How to Style Yourself for a Personal Branding Photoshoot
Your personal branding photoshoot is all about you – your personality, your business, and how you want the world to see you. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a freelancer, or a professional looking to elevate your online presence, the way you style yourself for your session can make a huge difference in how confident and polished you feel in front of the camera.
At Olive & Eve Photography, I love capturing people in their most natural, approachable, and real form. Branding shoots are a newer offering for me, but I’m excited to help other entrepreneurs and professionals create images that feel like them – authentic, professional, and uniquely their own. If you’re wondering what to wear and how to prepare for your branding session, here are a few styling tips to help you feel comfortable and confident.
1. Dress for Your Brand & Industry
Your outfit should reflect your brand’s personality and how you want to be perceived by your audience. Are you a creative entrepreneur who thrives on bold, vibrant energy? Or do you work in a more corporate setting where clean lines and neutral tones fit best?
Creative & Casual Brands → Think relaxed but polished: well-fitted jeans, a stylish blazer, or a flowy dress that feels effortless yet put-together.
Corporate & Professional Brands → Structured pieces like tailored pants, solid-colored blouses, and classic accessories will give you a refined look.
Wellness & Lifestyle Brands → Soft, neutral tones and comfortable fabrics can help communicate approachability and warmth.
If you’re unsure, go for something timeless and versatile – solid colours, classic silhouettes, and a mix of casual and professional options.
2. Stick to Neutral & Complementary Tones
Bright neon colours or busy patterns can be distracting in photos. Instead, opt for neutrals, pastels, and earthy tones that complement your skin tone and branding. Muted shades like soft blues, warm beiges, and forest greens photograph beautifully. If you want to add a pop of color, do it through accessories rather than an overwhelming outfit choice.
3. Choose Clothes That Fit Well & Make You Feel Good
You know that one outfit that makes you feel amazing? The one where you stand a little taller and smile a little brighter? That’s the energy you want to bring into your branding shoot. Avoid anything too tight, too loose, or anything that requires constant adjusting—it’s important to feel comfortable and confident.
4. Layer Up for Variety
Layers add dimension and give us more styling options throughout the shoot. A blazer, lightweight sweater, or structured jacket can easily transform an outfit from casual to professional, and allow us to capture different sides of your brand personality.
5. Keep Jewelry & Accessories Simple
Statement pieces are great, but make sure they don’t overpower your face or distract from the main focus – you! Small, timeless jewelry or subtle accessories that align with your brand work best. If you wear glasses daily, bring them! They’re part of your signature look and should be included.
6. Grooming & Makeup: Natural but Elevated
You don’t need a full glam team, but a little extra effort can go a long way in photos. If you wear makeup, opt for a slightly polished version of your everyday look – light foundation, soft blush, and neutral lips are always a safe bet. For hair, keep it natural but styled – whether that means a fresh trim, soft curls, or a sleek bun. If you’re unsure, a professional hair and makeup artist can help enhance your natural features without making you feel overdone.
7. Bring a Few Outfit Options
For variety in your images, bring at least 2–3 different outfits. Mixing up colors, textures, and styles will give you more range and allow you to use the images across different platforms without them all looking the same.
Option 1: A polished, professional look (structured blazer, dress, or classic button-up).
Option 2: A relaxed, lifestyle look (sweater, denim, or something casual yet polished).
Option 3: A wildcard piece—something uniquely you that makes a statement.
8. Consider Your Brand’s Aesthetic & Location
If your brand aesthetic is minimal and modern, your outfit should align with that. If it’s warm and bohemian, you might opt for flowy fabrics and earthy tones. Also, consider where we’ll be shooting – outdoor locations might pair well with softer, natural hues, while studio or urban settings might call for sleeker, more structured outfits.
9. Most Importantly – Be Yourself!
The goal of your branding session is to capture you in the most genuine way possible. Your audience wants to connect with the real person behind the business, so wear what makes you feel like your best self. If you’re comfortable and confident, it will show in your photos!
Ready to Book Your Branding Session?
I love working with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals to create branding images that feel personal, natural, and professional. Whether you’re updating your website, refreshing your LinkedIn profile, or launching a new business, your photos should reflect you.
If you’re ready to book your branding session or have any questions, reach out to me at oliveevephoto@gmail.com or send me a message on Instagram 📷 @oliveevephoto. Let’s capture the essence of your brand together!
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