What To Wear To Your Headshot and Personal Branding Photoshoot

Available in multiple colors  on Amazon for $28.90 - Berydress Women’s Classic 3/4 sleeve.

Available in multiple colors on Amazon for $28.90 - Berydress Women’s Classic 3/4 sleeve.

You have an appointment for a headshot and branding photosession. Great! Now, ask yourself how do you want to represent your brand in photos? What type of message do you want your photographs to convey to your target audience? What do you want your clothes to say about your brand? Do you want to appear conservative, trendy, relaxed but chic? Take some time to think about these questions. Think about the colors that are in your brand. 

I will have an in-depth conversation with you about how you want to present yourself in your photos. And, I will help you hone in on your style. But regardless of which style you want to portray, there are a few universal rules that apply to clothing in photos.

Available in multiple colors on Amazon for under $40 - Lark & Ro.

Available in multiple colors on Amazon for under $40 - Lark & Ro.

#1 - No Baggy Clothes. You need to have clothes that hug your body, otherwise you don’t know where the clothes start and you end. To create interest in a photo and hold the viewer’s attention, there has to be shape - a reason for the eye to wander in the photograph. This can be done through movement in the body, like a curve through the hips, or in a design element. It is difficult to create shape in the body when your clothes are baggy. And if you are worried about a few extra pounds, my posing will be slenderizing and flattering and I will photoshop any bulges that bother you.

#2 - Colors and Prints: You don’t want loud or large prints UNLESS that is your brand. YOU want to be the focus of your brand, not your clothes. Think about the colors of your brand. Are they neutral, black and white, or bright bold colors. If bright and bold is a thing in your brand, then go for that in your clothes.

Available in 5 colors on Lulus.com for $34.

#3 - No old clothes please. They don’t have to be new, but make sure they look new. No stains, no sags, no rips, etc. Even if you style includes ripped jeans, you want them to look like it was intentional and not a mistake.

#4 - Clothes don’t need to be expensive. Inexpensive clothing can photograph really well. This gives you lots of options and the ability to bring several outfits to your photoshoot and to try different looks.

Available on Lulus.com for $49.

Available on Lulus.com for $49.

#6 - Undergarments. This is important. Match your undergarments to your outfits. If your dress calls for a strapless bra - get one, and make sure the color is appropriate. No sagging boobs. Wear spanks if necessary. Being mindful of these items will make a huge difference in the final photos.

#7 - Accessories. - less is more - I can help you make decisions about accessories on the day of the shoot, but here are a few things for you to consider in what to bring: Match your accessories with your outfit. Make sure your belts fit you and your pants. Large signature pieces should be paired with other smaller pieces or with nothing at all. Be careful that the jewelry and accessories don’t overpower the outfit and/or you. Like clothes, we don’t want to hide our features with accessories. Don’t use scarves to hide your neck - again lighting, posing and photoshop will take care of any neck issues.

Taking the time to go through these items will yield photos that you will be proud of and that will represent you and your brand in the best possible light!

Click here to learn how I help you prepare for your personal branding photo session.