What to wear to a business or personal branding shoot
Yes picking out what to wear for your brand shoot can be stressful! One of the first things that every client asks me is “What should I wear?!” So here are my top six tips for nailing your look and making sure you are fully prepped for a successful brand photoshoot!
- Comfortable and confident
Getting in front of the camera can be tough, so give yourself a leg up by wearing clothes that make you feel like your best self. Whatever makes you feel confident, bring it, wear it. If you have an outfit that makes you feel off, or uncomfortable, don’t wear it.
- Start with colour
The colours you choose to wear will change the whole look and feel of your photos, and will help communicate the story of your business.
Brand colours
Wearing your brand colors is a great way to personalize your session and using your brand colours as the color will help to associate your branding with you! You don’t have to match your branding colours exactly, but make sure what you do wear doesn’t clash!! For example if your brand colours are natural and neutral tones, you wouldn’t want to opt for bright primary colours. Various tones and hues of your brand colours may also work well.
Explore how Dr. Ala Farah thoughtfully incorporated her branding colors into her wardrobe choices for her shoot here. For an example of a business team unified by their signature yellow branding, visit the Essential Finance blog here.
If you don’t have brand colours yet, or if in doubt use, warm, earthy and neutral tones. Think olive, rust, beige, or navy blue tones. For groups, my advice is to colour coordinate tones but not to all wear the exact same colour. I go into depth on how to unify your look for your team photos here.
- Wear multiple outfits with a range of styles
Unless you are booking shoots every month, you want to be able to use this photoshoot for many months to come. Try to imagine following a business that has shown up and marketed strategically on a regular basis, but they are always wearing the same outfit! Even if they post great content, it will get old, and may actually be a distraction from what they are selling. Make the most of your time with your photographer and wear multiple outfits. This gives you more marketing mileage and helps your content to look fresh. What you wear will depend on your business, but think casual, dressy and if it’s relevant something unique to your business.
- Avoid logos and distracting prints
Unless your brand is fashion oriented, it makes the most sense to stick to solid colors or prints that aren’t to dominating. You can still layer different colors, but avoid heavy patterns, prints, logos and wording on your clothing. The point of these pictures is to connect with your ideal audience. Solid colors help to keep a viewers eyes from getting distracted or pulling their eyes to your clothes. However, if bold, bright, pattern, colour is your thing and represents your brand then go for it!
- Flattering options
Blazers and cardigans break up space and color, creating a more flattering look. Layering these pieces can add a slimming effect and bring visual interest to your photos. Easily dress up or down by adding a blazer, denim jacket, or cardigan.
Outfits that cinch at the waist help define your shape. High-waisted pants or peplum tops work similarly—drawing attention to your waist (rather than hips) creates a slimming, balanced look.
- Prep prep prep
Taking the time to prepare your outfits before the shoot will make all the difference in your confidence and how you come across on camera. Try on each option and snap a quick photo to see how it translates on screen—some pieces look better in person than on camera!
If you’re buying new outfits, test them at home first instead of debuting them on shoot day (trust me, I’ve been there!). Make sure undergarments fit well, are the right color, and won’t show through clothing.
Double-check that outfits are properly steamed, or ironed, wrinkles are tough to edit out and can distract from the overall look. If you’re using team shirts or uniforms, ensure they’re clean and fit well.
When you book a session with me we can:
Look over your clothing together prior to the day. You are welcome to send me options you are considering and I can give feedback. I have even facetimed clients while they run through their wardrobe!! Just reach out if you’d like help.
I can help you on shoot day. I leave ample time for shoots so if you have several options and you’re not sure, we can look through these and choose together.
I help brands and businesses in the Waikato, Hamilton and Bay of plenty dress to impress for their branding photoshoot! Each booking will recieve a What to Wear and How to Prep for your branding shoot guide and I will provide specific guidance before your shoot if you’re not sure! To book a shoot or find out more get in touch with me here!
