Choosing outfits for branding photos can be one of the most stressful parts about having the photos taken! It is the number one question I get asked prior to the session! So let’s go over 4 tips for choosing outfits for branding photos!
1. Keep it Neutral
A lot of times I say “keep it neutral” and people immediately think “keep it boring.” I’m going to debunk that rumor right now! Neutral does not mean boring. What it does mean is being to use the photo throughout the year! When I gave 3 tips for a killer profile photo I encouraged you to keep the content neutral! So no Christmas sweaters or trendy t-shirts! Stick to solid colors, preferably in your branding colors.
2. Bring Outfit Options
Most photographers will let you bring a change of clothes to your session! This is the perfect opportunity to switch from something more casual into something business professional. If you only do one branding photoshoot a year it would also be a great time to switch from spring clothes into winter clothes! This way you have content that makes sense throughout the year!
If you can’t bring an entire change of outfit bring accessories! Adding a hat or putting on a jacket or sweater can change the entire look of your outfit!
3. Make Sure You’re Comfortable
There is nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable in what you’re wearing. You feel it, but more important your audience can feel it. Being uncomfortable could be because your clothes don’t fit correctly. Maybe they’re too little or too big! In that case, go shopping. Clothes are a business expense and worth investing in! Your first impression in the digital world is your photo! If you’re the kind of girl who rocks crop tops and daisy dukes now isn’t the time to be wearing your grandmothers pearls. Same goes for if you normally love a power suit now isn’t the time to be wearing distressed jeans because you think it will make you look approachable!
You know how I know this? I had my branding photos done in my sisters white bridal shower dress and heels and I felt uncomfortable the whole time. Even though the photos were great they weren’t a reflection of who I really was!
4. Use Your Environment to Tell Your Story
Taking your branding photos outside somewhere pretty is absolutely an option. But taking them somewhere that matters to you is going to elevate your visual brand message! You can see I share a lot of photos from my home and that makes sense for me! Maybe you work at the same coffee shop a lot, they would probably be willing to let you take photos there! Maybe you go to the park to work while your dog plays, that is part of your story! Maybe you are a pastry chef, but you don’t have the cutest house. You can rent an airbnb and still have your branding photos reflect your career!
