You are beautiful
the way you are

My number one rule is:

Be you. Just turn it up a notch.

Think about what you’d wear to meet a client you want to impress.
Let your answer be your guide for what to wear at your branding photo session.

When in doubt, aim for classic and timeless. That will increase the longevity of your photos. Think simple dresses, button downs, cardigans, pea coats, knee-high boots, and fedoras. Trendier items are perfect for accessories.

With that being said, don’t be afraid to glam it up with sparkles or dress it down in yoga pants for a few photos! This is all about being YOU.

Consider reaching out to a personal stylist as you select your wardrobe. That person will work with you to curate and refine your look.

**Pro-tip: Skip the over-loved clothing that is pilling or take a fabric shaver to it. Your photos might also be the perfect opportunity to replace these items with new ones to love. Pilling fabric will show in your photos.

This is a great spot to infuse your brand into your photos – and create brand consistency across your marketing platforms.

If you don’t have brand colors, choose the colors that get you frequently receive compliments from others when you wear them.

**Pro-tip: Be aware that dark colors (particularly navy and black) will show every single piece of lint and are more likely to highlight wrinkles. If you choose to wear dark colors, please be very mindful of this. – Photoshop will degrade the textures if lint removal is required.

Play with texture, especially if you dress in one color. Mix and match cotton, velvet, leather, chiffon, etc. However, be careful with clingy, lighter weight and/or satin-like fabrics. These look awesome in person, but the frozen movement can sometimes accentuate body parts in more unflattering ways.

Think of patterns as if it were another texture in the photo. Go ahead and wear them, but keep them on-brand.

If you are part of a group, avoid large patterns all together so that one person doesn’t become a focal point.

Hats, belts, scarves, ties, socks, and jewelry add personality to your outfits.

Shoes – Think of them as another accessory. Wear bright yellow sneakers. Play it confident with sleek and sparkly heels. Just be sure to keep in mind our location and bring comfortable shoes to swap out as needed. (Heels are terrible for walking on rocks or sand!)

Glasses – If you normally wear them, wear them for your photos. Just clean them beforehand so that your eyes pop. Be mindful if you wear transitional lenses. If you do, swap out a pair of cheap readers that are similar to your regular frames or remove your lenses for the session.

Man poses with one hand in his pocket during a headshot photography session

Elevate your Look

Mind the details

Lint, wrinkles, & pilling

All of it will be more visible in a still photo. Take a brush to the fabric, iron, or take the opportunity to get yourself a new favorite shirt.(Dark colors will especially show off each of these wardrobe no-nos because of the greater opportunity for contrast in the light.)

Take a pass on large logos…

…unless they connect to your brand. Your beautiful face will become less the focal point.

Woman in jean jacket, navy blue dress, and black leather boots sits confidently on steps

A note on bare skin

Feel free to show some skin! (You are beautiful, remember?) Sleeves that cut off right at the elbow or just below flatter everyone.

Pro-Tip

Fabric tape great for keeping your clothing in line, particularly those areas between buttons that like to become gaping holes for cameras. I’ll have some in my camera bag too, just in case!

Wardrobe Hacks

I’ve learned a few tricks, often from the ingenuity of other clients, since starting business in 2015.

  • Wear a base layer and make top layers easy to swap. That way you can more quickly change your looks.
  • Bring along a suitcase to store your extra layers. The handle can double as a traveling clothing rack.
  • Bring along props and accessories that connect to the work you do. It’ll give you something to do with your hands and bring more meaning to your photos!
woman sitting on loading dock peers out from the side towards camera with view of alley in Chicago behind her

Hair

If you need your hair cut, schedule it a week or two before your session. New styles can be hard to figure out. For very short hair, it also helps to have a little time to grow back into a haircut.

Mind the Roots

Don’t forget to schedule any touch-ups on your color.

Woman wearing yellow puts on lipstick

Makeup & Nails

A natural look is the most classic look and increases the longevity of your portraits. Feel free to break out the smokey eyes or red lips, if that is you. 

Schedule a manicure for the day before our session. It makes a huge difference in polishing up your look. (Hands are more visible during branding sessions than many people realize…until after they see their photos.)

Consider Hiring a Professional

For hair and/or makeup. They’ll know what looks good on camera. That in itself can be an extra boost of confidence.

I’m here to help you.

Feel free to send me a photo of your look, if you have questions. Or if you need referrals for hair and makeup, I’m happy to pass those along in your direction as well.

The goal is polished, just be YOU.

You are perfectly imperfect
and that’s what makes you beautiful.