What to wear to your personal brand photography session. You are the face of your brand, so you want that face to look its best no matter what photo is showing up on the web when your business comes up.

One of the most difficult problems people have with their branding sessions, is coming up with the right wardrobe. You want to look the part, right? You just aren’t quite sure where to start. That is where I come in! Not only do we plan a strategic personal branding photography session which includes wardrobe but I also have a few tips. This is how you can prepare for your branding session, starting with what to wear.

Keep it Classic

Timeless, classic ensembles will stand the test of time and be relevant today, tomorrow, and 5 years from now. While your personal brand photos should still be updated more frequently than that, keeping your vibe classy and sophisticated will elevate your brand. You want to avoid going too trendy with your wardrobe selections.

Consider what has remained in your wardrobe as a staple item then consider which items you gravitate towards and use those to inspire your branding session.

Coordination is Key

When it comes to personal branding, it means so much more than a logo and a color scheme. However, these are major components of your brand and are the forward-facing elements that bring in your prospective clients.

During your personal brand photography session, you are going to want to consider those colors and use them in selecting your jewelry, accessories, and outfits. You can even consider coordinating or complementary colors to your brand palette but keep your wardrobe consistent so that your website and social media content stays consistent as well.

Consider your Target Audience

Who is your ideal client? How do you want them to view you based on your services or product? Your branding session should reflect this throughout the environment and wardrobe. If you run a yoga studio, it is absolutely okay to wear yoga pants and a sports bra for your branding session. You’re a lawyer? I would expect you to show up in full suit-and-tie ready to go. Fashion blogger? You should be showing off your bad ass style.

You want to find the wardrobe options that paint the best picture of you in the light of your business.

Your Environment Plays a Role

Your environment can make your wardrobe choice change drastically depending on where you plan on taking pictures: Will you be indoors or outdoors? City or back country roads? Will it be cold or hot? These are all considerations that you need to make when planning the right outfits for your session.

Consult Pinterest for Inspo

Pinterest is a gem! There are a ton of great ideas for you to gather inspiration from while you plan your different outfits. Head to Pinterest and create an inspiration board that you can use to visualize the perfect look for your session!

Take these ideas to a friend, family member, or even me (your Chicago personal brand photographer and discuss them. You may find yourself with excellent advice and the right direction for gathering those wardrobe items.

Your Photographer is Here to Assist You

You can always lean on your photographer for guidance and suggestions when it comes to selecting a wardrobe. We are the experts behind the lens who know how to position you in the best way possible. From head-to-toe, we can help you select the right wardrobe for your session. If you need a place to start, try some of these tips for the best branding photos!

• Long or ¾ sleeves are flattering on almost everyone.
• Jewel tones and deeper greys are excellent color options.
• Avoid super bright colors (unless that’s your what your brand is).
• Wear clothes you feel confident in.
• Consider having your makeup professionally done for your session.
• Stay away from large patterns on your clothing and stick to solids or small patterns.

Collaborate with your photographer on your wardrobe selections! We have so many ways of communicating these days, which means you can send me ideas from your own wardrobe and let me help you decide. You can even grab a few extra ideas or outfits for the day of and we can go over the wardrobe before we start shooting.

And remember, when it comes down to it, I will work my magic behind the lens. No matter what you decide to wear, we will bring out your amazing personality!