Dress to Impress: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Outfits for Your Business Branding Photoshoot
When it comes to creating a memorable and impactful branding photoshoot, every element counts, and your choice of attire is no exception. Whether you're a corporate professional, an entrepreneur, or a small business owner, the power of a well-curated wardrobe for your photoshoot cannot be underestimated when it comes to capturing compelling images that truly reflect your brand's essence.
Your clothing choices can greatly impact how your audience perceives your brand and influences their first impression. If you’re thinking about booking a branding photoshoot for your business, but not sure what to wear, never fear!
In this article, we'll guide you through the process of selecting outfits that not only align with your brand's aesthetic; but, also ensure your branding photos are natural, authentic, and versatile across different platforms.
Grammy award winners Alphabet Rockers dressed to impress for their branding photoshoot.
Here are my 3 biggest tips to consider when brainstorming the perfect outfit for your next shoot:
Stay True to Your Working Style
The purpose of a branding photoshoot is to showcase your authentic self to potential customers or clients. Consider what you typically wear while working and let's capture that essence!
For example, if you have different roles like June Liu, who is both an acupuncturist and a physical therapist, we can highlight the distinct outfits you wear for each practice.
During our pre-shoot strategy call, June shared that when she works with acupuncture patients, she wears scrubs; however, when with physical therapy patients, she dresses more casually.
We made it a goal during our session to switch up her outfit to reflect how she looks while working with different clients. We wanted clients to see exactly who they’d be meeting when they made an appointment with June.
By accurately reflecting your work attire, you'll connect with your audience in a genuine way.
Portraying the Right Image
Think about how you want to be perceived by potential clients or customers. Oftentimes, clients come to be with adjectives like “approachable,” “professional,” “welcoming,” “successful,” “knowledgeable.” So, let’s say it with your clothes!
Consider Josie, who juggles two different businesses as a consultant and a wedding officiant. To portray a more traditionally “professional” image to her consulting clients, we photographed her wearing a business jacket, as she works mostly with government officials.
However, for the photos she would use to promote her wedding business, she opted for a casual look to set a more friendly tone with couples who may be browsing her website.
When you’re thinking of what you may want to say with your outfits, don't be afraid to play with colors, aesthetics, and patterns, but keep them simple to ensure the focus remains on you and your brand. You don’t want to wear things that don’t feel like “you”.
During a recent strategy call with a different client who is a life coach, she confessed that in her last branding photoshoot with a different photographer, she selected her outfits based on what she thought a coach “should look like.” Ultimately, she didn’t feel like the photos looked like her. She was trying to emulate an image that wasn’t authentic to who she actually was.
She said, “In all those old photos, I’m wearing pants. I never wear pants! I’m more a dress and skirts kind of gal.”
You’d best believe that in our shoot together, she wore all dresses, and she was much happier with the outcome.
Whatever image, vibe, or aesthetic you choose to portray, just make sure it’s true to who you are.
Comfort is Key
We want you to feel as comfortable as possible during your branding photoshoot, both physically and emotionally!
Choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident, allowing us to capture your authentic self-assurance. If you feel uneasy or lack confidence in what you're wearing, it will be evident in your expressions in the photos.
In my pre-shoot strategy session with Alex (aka Lavender Blues,) she shared that she felt most confident wearing jumpsuits. She planned to use the photos from our shoot in promotional materials and in her press kit for her music career, so she wanted to emphasize her bright and fun personality.
Judging by the photos, I think we nailed it! Alex’s confidence effortlessly shined through in these images, bolstered by how comfy she felt in these colorful jumpsuits.
A Few Frequently Asked Questions I Get About Choosing Outfits for Business Branding Photoshoots:
I want to book a branding shoot, but I’m not sure what to wear? Will you help me?
Absolutely! I'm here to assist you in brainstorming outfit ideas and making suggestions that best represent your brand during the photoshoot. During our pre-shoot strategy call, we'll discuss the looks and scenarios you want to create, helping you prepare specific outfits in advance to minimize stress on the day of the shoot.
How many outfit changes can I do during my business branding photoshoot?
In a typical 2.5-hour session, clients can usually change between 4-6 outfits, depending on factors like shooting location and ease of changing.
An easy and quick way to change up your look to add more diversity in your photo gallery is with accessories.
During my shoot with Joanna of Joella Crafts, she easily created multiple looks by switching up her hats, bags, and tops, while still maintaining the same skirt and sneakers.
There may be many factors to consider when choosing the right outfits for your business branding photoshoot but it doesn’t have to be difficult!
I’m here to help you create photos - and outfits - that capture your professional identity and create images that truly represent your business.
If you're ready to elevate your brand with stunning photography that tells your unique story, I invite you to reach out and start the conversation about booking your personalized shoot with me!
Together, we can bring your vision to life and create visual content that sets you apart from the competition. Let's capture the essence of your brand and showcase it to the world. Contact me today!
This blog post was co-created by Sam Popp and Aubin Niragira.