What to Wear for Your Brand Photography Session
You've booked your brand photography session, chosen your photographer, and you're genuinely excited about finally having professional images that represent your work. Then it hits you: what on earth are you going to wear?
Choosing the right outfit for your brand photography session can make the difference between photos that truly represent you and ones that feel disconnected from your authentic self. Whether you're preparing for headshots, lifestyle brand photos, or environmental portraits in your workspace, the key is finding that sweet spot between comfort and intentional styling. The best brand photography occurs when your clothing choices align with your brand identity, helping you feel confident and genuine on camera.
I see this moment of panic with almost every client. The weight of choosing the "right" outfit can feel overwhelming, especially when you know these photos will represent you and your business for months or years to come.
Here's what I've learned after years of photographing entrepreneurs, creative professionals, and teams: the best brand photos happen when you feel completely yourself – just the most confident, intentional version of yourself.
Starting with Comfort, Always
Before we discuss colors, textures, or trends, let's begin with the most essential foundation: feeling genuinely comfortable in what you're wearing. When you choose pieces that feel authentically you, that confidence shines through in every single frame. I've worked with clients who initially worried they didn't have the 'right' clothes, but once we found pieces that made them feel like themselves, the transformation was incredible.
Your comfort isn't negotiable. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur building your personal brand or representing a larger company, you need to feel grounded in who you are. That authentic confidence is what draws people in, what makes them trust you, and what converts a viewer into a client or customer.
The Story We're Telling Together
Once comfort is our foundation, we get to explore the creative side – figuring out what story your images will tell. This is where I love collaborating with clients through mood boarding. We're not just picking pretty outfits; we're making intentional choices about how you want to be seen.
Are you the bold, creative person who works in vibrant colors and isn't afraid to take risks? Let's lean into that energy. Do you run a wellness practice built on calm, grounding principles? We'll choose pieces that reflect that serenity. Are you representing a company with strong professional values while still wanting your personality to shine through? We'll find that balance together.
The magic happens when your clothing choices align with your brand's essence, not when you're trying to be someone you're not.
From Vision to Reality
Here's how we translate those Pinterest boards and magazine tears into actual outfit choices:
Start with Your "Hell Yes" Pieces
You know those items in your closet that make you stand a little taller when you put them on? Those are our starting points. It might be:
A blazer that fits like it was made for you
A dress that makes you feel powerful
Your favorite jeans that just work
We build from there.
Consider Your Relationship to Your Work
If we're photographing you with your products – your handmade jewelry, fresh pastries, or consulting materials – your outfit becomes a supporting player, not the star.
Jewelry designer: Simple, elegant pieces that showcase your work
Baker: Colors that make your creations pop
Consultant: Clean lines that convey expertise without overshadowing your message
Think About Where We're Shooting
Studio sessions give us complete creative control. We can play with bolder choices, interesting textures, and dramatic contrasts.
Environmental shoots – whether in your workspace, home studio, or a location that represents your brand – require more thoughtful coordination. Your outfit should feel natural in that space while still being intentionally chosen.
Understand What the Camera Loves
Colors that photograph beautifully:
Rich jewel tones
Classic navies
Creamy neutrals
Be cautious with:
Stark white (can wash out your features)
Busy patterns (can distract from your face)
When in doubt, solid colors in shades that make you feel amazing are always safe choices.
The Details Tell Your Story
Accessories, layers, props – these aren't afterthoughts. They're opportunities to show who you are:
A writer might bring their favorite notebook
An artist could incorporate a piece they're working on
Even when representing a larger brand, small personal touches help your authentic self come through
The Intention Behind Each Choice
Just as I've learned to be more deliberate with each frame I capture, I encourage my clients to be intentional with their styling choices. Every piece you choose is communicating something about you and your work.
This doesn't mean everything has to be precious or overthought. It means being conscious of the choices you make and ensuring they align with how you want to present yourself in the world.
When Different Formats Call for Different Approaches
Studio Sessions
More experimental possibilities
Dramatic lighting opportunities
Bold color choices work well
Interesting textures shine
Controlled environment = creative risks
Environmental Shoots
Consider your context carefully
Your outfit should feel natural in your workspace
Still be intentional with choices
Bright, airy studio = complements that aesthetic
Industrial space = authentic to that environment
The Goal Isn't Perfection
The goal isn't to look like someone else's version of "professional" or "successful." It's to look like you – the version of you that shows up when you're feeling confident, creative, and entirely in your element.
When I look through the viewfinder, I'm looking for that moment when everything comes together: when you're comfortable in your skin, confident in your choices, and authentic in your expression. That's when the magic happens. That's when we capture images that not only look good, but also feel genuine.
Your brand photography session isn't about becoming someone else for a day. It's about celebrating who you already are and presenting that person to the world with intention and artistry.
Ready to create something beautiful together? Let's make images that feel as authentic as they look polished.
Key Takeaways for Your Brand Photography Session
Comfort comes first – If you don't feel good in it, it will show in your photos.
Start with pieces you love – Build outfits around items that make you feel confident.
Consider your brand story – Your clothing should reflect your business personality.
Consider your session location – studio vs. environmental shoots require different approaches.
Colors matter – Rich jewel tones, navies, and neutrals photograph beautifully.
Details tell your story – Accessories and props should feel authentic to who you are
Plan for your products – If shooting with your work, let your outfit complement, not compete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I hire a stylist for my brand photography session?
While a professional stylist can be helpful, it's not necessary for most brand photography sessions. The most important thing is that you feel authentic and comfortable. I love helping my clients plan their looks and understand what works best on camera – it's part of creating that collaborative, comfortable experience.
How many outfit changes should I plan?
This depends on your session length and goals. For a typical 1-2 hour brand session, 2-3 looks usually work well. This gives you variety without rushing through changes. I always discuss this with clients beforehand so we can plan the perfect amount for your specific needs.
What if I don't feel comfortable being photographed?
This is completely normal! The key is choosing clothing that makes you feel like your most confident self. When you're comfortable in what you're wearing, you'll naturally feel more at ease during our session. Please share any concerns with me – I'm here to help you feel comfortable and create an experience that feels natural for you.
Can I wear patterns or should I stick to solid colors?
Solid colors are generally safer for brand photography, but subtle patterns can work beautifully. I recommend avoiding very busy patterns, thin stripes, or small repeating designs that can create visual noise on camera. When in doubt, bring both options and we can decide together during the session.
What about makeup and hair?
Keep your makeup and hair true to how you normally present yourself, just a bit more polished. If you typically wear minimal makeup, don't suddenly go full glam – it won't feel authentic. The goal is the best version of your everyday self.
Should my outfit match my brand colors exactly?
Not necessarily. While incorporating your brand colors can be beautiful, it's more important that the colors flatter you and photograph well. I help my clients focus on colors that complement their brand palette rather than matching exactly.