Clothing communicates. It’s one of the first things your audience will notice when they see your brand images, and it’s a tool that can be used to tell your brand’s story. When carefully styled, your brand photoshoot outfits can build trust, show your expertise, and even spark a connection between you and your audience.
As a brand photographer, I’ve gathered some of my favorite wardrobe tips to inspire you for your next brand photoshoot!
How many outfits do I need for a brand photoshoot?
Balance is key here. With too few, your images will look repetitive. With too many, you’ll lose valuable time during your photoshoot to accommodate the outfit changes. Of course, the total number of outfits you can change into will depend on the amount of time set aside for your brand photoshoot. (Many photographers state the number of outfits included to ease this.)
For photoshoots less than an hour, no more than two looks are recommended. However, you don’t have to sacrifice variety! Layers will be your best friend for short branding sessions. Cardigans, blazers, vests, you name it. This way, you can add and remove layers quickly, adding variability to your brand photos without using up too much time.
Longer sessions will allow for more outfit options. For a half-day photoshoot, bring up to four looks. If you’ve booked a full day of photography for your brand, come prepared with five or six outfits.
The must-have brand photoshoot outfits
Generally, for a well-rounded photoshoot, I advise my clients to have three foundational looks to ground everything. They are categorized as follows: The uniform, the connection, and the inspiration. Let’s review the intention behind each and how you can achieve them.
The Uniform
This is the ensemble that communicates what you do. The goal here is to build trust and establish your expertise. While your job as a small business owner likely won’t require a clear-cut uniform or dress code, this is an opportunity to imagine what it would look like if it did. Think: What would you wear to work with your clients face-to-face? Or, what do you wear when you do the hands-on, maybe even nitty-gritty work that you fell in love with?
For a florist, that could look like a polished and earth-toned jumpsuit and an apron. A lawyer would probably wear a blazer and a pair of bold heels. If you’re a yoga instructor, then slip into your best pair of yoga pants (lucky you!). No matter the niche, the intention is to show your audience what you do and emphasize your expertise in the field.
Look the part — that’s the key.
The Connection
Your second look should ground you and your brand, fostering relatability between you and your audience. This will likely be the most casual of your three looks, while still feeling polished. Imagine you are meeting your friends for coffee at your favorite local cafe — what would your go-to look be?
This look should be a bit more approachable and a glimpse into the everyday version of yourself. Bring out your favorite pair of jeans and a stylish button-down, or maybe you prefer a dress with flats, or even a pair of cute sneakers. Whatever it is, make sure it feels authentic to you beyond the work you do. This is your chance to really bring personality into the outfits.
The Inspiration
While the first two styles established your expertise and humanity, this ensemble embodies vision. Your final brand photoshoot outfit is your chance to make a statement. Take this opportunity to stand out with an outfit that inspires you and your audience.
Whether you want your brand to feel edgy, elevated, or bright, let this final look represent the transformation that happens when clients work with you. You can accomplish this with a bold silhouette, a statement color, or some fun accessories. Whatever it is, be sure it’s true to you and your brand!
Brand photoshoot outfit ideas
More brand photoshoot outfit tips
- Choose looks that are true to who you are and how you show up as a business owner. You’ll feel most confident in something that feels authentic.
- If you could describe your personal style in 3 words, what would they be? Now, describe your brand’s style in 3 words. Your brand photoshoot wardrobe should strike a balance between these two.
- Choose a color palette that incorporates or complements your branding. This will ensure your brand photos feel cohesive and consistent with your online presence!
- For teams of two or more, coordination is your best bet. Communicate with your team what you’ll wear ahead of time. You want to look good together without matching from head to toe.
Finalizing your brand photoshoot outfits
Of course, there is so much more that contributes to a well-curated brand photoshoot wardrobe. As a brand photographer in Alexandria, VA, I provide my clients with a comprehensive style guide jam-packed of strategy and insights to make a memorable impression with your brand. Get in touch so we can come up with a gorgeous wardrobe for your brand photoshoot.
