If you’re considering a personal brand photography session but are unsure about what to wear for a photoshoot of this style, then read on. I am a London personal branding photographer with a keen eye for styling and fashion, and years of experience.
Branding photography focuses on capturing images that represent and enhance a person, company, or organization’s brand identity. It goes beyond traditional portrait photography and aims to create visual content that aligns with the brand’s message, values, and personality.
Personal brand photography tips
In this article, my aim is to ease any concerns you have and to provide expert guidance on how to select the best clothing for a photoshoot. Knowing what to wear to a photoshoot to feel and look your best is important. There is much to consider as you plan your outfits.
Whether you are new to personal brand photography or have been photographed many times before, my tips should help you to feel at ease and confident as your branding photoshoot date approaches.
Related reading: Business Portraits: How to exude confidence as Entrepreneurs
Things to consider when deciding what to wear for a branding photoshoot
When considering what to wear to a lifestyle branding photoshoot, do plan to bring along multiple outfits. I aim to achieve a diversity of looks in every branding shoot. Therefore, having a range of outfits will ensure that you end up with a library of professional personal branding photos that you can use for many different purposes.
You may require brand imagery because you’re running ads, creating promotional materials, speaking at events, or having any other public relations exposure, for example. Having several different portraits will ensure that you have visuals to suit every need. In my view, you can never have too many personal brand photos!
With that in mind, let’s explore the topic of what to wear for a personal brand photoshoot. I’m going to cover off all the things that need to be considered in order for you to determine what clothing is most suitable.
Brand identity
As a branding photographer, I align my client’s photographic images with their overall brand identity. This means that when you work with me, you can expect me to ask you about the services and products that you provide your customers, who your target audience is, as well as how you would like to be perceived.
It’s important for me to understand whether you wish to appear authoritative and knowledgeable, or perhaps fun and exciting, or modern and creative, for example.
Your regular work ‘uniform’
It’s also important for me to understand how you choose to present yourself to your clients, and what you would normally wear to greet them. I generally suggest that you stick to wearing clothes in your personal brand photography session that reflect your regular work uniform.
If you are a business consultant, for example, and your clientele is primarily C-suite executives, you are most likely going to look the part wearing suits to client consultations. That will be your primary outfits for your branding shoot.
If you are a musician, on the other hand, you may want to convey drama and fun. If you wear uniforms in your profession, incorporating your uniform into your branding outfits can be beneficial.
Authenticity
Some people feel that they need to dress formally for personal brand photography sessions. Honestly though, this doesn’t need to be the case. It’s more important that your brand imagery reflects the REAL you.
Being authentic and true to yourself is crucial in establishing a connection with your audience, so don’t wear formal clothing – such as full suits – simply to conform to expectations.
If your profession demands a degree of formality, suit jackets without ties are a perfectly acceptable look for men. As are tailored dresses for women. If you are worried about looking too informal, you can add a touch of formality with accessories such as elegant jewellery, scarves and coats. Or you can dress down and make a smart outfit look more casual by wearing your top button undone, for example.
Remember, when planning what to wear for a photoshoot, don’t hold back the real you! If you are a fashionista, bring your fashion sense into play. Wear only the clothes that make you feel alive!
Brand colours
If you have established brand colours, it’s a good idea to incorporate them into the outfits you wear in your personal brand photography shoot. However, you can also consider the colours used in your key content, like your website. Alternatively, just wear colours that you enjoy and feel comfortable in.
Neutral colours generally work well for most profession. Darker colours tend to project formality. Don’t be afraid to wear bright colours if they align with your personality and brand.
More personal brand photography outfit tips
Avoid logos and block patterns
Generally, I advise clients to avoid block patterns and logos in their outfits. One reason is that they can distract the audience from the focus of the photo —i.e. YOU.
Another reason is that logos and patterns might also get partially covered up with certain poses, so it is best to opt for simpler designs that complement your appearance.
Consider locations
For clients who come into my London photography studio for personal branding portraits, I often use different setups and photographic backgrounds. These are selected to complement their outfits of choice.
Where we have agreed on other locations – a lifestyle branding photo shoot can be done outdoors or at an alternative venue – we may want to consider how your clothes fit into the environment. For example, we may want to avoid busy patterns in your outfits if the backdrop is already vibrant and colourful.
Accessories
The right accessories or clothing separates can make all the difference!
Statement accessories that reflect your brand or personal style can add a unique touch to your personal brand photography images. Otherwise, simple and timeless jewellery can work well, allowing you and your clothing to take centre stage.
Fit
Fitted clothing tends to work best for photo shoots as it will give your body shape more definition. However, it is important to tie in with your clothing style and personality as well. Avoid clothes that are too tight or too loose or that have too many embellishments.
Seasonality
You may want to consider seasonality based on the usage of the photos. If they are intended for marketing activities or any seasonal promotions, it is best to dress accordingly, even if it means you have to dress ahead of the season.
If you would like your personal brand photos to be relevant all year round and you are having a photo shoot in the winter, consider layering your clothes. We can also plan for having a good proportion of your shoot taken indoors to stay warm and comfortable.
Personal brand photography: Outfits for small groups
When photographing groups of people, consistency in the clothing is key. So, if being photographed alongside colleagues for example, it’s important to consider how you can wear clothes that are of the same or similar colour tone and style.
Also, think about the degree of formality of your clothing and seasonality. Ensure that this is consistent among all the individuals to be photographed. Except where all participants are to wear suits, I encourage a mixture of clothing styles and textures. Also, to add interest and variation, choose colours within similar tones.
The importance of personal branding photography
Whether you represent a company as an employee or whether you represent your own business interests, how you present yourself to the world is important. After all, first impressions count.
A strong and consistent online presence is crucial. In the digital age, your personal branding photos are often the first point of contact with potential clients or employers. Eye-catching and compelling images can leave a lasting positive impression. They draw people in and can encourage them to learn more about you and what products or services you offer.
A photoshoot dedicated to your personal brand can be a complete game-changer in business! Brand photos will breathe life into your brand, reinforce your brand message and brand colours, help you stand out from the competition, build trust and attract attention.
What value does a personal branding photographer add?
A skilled professional personal brand photographer adds a splash of creativity and a touch of magic to a photoshoot. They will aim to capture your unique personality and convey your brand’s values in the imagery they create.
Done well, branding photography ensures that your visual presence is captivating, with each image telling a unique and engaging story about you and your business in a way that resonates with your ideal clients and customers. Personal brand images should evoke emotions and leave a lasting positive impression.
How often should you have personal brand photos taken?
When it comes to projecting your professional image online, up-to-date portraits are so important. I recommend that you have new portraits taken at least once every two to three years.
Out-of-date portraits, which do not accurately reflect who you are and what you look like, will not suffice in the visual world we now live in. To build trust between yourself and your customers, you need to be visible and project an image online that reflects the in-person experience people will have with you.
What to expect if you hire me as your personal brand photographer
As well as being an award-winning London portrait photographer, I have always had a keen eye on all the elements that make individuals look their best. I am a qualified makeup artist and have achieved an Art Diploma with a Fashion Design focus and have completed several fashion styling courses in the prestigious Central St Martin’s College, London.
Choose me as your personal branding photographer and you can expect vibrant colours, joyful moments, and confident expressions that showcase the best version of you and your brand. The images we create together will reflect your passion, values, and personality, forming an authentic connection with your audience.
Building on the tips I have shared in this article, I will guide you on what to wear to a photo shoot and advise you on photo concepts, execution, styling and locations. At all times, you are kept informed and involved – I consider this crucial for a successful branding photo shoot – and every photoshoot is bespoke and unique.
View more personal brand photography and book your session today
I hope this has helped you when it comes to what to wear for a photoshoot. If you’d like to see more examples from my branding portfolio simply visit the branding photography gallery.
When you’re ready, contact me to enquire about a personal branding photoshoot. I’d love to help!
