A D V I C E F R O M A S T Y L I S T

Guide created by Kimberly, Personal Stylist.

Investing in personal branding photos is a great opportunity to showcase your personality and communicate your brand message to potential clients. How do you want to be seen? Fun? Creative? Professional?

It’s so much more than just looking pretty.

It’s not surprising that many women feel overwhelmed when trying to decide what to wear, thankfully, I’m here to help! I have compiled a list of do’s, don’ts, and my favorite planning tips to help you feel confident and prepared for your personal branding photoshoot.

DO’S

W E A R C L O T H E S T H A T F I T

Wearing ill-fitting clothing is the quickest way to ruin your branding shoot. Any clothing that you choose should complement your figure and be fitted properly. If you’re constantly adjusting an article of clothing, then I suggest you leave it at home.

I N C O R P O R A T E Y O UR B R A N D C O L O U R S

This is a branding photoshoot, after all, so be sure to include your brand colours. Depending on your personality, you may want to display your brand colours boldly by wearing them or perhaps you want to be more subtle and incorporate your brand colours with an accessory or prop. Whichever you decide, just make sure your brand image is always front and centre!

C H O O S E Y O U R P R I N T S W I S E L Y

Some stylists may advise you to avoid prints when putting your wardrobe together for your photo shoot; however, there are always exceptions to the rule. A personal branding shoot is ultimately about you and your brand – so if your brand is vibrant and playful then prints are appropriate. Just be mindful of the type of print you choose. I find that a subtle print translates much better in photos.

Wearing a subtle print, won’t date the photo – ensuring you can use these brand photos over and over.

BONUS TIP

If there’s a colour you absolutely love but don’t think works for your skin tone – try it in a different hue. Remember there’s more than one shade of blue

A C C E S S O R I Z E

You look polished and chic. But remember, less is more, so limit the focal point to one area. For example, if you choose to wear a chunky necklace, don’t pair it with large earrings. Choose one piece and let that be the star. Next to you of course.

M I X I T U P

It’s easy to plan four outfits of “pants + top” but instead of wearing variations of the same outfit, try to mix it up by including a dress, jumpsuit or even a skirt. Each of your outfits will tell a different part of your brand story, so take this as an opportunity to show the world who you are.

A D D S O M E L A Y E R S

Incorporating layers is a great way to add texture and interest to your outfit, plus they look amazing when photographed. Adding a blazer to basic jeans and a T-shirt is simple yet chic.

BONUS TIP

Layers can also help when it comes to posing as you have something to “play” with

DON’T

S H O W T OO M U C H S K I N

These photos are going to be used for business and self-promotion. And even if you have the absolute confidence to rock lower cut styles, I would avoid them during your session.

W E A R O V E R L Y T R E N D Y P I E C E S

Depending on your budget these photos may need to last a while so wearing more classic silhouettes and styles will ensure your photos don’t age to quickly, and can be used many times for many different occasions.

G O C R A Z Y W I T H P R I N T S

Extremely bold prints can be fairly distracting, and they don’t always photograph well. If bright bold colours and prints are part of your brand story, then I would suggest incorporating them through accessories or props. The goal is for your personality to shine through and a bold print or colour could overpower the image.

HOW TO PREPARE

If you ask any Personal Stylist (like me) They will tell you that the key to a successful photoshoot is to plan, plan and plan some more. So, let’s get to it!

S T E P 1: G E T I N S P I R E D

Gather style inspiration and save it all in one place. Pinterest is my go-to when I’m planning a personal shopping/styling session for my clients. It’s convenient as most of us already have the app on our phones, and it allows you to create private boards. Instagram is another great place to look for style inspiration, you’re probably already following people whose style you admire – so as you’re scrolling save some of your favorite looks, or screenshot them and add them to your private Pinterest board.

S T E P 2: S H O P Y O U R C L O S E T

Before heading to the mall it’s always a good idea to shop your closet first to see if you already own pieces that can work for your photoshoot. But remember ONLY use items that are in excellent condition. No stains, tiny holes, or fading. No visible wear and tear. These will be enhanced in the photos so make sure the items are in good condition.

S T E P 3: P U R C H A S I N G N E W

If you have to shop – make sure you give yourself time to find the right pieces. You don’t want to be rushed and end up buying something impractical. Shopping last-minute will add unnecessary stress and you may end up spending more money on one single item than you intended due to panic shopping.

S T E P 4: P L A Y D R E S S U P

The first time you wear your outfits should not be at your photoshoot. Give yourself time to wear the outfits around your house and get a feel for how they move and how you feel when you wear them. Review yourself in the mirror with a critical eye. Are you tugging at your shirt, is the neckline too low, how does the outfit look when you move, is it see-through (I’m looking at you white shirts) do those pants pair well with that top or do you need to try something else? It’s always a good idea to check these things in advance so you can find alternatives. This is also a good time to play with proportions. Does your button-up look better with the sleeves cuffed or full length? Do the accessories you’ve chosen complement or compete with your look? All these questions should be answered before your scheduled shoot.

S T E P 5: G E T O R G A N I Z E D

Once you’re satisfied with your outfits take a picture of yourself – be sure to include all accessories and jewelry and save these photos in your phone, this way you’ll have a saved visual of each outfit. If you’re able to, I’d also suggest ironing or steaming your clothes at least two days before your photoshoot and hang them in garment bags. Things can get very hectic on photoshoot day, so having your outfits organized and ready to go will help to keep you focused and hopefully stress-free.