What to wear to your personal branding photoshoot?
The outfits you choose for your session are one of the most important factors in your photos. Not only do they play a huge role in the visual aspect of the photos, but whether or not you feel comfortable has a huge effect on your mood and energy.
The single most important tip I can give you is to ALWAYS place comfort at the top of your priority list. Wear something you love that you are comfortable in. No matter what, keep it simple! If you want any clothing advice, I’m only ever an email away.
1. Platform drives colours
Think about where you want to use these photos. This will help you determine what to wear. Is this for LinkedIn? Strong colour blocking is best on there to help you stand out from others. Is this for social media and you have particular branding colours? Try wearing your branding colours! This is a great way to work your branding colours into more posts.
Is this for your website? Think of the space you want the image to fill, ie header, blog post, about page. Will it be portrait or landscape orientation? This can help you decide between an outfit that needs to be all in shot or is best cropped.
Think about the vibe you want to convey - professional? Quirky? Serious? Happy? Think about what colours you could wear that would help portray those vibes.
2. COORDINATE colours, but DON’T over-MATCH
Solid colours often translate best on camera. Avoid too much patterns and absolutely nothing with brand name too obvious – stay away from words on clothes in most cases.
3. ADD layers for movement and accessories for interest.
A shawl, dress or loose jacket will accentuate movement in photos. Necklaces, hats, scarves, bracelets etc. add an extra little touch to an outfit and this translates really well in photos. Even a bag can work for a pop of colour and something to hold.
4. Stick with comfortable
Wear something you have been photographed in before so you know how it will come out or at least, wear it around the house a few times if it is new and take a couple of selfies!
If in doubt, wear the outfit you consistently get compliments in that you love! You will shine when you know you look good.
DO LOOK LIKE THIS:
– Aim for colours that look good together or neutrals
– Layers are your friend!
– Keep it simple
– Add accessories for extra interest
Don’t look like this
– Avoid overmatching
– Avoid saturated colours
– Avoid crazy patterns
– Avoid fashion fads
What about props?
You may be wondering if it’s alright to bring along props or different items. My answer to this is that you totally can but you don’t need to! In particular, there are a few items I find are always great to bring along for your session.
An extra jacket/pair of shoes/ Umbrella/outfit change – Just in case!
A backup is always worth having because it is better to have and not need than need and not have. It’s good to have something to keep you warm if the weather changes and we are outside.
Meaningful items/memories
Have you got something that helps show who you are in a photo? This could be an instrument for a musician, a camera for a photographer, fabric for a crafter, shoes for a dancer, stethoscope for a doctor, etc. – none of these are essential of course but ideas to get you thinking!
Something to hold
We often don’t know what do with our hands so something to put in our hands can really help. My top suggestion is almost always a mug of some sort or if we are out for a walk and you love takeaway hot drinks, let’s get one for the road.
