All THe tips to look your best
Branding Session
Our tried and tested tips and advice for looking your best for your branding session.
Pre-branding Preparation
If you’ve ever done portraits before, you know the hardest part aside from choosing outfits, is the moments before you step in front of the camera. We can be our own worst critics at times and it really comes out before a photoshoot. Have grace with yourself and remind yourself why you’re doing this.
Preparing your clothing in advance well before your session. Coming to the shoot sweating because you’ve chosen to wait until the last minute to try on your outfits will not help you feel relaxed. So try everything on in advance and have it ironed and ready to go well before the day of your shoot.
Remember to be kind to yourself
Colors
FIRST THIS
Wear bold, rich colors because they photograph so well on camera
THEN THIS
However, consider your complexion and brand colors and choose a color palette accordingly
THEN THIS
Also avoid flesh toned clothing, because the color can blend into your skin tone too well, risking the appearance of not wearing any top
tips for the right outfit choices
Outfit Choices
- Style according to your industry and brand
- Think about your necklines. Your neckline should be determined based on what you want to communicate, and what you feel is flattering to yourself.
- Consider the purpose of your branding photos when choosing your outfits
- Our recommendations for what to wear to branding photos changes depending on what type of industry you work in
- Keep your jewelry simple unless it's part of your brand
Remember, we will help choose your outfit at the studio
Wear Well Fitting Clothes
nothing too tight
Clothing looks best when it’s cut to our body shape without being too loose or too tight. We truly believe in loving the body you have, no matter your shape or size. However tight clothing may accentuate parts of your body you’re not ready to draw attention to or are still working to accept.
nothing too loose
Overly loose clothing is not flattering either because it will hide any semblance of shape your body has, making it look like you’re swimming in clothing made for someone else.
layer, layer, layer
Layering your clothes adds versatility, looks stylish, and can create a slimming effect.
AVOID THESE THINGS
skinny strap tops or low cut shirts
Anything That Looks Too Dressed Down
clothing with logos or images
Heavy Patterns And Prints
Accessories Or Anything Too Distracting
anything too shiny
Whenever you are in doubt, opt to rent from www.RentTheRunway.com
We can help you curate the best outfits for your session if you need the assistance
The Nitty Gritty
Just keep it classy and real
Hairstyles For Branding Photos
When it comes to styling yourself for your branding photos, the best thing to do is keep it real. Go with a style that makes you feel confident. You’ll never feel confident showing off your images if they don’t actually look like you in real life. Remember, the goal should be to capture who you are on the best day, not someone else.
Authenticity is best
Makeup For Branding Photos
Keep your makeup light. Stay true to who you are, because you’ll feel more authentic as you’re using your branding photos professionally. If you are getting your makeup done by one of our artists, trust our artist to make sure you look your best.
Neat and tidy
Nails for Branding Photos
The best colors for nail polish are neutrals, skin tones, or nothing at all. Some of your branding photos will show your fingernails, but if they make it in, make sure it’s not a bright color unless it is part of your brand.
Props For Branding Photos
CHOOSE PROPS THAT HAVE MEANING
Choose props that show what you do in your business or share something about your personality, personal life or brand values.
props that visually match your brand
Keep the visual aesthetic elements of your brand in mind when choosing props, including colors, patterns and style. If you’re just starting out in your business, or are rebranding , keep your props very neutral.
prop suggestions
- Laptop/iPad
- Coffee mug or wine glass
- Pen/Pencils
- Book/Notebook/Journal
- Tools of your trade
- Accessories like hats, sunglasses and scarves
- Statement fashion pieces
- Throw pillows in your brand colors
Day Of Session
Tips For The Best Session
- Bring at least 2-3 extra outfits. For example, if you have 4 looks, bring 6-7 outfits.
- Bring 2-3 props that is pertinent to your industry or job
- Bring some accessories, but refrain from big jewelry pieces
- Clean your glasses. Do not wear glasses with “blue light reflectors” or “transition lenses”, those will ruin your photos. There’s not much we can do about that in the editing process either. Regular glasses are totally OK though.
- Pack everything well to avoid wrinkles
- Make sure your clothes are ironed and/or without wrinkles. If you have a lint roller, use it the night before.
- Drink lots of water to hydrate your skin
- Arrive early
- Eat breakfast
Things To Pack
your grooming supplies & Hairbrush
lint roller
lip balm
comfortable shoes to change into
blotting paper
hairspray for flyaways
eyeglass cleaning cloth
Hair & Makeup Tips
Tips to ensure a great branding photo session
If we are doing your hair and makeup, come with clean hair and clean and moisturized face
Don’t go overboard with hair and make up if you are doing your own
Classic hair and makeup generally works best in photos.
Avoid dramatic colors and sparkly or shimmery products and apply some translucent powder to eliminate shine.
As for the hair, keep it simple and choose a hairstyle that has worked for you before.
The Night Before
Preparing For Your Session
- Get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep and avoid using your phone or computer before going to bed
- Remove all makeup and moisturize your skin before going to sleep to freshen it up and prep it for the shoot
- Consider not washing your hair if you’ve washed it the day before since clean hair can be harder to work with
- Reduce under-eye puffiness by using a cold compress or placing frozen spoons underneath each eye for a couple of minutes
Listen to Your Photographer
We only have your best interests in mind and we will always tell you what to do to look your best.
Relax
You’re going to look great! Stress and anxiety will show up in photos, so get yourself in a good mood. Listen to your favorite song and do a little dance at your desk before your session.
Be prepared to have fun
