What to Wear to your Savannah Business Branding Photoshoot

The most common question I get asked when doing a business branding photo shoot is “What do I wear?” When I first started doing business branding photo sessions I was honestly shocked to be asked this. (Blame it on my inexperience with branding photography…) I mean, THEY were contacting ME to do photos. I thought “How can you not know what you should wear in YOUR photos?” But I soon came to realize that there are two reasons I get asked this. 1) Many companies do not understand branding in general. Sure, I could deep dive into how it is so much more than your logo and colors but it is ALSO about your logo and your colors.  So with my first few clients I suggested, “Let’s go with your brand colors and then some neutral.” Especially for clients with multiple employees. I didn’t want EVERYONE in maroon. And the second issue is, people truly need guidance on this. I always say “You will only catch me on THIS side of the camera.”, meaning the side taking the photo. So I completely understand how intimidating it can be to have photos taken of you. Plus, I have done it myself. And everyone wants to look their best. But at that point in my infancy of brand photography that was all I gave them (tragic, I know). Now I know there is so much more to “What do I wear?” than the colors of your clothes.  But let’s start with the color.

Color

When you book a Savannah business branding photo shoot with me, no matter which package you choose, you get up to 4 outfit changes. I suggest one of these outfits be your “work” attire. For example, I work with a lot of aestheticians who wear scrubs. We want to capture you in your workwear and most of the time, especially with aestheticians, they choose scrubs that match their brand colors. But we also want to capture you in “everyday” clothes as well. For these clothes we want some of your brand color as well as some neutrals. For example, my main brand color is teal/turquoise blue.  You will see on my site I chose a blue jumpsuit for SOME photos.  However, this is the ONLY blue in those photos. The other outfit I chose was neutral black pants with a cream colored shirt. Sure, the cream is neutral too but it also matches my brand colors.  And I had a pop of the blue with my necklace, the decor in the room, and my computer and phone cover.  All of that to say, we want a mix of both your brands main color so it pops as well as some neutrals. 

Prints

Prints can be distracting. A little here or there can work but it really depends on the location and props used in a session. When in doubt though, avoid prints. Avoid words as well unless they are part of your business/brand and even then they should be minimal and readable. 

On Brand

Remember, this is a BRANDING shoot, we want your clothing choices to match your brand. For example, you won’t see me in a blazer with a pencil skirt and heels. I want my brand to feel down-to-earth, approachable and the super dressy blazer outfit gives a feeling of…well, stuffy. 

Confident/comfortable

Speaking of the blazer and pencil skirt, I am just not comfortable in a blazer or pencil skirt.  It’s just not ME. And this branding photo session is all about you and who YOU are. The goal is to set you apart, not make you look like everyone else in your industry. So wear something you are comfortable in. Something that makes you feel confident. Something that represents who you are. Because we don’t want you feeling uncomfortable because that results in uncomfortable looking photos. We want to have fun, show you off, and make you feel comfortable. 

Jewelry

Jewelry can be a great accessory but unless you are a jewelry designer looking to show off your products, keep the jewelry to a minimum. We don’t want to distract from you and your personality. They can however be great for adding a pop of color to your photos. So just choose wisely, and remember, I am always here for guidance. 

Fit

Personally, for me, I am not into tight fitting clothes.  I like things more flowy, more “don’t cling to me!”. However, a tighter fit does photograph better and doesn’t make you feel as “boxy”.  I am not saying to show up with skin tight clothes but I am also saying don’t choose outfits that show no dimension.  

These are BRAND photos and their purpose is to show YOU and how you are unique. You want to feel comfortable, confident and on brand. And don’t worry, I have learned a thing or two since my infancy in brand photography and I am here to help you every step of the way for your Savannah business branding photo shoot. 🙂