We set out to create a rich portrait and lifestyle photo series, representing inclusion in front of, and behind the lens. The goal was to provide progressive, colorful, and expressly human images to share with our internal and external brand and marketing partners. Turns out Graphis liked it too and this series won Silver for Photography 2023!

Our why — What lies at the heart of the Microsoft Cloud isn’t complicated code or powerful microchips or massive data centers—it’s human possibility. It’s real people using Microsoft technology to bring their best ideas to life. And because this technology is used by people all over the world, we seek out and welcome diversity in our photo shoots, both in front of and behind the camera. The resulting imagery is candid, honest, and—whenever possible—unretouched. Crooked smiles and deep laugh lines are portrayed with honesty and warmth. Moments of deep concentration are depicted with clarity and compassion. When creating photos for Microsoft Cloud, my POV is to remember that the Microsoft Cloud isn’t, ultimately, a technology story—it’s a people story. And our photography captures that in all its unfiltered glory.

Creative Direction - Kelly Anderson

Photography - Swanson Studio

Please see other winners here: https://graphis.com/entry/b2e1c1fa-f259-4ecb-9553-1686323eb5d7/