The complete guide on what to wear for your headshot and personal branding photoshoot. Planning and styling tips to help you get the best out of your shoot.
So, you have taken the plunge and booked your headshot or personal branding photoshoot. Then the panic hits and you have no idea what to wear, or what to expect!
Preparation is key to create your dream branding photoshoot.
As an entrepreneur, every single detail in your photos matters. The way you come across in your brand photography will affect your potential client’s decision to book or hire you.
I have created this guide to help you get the best out of your brand shoot. It will also help you to plan your photoshoot to fit your brand’s visual identity to attract your ideal clients.
How to create an editorial look?
When you flick through a high fashion magazine, you’ll find amazing editorial spreads that perfectly merge the worlds of art and commerce.
They often take you to a fantastical world, displaying new collections and accessories in a manner that will (hopefully) encourage you to purchase them.
These shots look so effortless. It’s almost as if the photographer had stumbled upon this moment and captured it in an instant. In reality, however, this is not the case at all.
A lot of time planning, styling, lighting and posing go into photographing a personal branding photoshoot.
If you want your brand photos to look more editorial, think about the look you want to achieve and the story you want to tell.
We’ll start by conceptualising your idea by creating a mood board on Pinterest – if you haven’t got a Pinterest board yet, get one! I promise you’ll love it!
What is the purpose of your personal branding session?
Think about the purpose of your headshots and personal branding photoshoot and the mood you want to convey as a business owner.
I recommend selecting colours and styles that suit your branding.
Fit your theme first and then begin looking at the colour palette of the outfit to determine where you want to be photographed, i.e. studio backdrop, office, countryside, cityscape, etc.
The colours must weave throughout your brand photos, to give it a more cohesive and visually harmonious look.
Once this has been established, you can start looking at the smaller details to “add life” to your images to make it feel more realistic rather than staged.
You can do this by bringing props that relate to your business, i.e. laptop, phone, notebook, pen.
Before your shoot, you will receive a branding questionnaire that will need to fill out. This will help us to plan a session that’s truly in alignment with your brand.
What to wear for your personal branding photoshoot?
Wear Your Brand Colours
The purpose of your brand photos is to use them in your business and to support your brand image.
You might want to use your pictures on your website and other marketing materials, so always keep your brand colours in mind when choosing your wardrobe.
Don’t wear colours that are entirely off-brand as they may end up clashing with the other visual elements of your branding.
For example, don’t wear a hot pink blazer if your colour palette is soft blues and greens.
Wear Outfits That Suit Your Brand Style
Are your modern and minimal and natural and lively? Try to pick outfits that suit your brand personality. I’ve created a brand personality quiz to determine your visual style. Your result will include a personalised style guide so you will know what to wear for your personal branding photoshoot.
Look Polished and Professional
Think about your brand image. Don’t wear clothing that is old, worn-out or wrinkled.
Stretched out outfits that have faded in colour just don’t photograph well. It also does convey the professional message you might be going for.
If you are really stuck, and nothing in your wardrobe is suitable to wear, then look on the bright side – it’s a brilliant excuse to go shopping!
Styling tips for your personal brand photoshoot
Wear Clothes That Fit Well
There’s nothing worse than ill-fitting clothing to ruin your professional image. Any outfits you choose should be properly fitted, look professional and complement your figure. Likewise, avoid wearing anything that’s either very loose and slouchy or skin tight and uncomfortable.
Wear Heels
Unless you’re a flats girl through and through, I always recommend wearing heels to elongate your legs and body. They create a long, lean line which is extremely flattering to most figures. Nude or black heels are an excellent choice as they are as so versatile or choose a pair that matches your outfit.
Accessorise Your Outfit
Jewellery can really elevate an outfit to the next level, making you look even more stylish and polished than your regular day-to-day look. Just remember that less is more. So limit the focal point to one area and keep the number of pieces you wear to a minimum. For example, don’t wear big earrings together with a big necklace; just choose one and let it shine!
Underwear
Remember to bring a strapless bra and nude-coloured undergarments. A nude vest is excellent if you need to change on location as you can slip a new outfit over the top.
How to plan your personal branding session?
Get Organised
Think about what to wear for your personal branding photoshoot. Plan and organise the outfits and accessories you will be bringing. Try on each outfit, including underwear and jewellery, to make sure everything fits and that everything is clean and ironed.
Shop & Return
If you need to, you can buy outfits from the high street or online and return after your shoot. Please be aware that it is your responsibility to make sure they are in returnable condition.
“I’m Not Photogenic.”
Lastly, I wanted to bring up one last point. Almost everyone I photograph say they’re “not photogenic“. My clients will find every flaw and imperfection they think they have.
Being in front of the camera can bring forth every insecurity and every fear you may have.
It is my job as your branding photographer to let you know that I am in complete control of your personal branding session.
I will direct every move from how your legs are positioned to where your hands are. I have it covered. I’ll keep an eye on how you’re moving your hips and shoulders, chin and smile.
I won’t load you with compliments to counter your body fear. I will listen to your insecurities and discreetly make sure that these things look amazing when I photograph you.
If there are areas that I have had to compromise on, I will fix this in post-production – and you will NEVER know!
Your personal brand photos will elevate your business, and give you the edge over your competitors.
All you need to do is follow this guide so you feel your best and so I can create the most beautiful personal branding photographs you’ve ever had.
