Your personal branding photo session is coming up and if I had to guess, you’re stressed on what to wear. Choosing the right outfits to represent your personality and your business can feel overwhelming (been there!) so today I’m going to share with you a few tips I like to recommend to my clients in the hopes that it’ll help you make some decisions and go confidently into your portrait session with style!

First, consult your photographer. See what tips they recommend based on the session you have planned with them. Once you have your location figured out, you should have a general idea of what clothes will be weather appropriate because comfort is key. If it’s 100 degrees out and you planned to wear a wool coat, yes, you will look hot, flushed and uncomfortable. If you’re having an indoor studio session and the backdrop will be solid white, you likely don’t want to wear all white and look washed out. Narrow down your general photoshoot location and then plan your outfits.

I’ll typically suggest to my clients to bring several outfits to their photo session and I’ll help them to narrow down the best ones. 5-6 outfits is recommended and usually about how many you’d get through in a 2 hour session with me. Choose a variety of colors that align with your brand. Even if your brand elements are bright and colorful, a black outfit is going to be okay for an outfit. As a photographer, I’m going to be pairing each outfit with the best background to help you stand out. Here’s a guideline to selecting those ~6 outfits.

(1-2) outfits you’d wear to meet a potential client you want to hire you. Think business casual. This may vary from occupation to occupation so really consider the impact you want to make on your client that fits your brand. Dark jeans + a blazer. White pants and a blouse. Maybe you have a specific work uniform you’d like to be photographed in.
(1) outfit you’d wear if you were speaking at a conference or event. This may be something more dressy, flashy, yet professional. Rompers and dresses are great options.
(1) formal outfit you’d wear if you were accepting an award. Keep this option neutral in color and classy cut. A tailored dress or pant suit applies here!
(1-2) outfits you’d wear if you were entertaining guests at home. Think colorful sundresses, jeans and an off-the-shoulder sweater. Nice, yet casual. Don’t shy away from your favorite patterns or colors here. These outfits really let your personality shine through.
(1) outfit that you’d wear to work if you have a specific uniform

Selecting outfits from casual to formal will give you plenty of options to use all over your website, social media, and advertising, no matter what occasion comes up that you’ll need to use a photo for. Remember, even if your brand colors are pink and blue, every outfit doesn’t need to be pink and blue! We’ll utilize backgrounds and props to help coordinate a cohesive feel.

Again, I want to remind you to choose outfits that you’re comfortable in! Go ahead and treat yourself to a shopping spree if you can’t find anything in your closet, but anything you’re on the fence about when it comes to how comfortable you feel in it, let that go. Fitted clothes photograph much better than baggy, shapeless outfits, but be careful not to go so skin tight that we will see every crease in your skin. Materials like silk and linen photograph beautifully. Layers are also great; I’m a big fan of jackets and fitted blazers that can added in or out of an outfit.

Janelle Elaine Photography

Finally, remember the accessories from head to toe. Bring a few different shoe options, jewelry choices, and any hats or scarves that fit your vibe. Be sure each item is treated for stains/wrinkles in advance!

Don’t stress about your session! You’re going to look amazing! If I’m your photographer, we’ve likely covered these details and I’m happy to hop on a quick Zoom call or check out photos of your outfits that you send my way prior to your session to help you decide on what to bring. If you STILL can’t decide at the day of your session, bring up to 8 outfits that you love and I’ll help you choose!

To book your personal branding session with me, click the button below; I cant wait to hear from you!

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