In this post, I’m sharing how to style your outfits for your personal branding photoshoot. Do your business profile pictures need an update? Then you’re at the right address. I would be more than happy to help you create personal branding portraits. First, let me share: How to prepare for your personal branding photoshoot to get the best personal branding portraits.

Just as with everything else, having clarity about the desired outcome of your images and a clear picture of your brand will be key to achieving the best results for you.

Understanding your brand is key to successful modern business portraits

What do I mean? Your photographer wants to understand what your brand is about. A quick background story will help. Share three keywords that define your brand, i.e., your business is formal, more like corporate or elegant, classy. What are the words that describe your brand? It will help your photographer get a good grasp of the type of images you are after for your branding portraits. i.e., do you want a lifestyle, environmental, or studio setting?

Styling for your branding portraits

Basics like a white shirt can do wonders for your skin complexion. Choose colours that work best with your skin tones and get a stylist’s help if needed.

If you’re unsure where to begin, opt for solid, soft, and muted colours, and steer clear of high-contrast patterns, logos, and graphics.

Keep in mind that fitted clothing that shows your shape works best in photographs, which applies to any body type. The outfits should hug your curves, especially in the top half.

Think tailored clothing with excellent fabrics. Don’t forget to bring accessories; jewellery is a great way to give you a unique touch! If you wear glasses, let your photographer know in advance and choose glare-free if possible. Don’t forget to bring shoes; even if your branding portraits are 3/4, they will complete the outfit.

Consider necklines

Mixing up necklines is an excellent way to create variety in your branding portraits. A square or high neck is a perfect way to denote power.

“To me clothing is a form of self-expression, there are hints about who you are in what you wear.”

— Marc Jacobs

Things to remember

Varying sleeve lengths is another great way to add variety to your look. If arms are a trouble zone for you, pass on the cap sleeves, which are hard to pull off since they encompass the arm’s widest part. Choose 3/4 or full length instead.

• Skip the bulky jacket; if you’re wearing a blazer, make sure it’s fitted with no shoulder pads.

• Don’t forget to try your outfits a week before your personal branding photoshoot and check for visible panty lines and bra straps.

• Do laundry, press your clothes, polish your jewels, get organised and pack your outfits before your portrait session.

• Arrive comfortably

• If you are being styled in your photographer’s studio. This will allow you to fully relax while you’re getting pampered and then change into your chosen outfits just before standing in front of the camera.
• Hair and makeup: Choose a photographer who offers the option to have a makeup artist/hairstylist during the shoot. If this option is available, discuss hair and makeup beforehand and share a photo of yourself with your daily makeup look as a reference for the makeup artist. The professional makeup artist/hairstylist will do a light styling of your hair. If you want something more sophisticated, use one of the blow bars around London if your photographer doesn’t give you that option.
• Do a natural makeup, slightly heavier than usual. It’s better to avoid too much shine or sparkle. It’s best to have a haircut at least one week before the portrait photoshoot, and if you colour your hair, do it at least 1-2 weeks before your planned portrait session. Don’t forget to look after your hands and nails. There’s quite a bit of preparation involved before your personal branding photoshoot, but trust me, this preparation will make all the difference for cost-effective business portrait photography.

If you’re looking to give your brand a modern makeover, consider these options. I would love to help you with fantastic modern business portraits. Get in touch