How to Prepare your Wardrobe for a Personal Branding Session

By: Simcoe County Personal Branding Photographer, Bobbi-Jo Stuart

PREP LIST

Planning ahead is the best way to have a stress free photoshoot. This checklist provides pro tips to help you prepare and pack your wardrobe

DEFINE YOUR STYLE

PORTRAIT SESSION - How do you dream of being photographed? Glam, sexy and smouldering, classic, high fashion? This is your time to shine for your dream photoshoot! We can transform you in your desired style, or a variety of styles for a multi-faceted shoot.

PERSONAL BRAND/HEADSHOTS - Today, Personal Branding is well....more personal! Your branding images should reflect your own unique style and highlight your personality. If you are a more casual guy or gal, it is important that we capture some less fussy laid back looks for you. More glam? We can create some red carpet inspired looks. Or, do you express yourself with a variety of styles and looks? The sky is the limit and we can experiment with different looks that show every facet of your personality.

YOUR BRAND MESSAGE MATTERS

Do you wish to look friendly and approachable? Trustworthy and dependable? Artistic and creative? Professional and skillful? Think about what image you’d like to portray to the world through your marketing. These identities will help us identify the best outfit types for you.

WHAT TO WEAR GUIDE

THINK SIMPLE

In portraits, less is more! Solid colors are best. As a general rule, solid colors photograph better than patterns. If you want to wear a patten, keep it small and subtle. Stick to classic and timeless outfits, while keeping your brand personality in mind. Although you may love a pattern now, looking back in 10-20 years, will it still be in style? Keep it timeless!

WHAT TO AVOID

Stay clear from busy patterns, text, logos, and neon colors. Avoid baggy ill fitting clothes and tops with batwing sleeves. Look past trendy items that may look dated in a few years. Details show in photographs, so skip on any item that has stains, pilling, holes, and excessive wear.

COLORS

If you have a color story that relates to your brand, let’s make sure this color is seen in your outfits, accessories, and/or backgrounds. You should be cohesive with your brand’s identity and color scheme. If you don’t have a brand color, neutrals and earth tones are best. Neutrals: Black, White, Gray, Creme, Taupe. Earth Tones: Wine, Gold, Plum, Sage Green, Emerald, Navy, Ruby Red. Dress it up with some sparkle!

VARIETY

Bring a mixture of items that have different sleeve lengths, necklines, and layering abilities. Cover all of the bases with different styles and textures. Ex: dress, top with skirt, top with pants, blazer outfit, casual outfit, etc. Bring at least 6 full outfits and 3-4 backup options. The more the merrier!

UNDERGARMENTS

Pack a variety of undergarments that are “invisible” under each outfit. We recommend nude strap and strapless bras, underwear, Spanx, and nipple covers if going braless. Simple items like neutral tank tops are great for layering.

FORM FITTING

Form fitting clothing actually gives the appearance of a more slender silhouette, so break out that tight fitting dress! Stick with solid colors and simple classic items. Our favorites include: blazers, wrap and A-line dresses, 3/4 sleeve tops, high waisted pants/skirts, and anything cinched at the waist. I will pose you to best enhance your features!

THE FINAL LOOK

PLAN AHEAD

Make a checklist and pack your car the day before the shoot. The day of the shoot, run through your checklist and closet again to make sure everything was packed. This will eliminate last minute stress forgetting an item.

DETAILS MATTER

Have all clothes steamed, ironed, or pressed. We also have a steamer at the studio for touch ups. Lint roll every item. Inspect each piece and remove new tags, hanger straps, pilling, stains, and lose threads. We also have lint removers, scissors and tools at the studio to help!

ACCESSORIES

Don’t forget to bring a variety shoes, belts, jewelry, and undergarments for each look. Please clean your shoes (even the bottoms!) for a fresh look and to avoid soiling the set. Many poses do not require your feet to show, so bare feet or socks are welcome to wear for those poses. If you are unsure about accessories, just bring them all and we will help you style! Jewelry is best kept to simple unless your brand expresses a need for it. Earrings are a great way to add OOMPH to a outfit! Bring lots and we will help!

BACKUP OUTFITS

Bring at least 3-4 backup outfits. Sometimes things just don’t translate well on-camera, or a coffee stain accident happens (worst nightmare!). Your backup outfits come in handy for anything that needs swapped out. We will sort through and help you decide on what will photograph well.

TRANSPORTING

Have each item on its own hanger. Use garment bags for protection. Avoid stuffing clothing in duffle bags or cramming multiple pieces into one garment bag, as this will cause wrinkles. We can steam them if necessary.

FINAL TIP - check and DOUBLE CHECK that you have all your bags before you leave the house! We have had several clients drive an hour to our studio, only to realize they forgot a bag of shoes or accessories!