How To Look On-Brand for your Branding Photoshoot
You did the thing. You built a business. You hired a website designer. You booked the shoot. Now you’re standing in front of your closet, internally screaming.
“What am I going to wear for my personal branding photoshoot?”
It’s as though you have to become the physical representation of your brand – and that feels pretty damn intimidating! You know you have to select the right clothing to convey the right message. But how do you know which clothes will do that best?
Fortunately, as a brand photographer, I’ve walked over a hundred clients – just like you – through this exact frustration, and we, too, are going to get through this together.
Get ready to KNOW exactly what you need to wear for your branding photo shoot – as well as what NOT to wear.
And if we’re being real here, this post is probably going to reduce your choices significantly – but that’s a great thing! (Decision fatigue is real, y’all.)
Let’s make your on-brand clothing choice clear-cut.
Know Your Brand Colors
A pre-decided palette of hues is SO essential for creating a cohesive look throughout your shoot, but deciding on brand colors now will really benefit your brand in a ton of ways. You’ll develop your own aesthetic and people will
If your brand doesn’t currently have a color palette, here’s how to create one:
1. Use a color generator.
Using any image you like as inspiration, drag your image into a generator like this one. Mix as needed and you're on your way.
2. Find a pre-made color palette.
Pinterest is full of amazing color palettes and inspiration. Try to find one that you feel represents your brand’s style and goals.
3. Make a color palette from scratch.
Use a color wheel to pick colors. Colors that are on the opposite sides of each other on the wheel can be your accent colors. Then mix in simple, neutral colors to create balance.
Craft A Mood Board For Your Brand Photoshoot
I love mood boards. As a photographer, I value them for the clarity, but as a creative, I find the act of creating them super fun!
Note: If you’ve already worked with (or begun working with) a brand/website designer, chances are you already have a mood board and are one step ahead of the crowd. Skip ahead joyfully!
If, however, you don’t have a mood board yet, creating one is free and easy! You can use Pinterest, Google image search, or even magazines to pull together images that capture your vision:
inspiration images
poses you like
props + other decor ideas
facial expressions that match what you want to convey
outfit ideas
Choose Your On-Brand Outfit With These 5 Guidelines
#1 - Clothing that helps you feel like your best self.
If you don't feel good in what you're wearing, it will show – but the reverse is also true. When you feel good, it will show. Choose something that helps you feel confident, comfortable, and like your best self.
#2 - Clothing that sends the right message.
Consider the message you’re trying to send and dress with that in mind. If your brand’s personality is fun, choose pieces that reflect that energy. On the other hand, if your brand exudes sophistication, opt for more classic pieces.
#3 - Clothing that fits into your brand’s color palette.
You already know a pre-selected color palette is key to a cohesive look. While it's essential to align your outfit with your brand colors, be mindful to not go overboard. Try to find ways to infuse your look without it being so “in your face.” Truthfully, adding color via a necklace, bracelet, or socks is a small touch that can go a long way.
#4 - Clothing that has layers.
The human eye loves textures and layers, so try to add them whenever possible. That might mean taking a jacket or scarf that can be removed or rearranged to create different looks or a sense of movement.
#5 - Team clothing that complements – instead of matches.
If your team is a part of your brand shoot, opt for outfits that complement one another – rather than matchy-matchy ones. This creates a more natural “we all dressed ourselves” look, but, from a photography perspective, it also helps create visual separation between you guys in your photos.
Avoid These 5 Common Styling Mistakes
1. Clothing with large logos or excessive branding of other companies.
As these photos will be used for your branding, the focus should be on your brand. A large NIKE logo on your shirt, for instance, can make it appear that you’re promoting them.
2. Trendy clothing that may quickly become outdated.
While denim-on-denim occasionally gets its day in the sun, it usually ends quickly. Choose an outfit that’s more likely to give your photos a timeless quality.
3. An outfit that doesn't fit you properly.
I get it. It’s no fun buying the next size up after a global pandemic. But I promise you no one will be seeing the size that’s on your clothes tag in your photos. Instead, they’ll simply see how you feel in your clothes. Ill-fitting clothes don’t allow you to feel your best and can distract from the overall aesthetic of your photos.
4. Neon or super bright clothing (unless it’s part of your brand’s color palette.)
Neon creates a color cast and bounces that color back onto your skin, meaning that there’s a possibility your skin tones will look strange or discolored.
5. Clothing selections that are all only one color.
I know we talked about the importance of color, but don’t go monochrome on me! Try to mix it up. When it comes to incorporating your brand colors, less is more.
Beyond Clothing: 10 Go-To Props and Accessories For Pops of Brand Colors
Relevant props and accessories are an excellent way to infuse your brand colors into your photos. Choose pieces that align with your brand's aesthetic (and incorporate your brand colors) and the entire look will tie together.
Here are some of my favorite kinds of pieces used to add a pop of brand colors.
Jewelry
Coffee mug
The straw in your iced latte
Flowers
Office Supplies (post-its, pens, notebooks, tape)
Artwork (best when not framed with glass for your photos— reflections!)
Books
Phone cover, tech accessories
Purse/bag
Belt, scarf or other accessory (hats, shoes, watches)
Get On-Brand For Your Photo Session With My 1:1 Help
Your brand photoshoot is an opportunity to showcase your brand's identity and I get how that can feel like a lot of pressure.
I’m here to help.
I've already helped hundreds of creatives gain brand clarity with unapologetic, fully expressed photos that represent their brand identity and help them book their dream clients – and I can help you.
If you’re in (or will be in) the Austin, Texas area, check out my story-driven, results-getting experience, and shoot me a message when you're ready to chat.
I’ll guide you every step of the way so that you can elevate your brand, attract the right audience, and craft on-brand visuals that convert.
