The Psychology Behind What to Wear For Brand Photoshoots or Headshot Sessions
When it comes to brand photoshoots for your business or headshot sessions, every detail matters - and your clothing choices play a pivotal role. What you wear is a powerful tool in conveying subtle yet powerful messages about your personality, professionalism, and how you wish to be perceived by others.
Headshots are often the first impression people have of you, so the goal is to appear approachable, polished, and confident. Here are some key points to consider:
In this professional headshot for Courtney, she’s chosen a solid color blouse with texture accents. This top, in combination with her simple gold accessories, does a phenomenal job in communicating her attention to detail, confidence and value in putting the best foot forward. | Winston Salem Headshot Photographer Jasper & Fern
Solid Colors Over Patterns: Solid colors are your best friend for headshots. Busy patterns can be distracting and take the focus away from your face. A well-chosen solid color can highlight your features and complement your skin tone.
Fit is Key: The fit of your clothing is crucial. You want pieces that are tailored to your body shape, enhancing your natural lines without being overly tight or revealing. A well-fitted outfit exudes professionalism and confidence.
Reflect Your Brand: Even in a headshot, your clothing should align with your personal brand. Think about the message you want to send. Are you a creative entrepreneur? Perhaps a pop of color or a unique accessory can add a touch of personality. Are you a corporate professional? A crisp, clean shirt or blazer can communicate authority and trustworthiness.
Personal branding photography allows for more creativity and should reflect the specific brand image and messaging you wish to convey. There are a few additional factors to keep in mind when you’re making the choice on what to wear for your brand photoshoot :
Intuition and Health Coach, Elizabeth, wanted to be taken seriously, seen for her scientific approach to her process and not from a “woo” perspective. She chose a more sharp suit and more serious colors in order to set the tone. She styled herself impeccably, which lent to her attentiveness. | Brand Photographer Jasper & Fern
Match Your Brand’s Aesthetic: Your outfit should be in harmony with your brand's aesthetic. If you’re a birth coach aiming to connect with clients on an emotional level, softer fabrics and colors can help create a warm, relatable vibe. A finance professional might opt for a crisp suit and luxury accesories to underscore authority, trustworthiness and success.
Comfort Equals Confidence: The most important aspect of any outfit is that it makes you feel self-assured and authentic. Confidence shows through in photos, so choose clothing that you feel comfortable and powerful in.
Intentional Styling: Every piece of clothing and accessory should be intentional. Think about the story you want to tell. Are you showcasing a day in your life as a business owner? Casual, yet stylish outfits can make you appear relatable and down-to-earth. Are you highlighting your expertise? Professional attire that exudes competence can reinforce your credibility.
Ultimately, the clothes you select for branding images should allow your true personality to shine while still being intentionally on brand. The right styling and fit can be transformative in how you present yourself visually to your target audience.
Remember, your clothing choices are not just about looking good—they’re about feeling good. When you feel confident and authentic in your outfit, it radiates through the photos, making your visual storytelling all the more compelling and effective.
By thoughtfully considering your clothing choices, you can harness the power of visual storytelling to connect more deeply with your audience, showcasing the best version of yourself and your brand.