Top tips on what to wear for your personal branding photoshoot.
A collaboration between personal branding stylist ‘Radiant Styling’ & personal branding photographer ‘Self Made and Seen’.
As a personal branding photographer, I make sure to guide my clients through every step of the brand photography process, nothing is left unclear. But one question that small business owners and entrepreneurs ask me all the time is “What should I wear to my personal branding photoshoot?” So today I’m asking personal styling expert Harriet Chunu-McClatchey, of Radiant Styling to share her advice about what to wear to your brand shoot, to hopefully make it all a bit easier for you.
Harriet is a Certified Style Coach & Personal Brand Stylist™, specialising in helping individuals and companies elevate their confidence, brand, and presence through style. Her services include 1:1 style coaching, consultation, personal brand styling, and wardrobe planning, as well as talks, workshops, and events on confidence and a healthy self-image through the power of style.
And I’m Lisa, the personal branding photographer at Self Made and Seen. I help small business owners like you, stand out and show your dream clients who you are and what you have to offer through unique and impactful images.
So for those of you who are stuck on what to wear to your branding photoshoot, read my interview with Harriet below to discover her tips (plus see the photos I took of Harriet at her own branding shoot recently)!
Personal Branding Photography is all about communicating who you are & what you have to offer. How important do you think a person's outfit is in communicating who they are?
“As the face of your brand, your personal style and the image you portray are crucial business tools that introduce you and your values to your clients. A misalignment between your style and your brand, can send the wrong or confusing message to your audience. What you wear is an extension of your brand (a.k.a. you) - consider it part of your visual marketing strategy. Packaging for your services.”
Have you got any advice to help someone find their personal style?
“Finding your personal style is about being you ‘on purpose’. Your personal brand style is born out of an awareness of who you are. This means exploring your preferences, understanding your personality and values so you can authentically dress for those characteristics. This can be done by:
Collecting inspirational images. E.g. on Pinterest.
Identifying your go-to outfits that make you feel confident, and comfortable, knowing that you are communicating your brand and expressing yourself well and effortlessly.
Investing in statement pieces that reflect your brand as well as timeless basics that make the foundations of your style.
Finally, accessorise, experiment, make it your own by adding your unique flair, and have fun with it. ”
As a personal branding photographer, my most important piece of wardrobe advice for a photoshoot is to choose outfits that you feel comfortable in. With this in mind, would you advise someone with an upcoming brand shoot to shop for a new outfit or choose their photoshoot outfits from items they already own?
“I always recommend sifting through what you already own as the first point of action, because I believe we always have great gems just waiting to be worn. Or maybe you have a signature pair of earrings or a jacket that you wear all the time - this is worth photographing if it highlights your personal brand. If there is a scenario where nothing you own reflects this new version or season of your business, or if you plan to increase your pricing to reach the next tier of clients, then I would suggest exploring intentional purchases, that balance between expressing more of who you are and communicating your brand story, message and outcomes well. ”
Depending on the length of the brand photoshoot booked, the number of outfits we have time to shoot can vary. If there is only time to shoot in one main outfit, what would your top advice be for choosing this look?
“Choose a look that complements your brand colours, so that when used on your website or for social media posts, they create the perfect harmony. You want your outfit to align with your values, vision, and personality. Focus on fit and opt for wearing a coloured piece that complements your skin tone.”
Following on from this, if there is time to shoot in more outfits, what advice would you give for choosing alternative looks?
“Reflect on your brand story and client experience. If you meet with clients face-to-face, what do you wear? How do you want them to feel? Take those answers as your guideline to direct you on what to wear. My general rule of thumb, is #1. Casual wear, #2. Workwear and #3. Glam/fun/trendy wear.”
To help get a wider variety of looks within one shoot, I encourage my clients to bring items that can be changed quickly, making their outfits look a bit different without taking up too much time changing. Can you suggest a few key items to consider for this?
“When creating alternative looks, it’s all in the details. What outer layer, accessories, or shoes can you bring to efficiently and stylishly create more looks?”
When choosing outfit colours for a personal branding shoot, I tell my clients that it’s important to consider colours that work well with their brand and the shoot space, but it’s also key to wear colours that complement them. Do you have any tips for someone who's stuck on what colours to wear for their personal branding shoot?
“If you are stuck, opt for a colour that holds significance to you and evokes the message or feeling you want your clients to feel. For example, if you want your clients to feel excited and joyful, then orange, yellow and electric blue are ones to go for. Alternatively, pick a colour that either matches your eye colour or compliments it. This will instantly build a connection with your prospective client, as it creates a visual harmony that naturally draws their attention to your face.”
When shooting with my clients I try to get a mix of standing and sitting shots. Can you offer any advice for choosing outfits that are suitable for both sitting and standing?
“Consider your poses when selecting your outfits to make sure they are comfortable and not restrictive. Practice your poses in your chosen outfits. E.g. Sit down, if wearing a skirt, are you happy with where the hem lies? Do you feel self-conscious about the length or fabric?”
Finally, what top styling tips would you give to someone who's planning outfits for an upcoming personal branding photoshoot?
It’s really helpful to prepare your outfits in advance, so you can purchase any additional pieces to complete your outfits.
Wear outfits that match your personality, brand story, and aesthetic.
Do a final check to ensure you have everything you need (i.e. jewellery, scarves, shoes, bags, etc), and steam your looks so they are ready.
Try on everything for the right fit and then take a picture of your outfit(s) and save them on your phone or in your Pinterest board to access when needed.
Pack your pieces by outfits to help you change quickly.
So, if you want to make the right impression with your brand photos, it’s important to consider your photoshoot outfits carefully. Hopefully, you now have lots of ideas about what to wear to your personal branding photoshoot and are excited to get planning!
To find out more about Harriet and how to work with her, you can visit her website or find her on Instagram or LinkedIn.
And if you're ready to elevate your brand through stunning photography, visit my London personal branding photography page to learn more. Together, we can create a collection of engaging personal branding photos that capture the essence of your business and leave a lasting impression on your clients.
If you’re in need of some personal branding images, I’d love to help!
Now that you know what to wear to your personal branding photoshoot, I’d love to help you plan and create the perfect images for you.
As your personal branding photographer, I’ll aim to show off your unique personality & your specific offerings in a creative way through the beautiful brand images we create together.
I also want to give you more confidence to show up for the people who need you, so you can build a strong and recognisable personal brand.
Personal branding photography can really help you stand out, make an impact, and get seen!