What to wear on your portrait brand photoshoot? Top tips by female photographer from Sussex
Magdalena Smolarska
As a Sussex, Brighton & Hove based professional personal brand portrait photographer, I am asked frequently by my lovely clients: Magdalena, what should I wear on the day of the photoshoot?
Here is the thing.
During the day of the photoshoot, whether it’s headshot or brand portraits or video, we will capture your energy, your personality, those sparkles in your eyes and your big bright smile.
Yes, the first impression does matter.
When you decide what to wear during your next professional headshot and brand portrait photoshoot, it is important to factor:
What you feel great in?
What message you want to put across to your followers & potential clients?
What are your main brand colours?
Deciding to face the camera is a big courageous step, so I prefer to keep the entire experience as simple as possible so you can relax on the day.
Here are my to tips as female photographer to help you look your best during the portrait photoshoot:
Keep it simple. Keep it comfortable.
My top advice is always to choose clothes that are comfortable to wear, fit you, are in one solid colour (no patterns) that make you feel good.
You don’t have to buy brand new outfits - chose your favourite outfits, the ones you wear most of the time.
Photographer tip: as a female brand portrait photographer I strongly recommend to bring multiple outfit choices to the photoshoot. I am here to help you, together we can decide what works best in the specific moment and location of the photoshoot.
2. Keep in mind your brand colours
Think about your website design, brand colours and overall brand message.
You can incorporate your brand colours into your photos by wearing outfits and choosing props in line with your brand guidelines or choosing location and backdrops with those colours.
3. Don’t be afraid to inject some bold colours
Photoshoot is a great opportunity to experiment, to fully and unapologetically express yourself, to be bold and brave.
Yet, so many of us like wearing dark coloured outfits because we can’t go wrong with them, they blend beautifully with the background. Black adds elegancy, sophistication and beautifully and make us look slender.
On the other hand, light colours add vibrance and freshness to the look.
But do not forget to inject some bold colours.
Wearing bold and bright colours will make you to stand out in the online world. Each colour has a beautiful symbol and meaning, for example:
You might be surprised how many different shots, poses and looks we can achieve by adding or removing layers of clothing.
So next time you have your brand photoshoot, whether it’s indoor or outdoor, make sure you take your jacket, cardigan and scarf.
By creating layers and incorporating some different textures of materials, we add this extra “wow” factor , making the difference between a traditional brand picture and extraordinary eye-popping one.
Wearing multiple layers give us a number of options to play with and creates some movement in the picture.
For example: open jacket, hands in the jacket pockets, light fabric dress or simply wearing a scarf flying in the wind can create dynamic and impactful image. Adding blazer or scarf around your neck creates lovely professional yet relaxed look too.
5. Try to avoid busy patterns, prints and logos
If you can, try to avoid busy patterns as itmight distract from you, your face and your eyes.
Yet, if you have a bold personality and your brand is bold and beautiful (see above) go for it.
If you’re a creative entrepreneur, artist or designer then let’s go for patters, design, texture, prints etc. It can be done but it’s more challenging to pull off.
6. Keep it authentic
First impressions matter but let’s not forget to keep the look authentic on the day of the photoshoot.
I always suggest wearing something that is true to your personality, to who you are. I even suggest wearing your favourite set of outfits rather than shopping for a brand new wardrobe selection.
Photographer tip: If you are like me (a blue jeans and trainers girl) there is no point in trying to force yourself to wear high heels and an office suit on the day of the photoshoot. You still can look smart and professional by wearing a stylised outfit which feels more you.
7. Keep in mind the location of the photoshoot
A personal brand photo-session is all about story telling and by wearing the right outfit in each location you will make the story more authentic and interesting.
Photographer tip: Swap the formal smart look from the office to a more casual look when you decide to go to the beach, forest or local cafe as location of your photoshoot.
Consistency in being visible is important hence we will aim to create headshots and brand portrays which will last you for more than one season.
During the time together, we will capture some seasonal looks (autumn vs winter) and some seasonally-neutral looks as well so you can use those pictures all year round.
This includes accommodating multiple seasonal looks on the day of the photoshoots.
By adding or removing layers, scarves, a hat or sunglasses you will end up with bank of brand portrait images which will last you all year round. And no-one will guess that all the pictures were taken on the same day.
Always have in mind the location colours and backdrop.
Tip: avoid wearing colours which blends too much with the specific location.
9. Don’t forget to try your outfits on before the photoshoot.
If you decide to buy a brand new wardrobe selection for your professional brand portrait photoshoot, make sure you try all your outfits before the photoshoot.
Make sure all items fit well, and importantly, makes you feel good and truly represents you, your personality and brand.
10. Accessorise your outfit
If you are a queen when it comes to wearing unique accessories on a daily basis, why not do the same on the day of your photo-session?
Think outside of the box.
All those details will help to make your headshots and brand portraits stand out from the crowd.
I love seeing my clients wearing colourful scarves, sunglasses, hats, handbags, bold earings during the photoshoot.
By adding and removing accessories we can create multiple looks.
Glasses tips: if you are wearing glasses on the daily basis, let’s incorporate them in your brand portrait photos. I love taking portraits with and some without glasses so you have formal and informal looks to choose from . Try avoid wearing the transition lenses to your session.
Meet your personal brand portrait photographer from Brighton, Sussex UK
My mission is to empower women in business to be more visible by capturing relaxed, authentic, expressive yet soulful indoor and outdoor personal brand, corporate lifestyle portrait & headshot photography.
Whether you’re camera shy (like me) or already confident in front of camera, I am sure we can capture something unique for your website and social media.