How To Get Camera Ready for Your Brand Shoot

You did it! You finally have a brand shoot on your calendar and are so ready to have a gallery of images at your fingertips to use in your business. But now all the panicked thoughts start coming… What will I wear? How will I do my hair? All valid things to ask, but no need to stress because I’ve compiled a list of the most important considerations for your shoot. Keep reading! 

Let’s Start With Clothes

Your outfit is an important part of the story of your business. Not only does it convey your personal style and personality, but also a bit of insight into what your business is. Here are a few things to think about when selecting your brand photo outfits.

Style

Consider how your outfit relates to your work. Is your brand polished and professional? Laid back and fun? Feminine and colorful? Bold and sporty? Then your outfit should be those things, too. I love a colorful blazer, nice blouse, or maybe even a fun jumpsuit depending on the vibe of your brand! I also recommend wearing clothing that is more fitted and tailored to highlight your best features. For example, an open neck or v-neck shirt will draw more attention to your beautiful face! For your outfit as a whole, it is a good rule of thumb that if your pants are loose or baggy, wear a fitted top. And if your pants are tight and fitted, a looser top will work great!

Colors

The color of your clothing is one of the easiest ways to incorporate your brand into your photoshoot. I recommend choosing one clothing item (probably a top or a blazer) to fit your brand color and then keeping the rest of the outfit simple/neutral. If you don’t know your brand color just yet, that's okay! Stick to something neutral. It is also a good idea to avoid bright neons, reds, and oranges as they can cast some funky coloring onto your face/skin. As far as patterns go, they can be distracting and difficult to photograph so I definitely recommend wearing a solid color instead! Textured clothing can be a great way to add interest without taking away from you and the image as a whole. If you’ve got a waffle-knit top, leather jacket, or another piece with great texture, feel free to wear it!

Shoes

For a typical headshot session, I tell clients not to worry about their shoes. However, a brand shoot is so much more than just headshots. I’ll be photographing you in a variety of ways, including close-ups and wide shots. It is important to think about what shoes to wear and what looks good with your outfit because it is very possible we will see them in the images!

Comfort

Being comfortable in your clothing is a big key to showing up confident at your brand shoot. I never want you or any of my clients to feel like they need to go on a shopping spree for their photoshoot (I mean you sure can if you want!). But if you have clothes already on hand that you are comfy in, then wear them! And along the same lines, stick to styles you know and love. 

Hair & Makeup

Makeup

Just like I want you to be comfortable in your clothing, I want you to feel confident when it comes to your make up. I recommend wearing your makeup in a way that you normally would, possibly with a little extra pop. For instance, adding a touch of extra mascara, a subtle pop of lipstick, and a soft blush can go a long way. 

If doing your own makeup makes you uncomfortable (absolutely no shame because same!), hiring a makeup artist can be a great way to help you feel confident and stress free for you shoot! If needed, I can help coordinate this.

Hair

As with your makeup, I don’t want you to feel like you have to overcomplicate your hair. You should style your hair in a way that you are comfortable with and feel confident in. For instance, even though I don’t do it every day, I love the way my hair looks when I’ve curled it. It’s my go-to for my own brand shoots and makes my look feel more elevated.

How to Accessorize

Jewelry

You’re probably noticing by now that keeping it simple is the name of the game. This goes for jewelry, too! A cute necklace, a single bracelet, and a ring on each hand can be a great way to add a little sparkle to your outfit, but not distract from the photos. 

Other

If you want to add anything else to your outfit to make a statement, I absolutely encourage you to do so! Additional accessories like sunglasses, a purse, or statement belt can be such a nice touch in your brand shoot. It’s also so easy to do photos with and without them if needed! Definitely bring along any kind of accessory that you feel represents you and your personal brand.

Time To Practice

Now that you’ve got your outfit planned, you can practice! As awkward and silly as it may feel, standing in front of a mirror in your brand outfits practicing different poses and smiles will help you prepare for your shoot! It will also get you comfortable with how your body will look in your clothing and how it works with your posing. It’s my job to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, but your prep work and practice goes a long way and helps build confidence.

One Last Thing

One thing I want you to know is that no matter what, you are beautiful and I will do my best to make you feel comfortable and confident! Getting your photos taken can feel scary and we are always going to be our own worst critics, but I promise you, I always work to make my photoshoots a fun and positive experience for my clients. It is my hope that you walk away feeling loved, confident, and excited about your business. And soon enough you’ll have a gallery of amazing, branded images to use. If you’re feeling a little nervous, you are always welcome to reach out to me directly and I will assist you in any way I can to help you feel prepared. It’s going to be great!