in a team photography highlights one person within the context of a larger group. While nearby teammates may be cropped or blurred, there is always a clear focal point that draws the eye — a clear “hero” of the shot. These photos are bright, well-lit and crisp, creating an overall feeling of optimism, energy and vibrancy, and can be used to show networks, connection, devotion and active listening.
General guidance
01
Photos should be captured at eye level, with no glass or windows between the photographer and subject, to create a sense of closeness and authenticity.
02
While the focus is on one individual, avoid showing other teammates’ backs. Everyone in the frame should feel present, engaged and connected.
03
Scenes should generally be business-related, with subjects styled in business casual attire that feels natural and approachable.
04
Keep clothing and accessories simple and unobtrusive, so nothing distracts from the people or the moment.
05
Photos should feel natural and candid: Lighting and color should be balanced — not overly saturated or muted — and subjects should appear relaxed and unaware of the camera.
06
Whenever possible, aim to capture a diverse range of people and perspectives.
Teams at work
Our Teams at work photography captures small groups of people (ideally 3–10) in moments of collaboration and teamwork. The focus is on the group as a whole rather than any single individual, highlighting connection, interaction and teamwork. These images feel bright and clean, conveying warmth, empathy and collective energy, along with a sense of restlessness to power progress.
General guidance
01
Photos should be captured at eye level and from a comfortable distance, creating a natural and approachable point of view.
02
Touches of greenery or natural colors and textures — such as wood or organic materials — can add freshness and vitality to the scene.
03
Keep foreground elements simple and unobtrusive, allowing the focus to remain on the people and their interactions.
04
People can be shown moving through the space to bring a sense of dynamic energy to the image.
05
Subjects should feel candid and natural, interacting easily with one another or their environment.
06
Whenever possible, aim to represent a diverse range of people and perspectives.
07
Use professional or business-related settings, including remote-work environments when relevant. For industry-specific assets, teams can be photographed in relevant industry settings to better reflect our customers and resonate with these audiences.
Individual portraits
Our Individual portraits focus on one person. With natural lighting and clean, pale neutral backgrounds, the subject of the photo should feel genuine and personable, exuding energy and warmth.
General guidance
01
Photos should be captured at eye level, facing the subject directly.
02
Portraits can be cropped slightly off-center for a dynamic feel, or centered for a calm, balanced effect.
03
Subjects should have positive, natural expressions and relaxed, professional body language.
04
When possible, subjects should wear business-casual attire with simple accessories to keep the focus on them.
05
Overall, images should seem to capture a candid moment directly before the shot, creating a more personable, approachable energy.
06
Use clean, neutral backgrounds that support the subject without drawing attention away.
