One of the most common things people get stressed out about before their branding photo shoot is trying to figure out what to wear!
What looks good?
Should I buy something new?
Will this photograph okay?
What colours are best?
There are a lot of questions that go through your head!
So here are five things to think about when figuring out what to wear on your shoot.
What is the context of the photos? What will you be doing? What kind of location will you be in?
If you have no idea right now that is totally okay! When you book a shoot with me I will help you get very specific answers to these questions! You'll have a Shoot Plan that I make for you and you can easily choose outfits that fit each scene that we'll be doing.
If you’re here just gathering info for a future shoot and don't have a shoot plan yet, then just start by thinking of what the purpose of your photos will be.
What do you want to convey with them? Expert and professional, fun and casual, mindful and soulful?
Once you have some clarity around those questions you can think about what kind of outfits fit those feelings and purposes.
The most important thing when choosing outfits for your brand shoot is to feel good in what you’re wearing!
This sounds so simple, but it makes a huge difference in how you carry yourself and your confidence (which shows in the photos!)
Try on pieces and move around. Sit down and notice how you feel. If it’s suddenly pulling on your waist too much and making you feel self-conscience about your stomach then that’s good to know. No sitting in this outfit.
It doesn’t mean you can’t wear it still, but be mindful of what type of actions you’d be doing in it and let your photographer know before you start that this outfit is mainly for standing.
Another thing to try is to get in front of a full length mirror and notice what the fabric is like on your body. For example softer, jersey type material can feel so comfortable, but also show lines where you don’t always want them.
Sometimes something flowy feels amazing but in photos your body shape gets lost in it.
Try it on, move, notice how it feels, get a 360 look. Do you still feel like your best, confident self in it? If yes, you’ve got a winner!
Choosing outfits and accessories in colours that align with your brand colours help create a natural flow together. It just all fits.
This doesn’t mean you need to be super matchy-matchy with your brand colours, but think about wearing complimentary colours, tones, brightness, textures.
For example if your branding is light and bright then wearing all black is going to be major contrast.
If you have bold brand colors it can be great to have one statement piece (jacket, dress etc) in your main colour for some of the photos, and then switch it out to try more neutral outfits with an accessory that pops in your colors.
If you’re planning on only doing one shoot a year then choosing season neutral outfits is key.
As much as you might love a certain cozy sweater and feel amazing in it I can guarantee you’re not going to want to use any photos with you wearing when summer comes around.
Summer styles are a little easier to use all year, but layers are a great option to get both!
Accessories and layers are a simple way to change up a look without spending time doing a full outfit change. They can also be a great prop if it works for the scene!
And as I mentioned earlier you can also bring in your brand colours through a great accessory too.
For example
Love a hat? Wear it, toss it, hold it. There can be a lot of variety in even just one accessory!
This is the one thing that no one wants to do but you really, really should. Really.
Here it is: try your entire outfits on before your photo shoot. Including undergarments, shoes, jewelry - everything!
This will make sure you know that it all looks great, feels great and you have everything you need.
Then take it off and put it all together in a garment bag or wherever so it stays clean and wrinkle free until your shoot.
Asking these questions as you find and choose your outfits are just one of the ways to feel confident and amazing going into your next branding photo shoot.
Don't leave it to the last minute!