One of the most frequent questions I get when booking a brand photoshoot is, “What should I wear?” It’s an important question, and honestly, the answer isn’t always as simple as “whatever you feel comfortable in.” Clothes are a big part of how we express ourselves, and I understand that the idea of being in front of a camera can add some extra stress to choosing an outfit. So, here’s my take on what you should wear for your brand photoshoot.
Finding Your Authentic Style
When thinking about what professional clothes to choose, it’s a good idea to consider what you wear when you do your job. What do you wear when you’re at work or meeting a client? Is it a formal suit, a casual dress, an overall, a yoga trouser or comfy jean and a t-shirt? The goal is to dress in a way that feels like you. This authenticity will help potential clients connect with the real person behind the brand and help you attract the right clients for your business. Don’t be afraid to show your personality through your clothes! Your outfits should be consistent with the tone of your business as well as with who you are. Whether you’re a motivational speaker whose style is sleek and professional or a sculptor who prefers relaxed and creative clothes, let your personality shine through.
You might have a variety of styles—one for home, one for the beach, one with your hobby, and one for work. It can be great to have different looks represented in your brand photos, some more professional and others more casual or showing different parts of your personality. The longer the photo session, the more outfits you can wear.
Consider the Location and Background of Your Portrait Session
Your choice of outfit should also take into account the location and background of your shoot. For a corporate office setting, a more formal outfit might be appropriate, while a natural outdoor environment may call for something more casual and relaxed. The key is to make sure your clothing matches the location type.
It’s also crucial to think about how your outfit will work with the colours and patterns in the background. You want to stand out, not blend in or clash with your surroundings. For example, if you’re shooting outdoors, consider wearing colours that contrast with the greens and browns of nature, like orange, purple, or red. This will help ensure you don’t accidentally camouflage yourself.
On the other hand, if your backdrop is a bold, multi-coloured mural, opt for a single, light neutral colour to contrast with the vibrant background, allowing you to remain the focal point. Being mindful of how your outfit interacts with the environment will result in cohesive, balanced images.
Choosing the Right Colours for Your Headshot Outfits
Choosing the right colour for your outfit is important. I’m not a believer in the idea that you should only wear your brand’s colours. Brands can change, and the colours of your brand might not look good on you. Instead, choose colours that flatter your skin tone, eyes, and hair. Remember, the goal is for people to connect with you, which is more important than just wearing your brand colours. If you’re unsure what colours suit you best, I recommend having a colour analysis done by a stylist. I did one with Kay Korsh, and it’s been so helpful. I feel much better in my clothes because I’m wearing colours that suit me. It also helps when shopping, as I can quickly skip clothes that I know won’t look good on me based on their colour.
What NOT to Wear for Your Brand Photos or Headshots
While dressing authentically is important, there are a few things you should avoid:
- Logos and Text: Refrain from wearing clothing with logos or text unless it’s your own brand or has text that aligns with what your brand stands for. Large logos or text can distract from you, as people will look at that first instead of your face.
- Small Busy Patterns: Very small prints and close stripes do not always work well on camera. They can even cause a strange effect in your photos called moiré.
- Ill-Fitting Clothes: Ensure your clothes fit your body well. Well-fitted clothes will always look better on you.
Variety in Your Outfits
Even for a short 1-hour photo shoot, I recommend bringing at least one alternative outfit. Having a jacket, sweater, or accessory that you can quickly change into can help add variety to your photos. Changing up small details like scarves, jewellery, cardigans or even hats can create different looks without requiring a complete outfit change. Those type of changes are also great for shorter session. It’s good to bring outfit choices to your session, even if we might not use them all. And it’s best to not start with the outfit you like the most, as it might take a little bit of time to completely feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Prepare and Test Out Your Outfits Ahead of Time
Before your photoshoot, it’s essential to test your outfits. Make sure they fit well and are comfortable. When you wear clothes that you feel good in, you’ll feel more confident during your photo session with me. So, once you know what outfits you want to wear, try them on and see how you actually feel in them. Fit and comfort are important! Clothes that don’t fit well can restrict your movements and affect your confidence, leading to less natural photos. Choose outfits that flatter your body shape and make you feel at ease. It may help to look in the mirror or make some test shots of yourself with your phone camera to see if you really like the outfit. Confidence is key, and the more comfortable you are in your clothing, the more impactful your personal branding photos will be.
Avoid last-minute stress by preparing your outfits in advance. Lay out each complete ensemble, including accessories and shoes, to ensure everything is clean, pressed, and ready to go. It’s important to iron or steam your clothes before the shoot, as wrinkles will show up in your photos. Being prepared will save you time and make the entire experience smoother and more enjoyable.
What About Hair and Makeup?
Wear as much or as little makeup as you normally would. You don’t need to apply extra makeup just for the camera. If you never wear makeup, don’t feel that you must. However, I do recommend moisturizing your hands and lips, so they don’t look dry. And don’t forget to pay attention to your feet and hands —they might appear in the pictures too. You can of course hire a make-up artist for the day of your photo session. However, if you get a make-up artist, make sure you like the way they do your make up by testing it beforehand. You still want your make-up to feel natural and have it look like you.
When it comes to hair, be yourself. Do you like wearing your hair big, loose, or in a bun? Be true to your style! Wear your hair in a way that makes you feel most like yourself. If you’re concerned about your hair on the day of the shoot, consider getting it styled in advance, so it looks as you’d like. However, it’s very important not to go to the hairdresser too close to the date of the photoshoot. Go at least 2-3 weeks prior so that if you don’t like the cut or colour, you’ll have time to adjust it.
Props and Accessories for Your Brand Portraits
Props and accessories can add personality and variety to your photos. If you’re booking a full personal branding session, bring props that reflect your work and personality—anything from your business or personal life that can help tell your story and connect you with your ideal audience. I have written a blog post which will help you find story-telling props that suit you and your business.
At the end of the day, it’s about showing up authentically in your brand photos. Whether you’re rocking a bold necklace with a message, highlighting your tattoos, or keeping things simple with a classic outfit, your style should reflect who you are and what your brand stands for. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident—that’s what will truly shine through in your photos. And when you book your headshots or brand portraits with me, you can always message me with any questions you might have about your outfit or anything else regarding your photo session.
Want headshots or brand photos that really capture your personality? Connect with me to book in a non salesy chat about the photos you need, and explore what t’s like for us to work together.
I just recently got some headshots done and I was a bit lost!! This is a great blog post with a ton of information!