Personal Branding Session Preparation part 2

Clothing Tips

Clothing is an extension of personality, just like your personal brand is. Fashion uses the body as a canvas you design on. Your personal branding photo session combines your brand and style, so what you wear needs to represent both. Below are the top five tips for choosing clothes for your photo session.

1. Pick things you would wear to work. After all, these photos are going to be part of your personal brand and should reflect your everyday business style.
   
   
2. Use a few different outfits. These outfits can differentiate your photos for various purposes. For example, the most professional shots might be taken in a neutral outfit, while the fun ones might be in your brand colors.
   
   
3. Accessorize. The little details matter in professional photographs. These details include belts, shoes, ties, scarves, cuff links, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, etc., depending on your outfit selections.
   
   
4. Test drive your outfits. Try on your outfits to see how they feel, especially as you move. You can always change it up if one doesn’t work for you.
   
   
5. Contact me. I’m here to help! You can always email or text me with photos of things you’re considering or to ask for advice. I’ve been doing personal brand photography for years, so together, we can find flattering looks for you.

Hair Tips

Your hair is part of your shoot too, so leaving it to do its own thing is counterproductive. The first step in this journey is finding a hair specialist. If you don’t already have a favorite, I have a list of people I’ve worked with before that clients have raved about.

From there, you should send or show your stylist potential hairstyles you’re considering, along with the basic idea of your photoshoot. Many can work from a single image from a magazine or the internet, so don’t be shy. Ask their opinions on how that style would work with your hair, and even do a test style to see how it looks with your outfits and makeup.

Once you pick a style, your hair specialist should be able to tell you how long he or she needs to set that style up. You’re going to build that time in on the morning of your photo session. Remember to leave enough time to commute.

Makeup Tips

Makeup for a personal branding photo session is a little different. The idea is to emphasize your features without overstating the makeup. Also, there’s the camera to consider. Makeup always looks different on camera than it does in the mirror.

The first step is to find a makeup artist. Some hair specialists are part of a beauty team, so this may not be difficult. Otherwise, I have a list of people my previous clients have used and adored. From there, you’ll consult with your chosen makeup artist.

During the consultation, you’ll want to bring up the hairstyle(s) you’re considering and your brand theming elements. Your artist may be able to work your brand colors in subtly. If possible, you should test the makeup with the outfits and hair you’re considering.

Once you’ve picked a style, your makeup artist should be able to give you a timeframe so you can build your photoshoot morning schedule. Remember to build in commute time, especially if your hairstylist is at a different location.