What to wear for your Branding Portraits

headshot styling tips

What to wear for Headshots

Branding Portrait Style Guide

headshot styling tips

Styling a branding photoshoot to get the most bang for your buck …… But where to begin? 

What to wear for Headshots and Branding Photoshoots

A branding headshot is more than just a picture—it’s a visual representation of your business, your personality, and the message you want to convey to potential clients. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative professional, or corporate executive, preparing for a successful branding photoshoot can be the key to making a memorable impression. The goal is to feel confident, look approachable, and reflect your unique brand identity. Here’s a guide on how to style and prepare for your branding headshot photoshoot, including what to wear, what props to bring, and how to align everything with your ideal client and brand message.

Styling tips to consider

Define Your Brand Identity and Message

Before you even think about what to wear or bring, take a step back and clarify your brand identity. Ask yourself:

  • Who is my ideal client?
    Are you targeting corporate professionals, creative entrepreneurs, or everyday consumers? Your headshot should align with the audience you want to attract. For instance, a corporate executive might opt for a polished, formal look, while a lifestyle coach may prefer a more casual, approachable vibe.

  • What are my brand values and personality?
    Think about your brand’s voice and tone. Is your brand fun and playful? Minimalistic and modern? Warm and approachable? Choose clothing and styling that speaks to these values. Your headshot should feel like a natural extension of your brand persona.

  • What colors represent my brand?
    If you already have a color palette for your brand, incorporate those colors into your wardrobe or background for a cohesive look. Whether it’s a bold red, calming blue, or neutral tones, using your brand colors will help reinforce your identity and make your photos feel consistent with the rest of your marketing materials.

Choose Items That Enhance Your Story

Props can be a great way to add personality to your headshot and emphasize your professional identity. However, less is more—choose items that feel authentic to your brand and won’t overpower you in the photo.

  • Technology and Tools of Your Trade: If you’re in a tech-savvy industry or work with specific tools, props like a laptop, tablet, or microphone can subtly convey your profession. 

  • Personal Touches: Consider props that reflect your personality or field of expertise. A coffee cup, make up brushes, a camera or a book related to your industry can add warmth and authenticity to your image. Just be careful not to overcrowd the photo—keep props to a minimum.

Choose Outfits That Reflect Your Brand

Your clothing choices will play a significant role in how you come across in your headshot. The goal is to look polished but not overly stiff, professional but still approachable.

  • Stick to Solid Colors: Solid colors tend to photograph better than patterns, which can distract from your face. Choose colors that complement your skin tone and align with your brand palette. If you’re unsure, classic neutrals like black, white, gray, navy, or earth tones work well. Bright colors can be effective if they reflect your brand’s energy.

  • Consider Your Brand’s Personality: For a more relaxed or casual brand, you might opt for a smart-casual look—think a neat button-down shirt or a simple top paired with a jacket or cardigan for a layered look.

  • If you’re a creative professional or entrepreneur, consider wearing something that shows off your style but still looks polished. A tailored blazer with a pop of color or a sleek blouse can project confidence without being too formal.

Show your Personality!

Small businesses and solo entrepreneurs are not just selling a product. You are selling the experience of working with you. Don’t be afraid to show your personality, authenticity is appreciated and valued.

  • Relax and Be Natural: Keep your body language open and approachable.
  • Eyes and Expression: Your expression should convey confidence without being too intense. A natural smile or a soft, serious look can help reflect your personality. Think about your brand message: Are you warm and friendly, or are you more authoritative and professional? Tailor your expression accordingly.

A well-executed branding headshot can elevate your professional image and communicate your brand’s personality to potential clients or partners. By carefully considering your wardrobe, props, and the message you want to convey, you’ll ensure your photos speak volumes about who you are and what your business stands for. The key is to keep everything aligned with your brand’s core values while looking authentic, approachable, and confident. Good luck, and don’t forget to enjoy the process—after all, this is your moment to shine!

Ready to elevate your brand?

Now you know what to wear for your headshots!

Branding Placeres Naturopathic

CT photographer offering branding headshots in New Milford CT studio

personal Branding

I would love for you to meet Dr Amanda Placeres. Dr. Amanda Placeres is located right next to me on Bank Street in New Milford and it has been an inspiration to see the drive and enthusiasm she has brought to her business. We have brainstormed on how to best present a cohesive and professional web and social media presence, and we have both had so much fun and learned so much about branding through images along the way. 

 

What business do you own? 

I am a Naturopathic Physician and acupuncturist. I founded Placeres Naturopathic & Acupuncture from a place of heart and continue to lead with passion. Our first and most important goal is to get your mind and body into optimum health. We focus on disease prevention and optimizing wellness through the least invasive and most effective therapies for the individual. With therapies that are patient-centered, we offer advanced diagnostic testing, individualized treatment plans, medical-grade supplements, and so much more. We offer a unique approach to managing your health that will leave you feeling happy, healthy, and whole. 

When did you start your practice

What started as one small office in Norwalk in 2016 has developed into a multidisciplinary clinic in New Milford with satellite offices in Norwalk and Stamford.

Why did you come to New Milford? 

I fell in love with New Milford, its people and the “small town vibe.” I knew I wanted to be a part of a community that really cared about one another. What I enjoy most about practicing in a small community is the doctor-patient relationships I form with patients and the involvement in town events. My own health was transformed by the support I received from the amazing educators in my life, like school counselors, teachers, and professors. That’s why I now seek to educate others through monthly workshops and events for free, to promote the health and well-being of the community.

Why did you start working with Janet Taub? 

Janet is my neighbor in the building where we are located. She was the first tenant I met. I was excited to have a photographer close by.  I had been wanting to update my business photos and branding for a while but did not meet the right professional yet. I knew she was great right away when I saw the type of work she did. After out first session working together, I was blown away by her expertise, ease and creativity with the camera. Every session we have done together is better than the one before. This is because Janet has taken the time to understand me, my business and how I practice. She knows better than I do how to make that translate into a photo. Since working with her, my business has never looked better on social media platforms and my website. Patients know at first glance what services we offer and what to expect before stepping foot into the door.

 

 

 

We are planning our next branding shoot so follow Placeres Naturopathic on instagram to see more of our images and for lots of tips on living a healthy balanced lifestyle. 

Personal Branding Images

Meet Denise Watson

Business Performance Coach, Trainer, and PR Professional.

I had a chance to talk and get to know Denise Watson and she told me all about her love of business coaching. That of course led to a conversation on personal branding images, online first impressions, websites, consistency in branding message, and before you know it she was in my studio! I wanted to share her thoughts on choosing me as a personal branding photographer to create the images she will use on her website and social media. 

personal branding images

In Denise’s own words:

Put Your Best Face Forward!

“As a business performance coach and public relations professional, I am quite discerning with my choice of collaborators – whether they are photographers, business partners, or patrons. 

When you become your own business, it is imperative to have a personal and professional brand that complements the work you do – your vision, your mission, and your values. Quality images that portray your true and authentic self are an absolute necessity to that brand. 

I knew immediately that I was in the right hands to help create the images for my brand when Janet asked, “Who is your ideal client?” 

And, then she went on to talk about how to attract the ideal clients with a span of styles and poses.  Essentially, her ideas of depicting how your true and authentic self goes into your brand dovetails perfectly with my own ideals.

Most importantly, Janet and I agreed that you must love what you see, or you simply won’t share it. Sharing the real you is essential to your success. For many, like myself, to face forward confidently for photos and then share them with the world is a daunting task. Photos are forever, right?  

I can say wholeheartedly, “I love what I see! I am excited to share!”

Thanks to Janet, even my camera-shy self is devising what my future photo sessions will look like.

Janet Taub of Planet Photo is officially my photographer of choice. Her personal touch, astute awareness, and depth of talent supports the focus of her clients – personally and professionally.”

Denise Ann Watson | Ardent Image Designs, LLC.

personal branding images

MUA: Candee Caldwell