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!

Family Photo Contest – In honor of Mother’s Day

Introducing the coolest Family Photo Contest in New Milford, Connecticut!

I was talking to a friend of a friend recently and she made the comment that she didn’t have any family pictures.  Of course, I suggested we do some. Her response surprised me, she said, “Oh, but I would never know what to wear!”

So it got me thinking back to my experience shooting families recently, and I realized that more often than not, one of the first questions I get (after the logistical booking questions of course) is  “What should we wear?”

If you know your way around my website then you know that I have a few tips and tricks that I like to recommend. First and foremost is my ‘coordinating but not matching” rule. White shirts and khaki pants for everyone “matches”. A color palette of 3 or 4 colors in a general theme “coordinate”. Get it? Look like you belong together by picking a color palette and building from key pieces, it might be a scarf, a flowered dress or a favorite leather jacket. But pull out colors for the stripe of shirt or the color of a sweater and you are on the right track. This family knocked it out of the park. The flowered dress came first and the rest fell into place.

Planet-photo_contest_styling_family_New Milford CT__0005

I also recommend you start with the most difficult person. If it’s a maternity shoot then I am sorry, the pregnant Mom-to-be gets to pick first in my book! Chances are her options are somewhat limited, and trust me, no one wants to go out and buy endless supplies of maternity clothes. If you have a picky dresser (and you’ll know exactly what I mean if you have one at home) then it might be a good idea to start with them. If they are picky then make them happy – photos should be fun not torture. I don’t care if you saw the cutest pinterest picture of  kids in bow ties, crying kids in bow ties are not cute. Ever.

I love accessories.  Adding a jeans jacket changes the look completely, jewelry, hats  and scarves are fab for switching it up and have the added bonus of keeping you warm when the spring is as cold as this one!!!

Planet-photo_contest_styling_family_New Milford CT__0002

If you know you want a giant canvas of your family together in your living room then please don’t have your kids wear neon yellow – it’s not gonna look great in your living room…… well, in fairness I maybe haven’t seen your living room and if neon actually would look great then I stand corrected. But you get the idea. Check out the rest of my tips and tricks here.

OK – so there’s the background to how this started, now I know you want to hear more about the contest…….

Mother’s Day is coming up and I always like to honor and celebrate the moms among us, so I am collaborating with some wonderful local business women to put together a special treat for all you moms out there. (And just so you know, my own Mom passed away a few years ago now, so if you have a MIL or honorary mother you want to include then I am not going to be checking birth certificates.)

So who wants to win a beautifully styled family shoot in New Milford Connecticut?

Lynn over at Swank on Bank (a truly awesome local ladies clothes store on Bank Street) has offered to style you (and your female family members) for the shoot – she’s going to let you try on and help coordinate your families outfits and you get to borrow the clothes and accessories for the shoot!

Oh and did I mention that Candee Caldwell (a local Professional make up artist with 20 year experience) will be there to do your make up and hair!

When you and your daughters or mother or sister are feeling beautiful and ready we will head out to shoot around New Milford. Of course the men are invited too – we can’t dress them, but we can advise you on what they should be wearing.

As a memory of this wonderful experience I will put together a photo album for you with all the good stuff in there.

Planet-photo_contest_styling_family_New Milford CT__0003

A couple little details…..

If you are the lucky family and we make you look like a coordinated, best version of yourself, then we are going to want to see you on the blog in all your finery, so I hope you are O.K with that.

There is no obligation to buy anything!!!!  You will be winning a wonderful experience, a make-over of sorts, and some amazing photos of you and yours in a book to share with your family and friends. Unfortunately we can’t let you keep a new wardrobe for your whole family, but Lynn will take care of you if there is something that you can’t part with, she has a special 20% discount ready for you.

Planet-photo_contest_styling_family_New Milford CT__0004

I was kind of thinking immediate family. It’s going to be hard to include Great Aunt Nellie and the seventeen cousins, hopefully you understand.

If you have really little ones then they might be better showing up with Dad after the make up is done. They are going to get bored and you need to relax and have fun.

You have a couple of steps to enter but only a few days…..

(the contest closes on May 11th – Mother’s Day!)

The shoot will take place on Monday May 19th – from around 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. so check to make sure you are not expected elsewhere that day.

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Planet-photo_contest_styling_family_New Milford CT__0006