You've decided to take the next step in your business - to show up on social media. You've started a Pinterest board of other people's Personal Brand Photography. You're on the hunt to find someone who can provide those images for you and your Brand, but you don't know what to wear.
That's a great question to be considering. As a matter of fact, I had to ask myself the same thing recently. In this post, I'll share what works and what doesn't work, to help you make an informed decision for yourself.
What Not to Wear
I looked it up, the What Not to Wear show lasted 12 seasons on TLC. It was something I really enjoyed watching. After all, what woman couldn't use some help in finding clothes that fit her well and she feels confident in? They took it a step further by not only shopping, fitting, and styling their guests, but they also treated them to a hair and makeup session! We all know that that is a huge confidence booster right there. That's one of the reasons I include complimentary hair and makeup for my clients before their shoots.
Back to the point of what not to wear, it's important to get this one right.
These are no-no's when it comes to your Personal Branding Photos. Avoid:
- baggy clothes
- colors that don't work with your tones
- items that wrinkle easily
- a color that isn't On Brand
- a style that isn't On Brand
Now let's touch on the why they are not good ideas to wear.
Baggy Clothes*
When you wear something loose, it can look baggy. Baggy is synonymous with comfortable, and while I'm all for being comfortable, you don't want to add thickness to your body in photos. I'm not saying that your favorite sweater cardigan isn't adorable on. I am saying that it can make you look thick in your images. Let's play up your figure instead. Can you wear that loose-fitting cardigan over a well-fitting top? Yes! As a matter of fact, layering is a great way to add visual interest in your photos.
Colors that Don't Flatter Your Tones
If you know your skin's undertones, then you might know why this one is important. Have you ever looked in the mirror when you wear a certain color and you just know you look good in it? (Don't be shy. We all know that one color that works well for us.) Colors have hues. If you've ever tried to paint a wall gray, then you know where I'm going with this. Some grays lean to purple, some to blue and so forth. As a tan skin person, my tones are warm. While red looks good on me, pink doesn't do anything for me. My undertones are warm, so bright colors and bright white are complimentary for my skin. If, in contrast, you are a fair-skinned person, pink probably looks very nice on you, while red might be too harsh. One of the benefits of hiring me is that I'll come to your home and help you choose what to wear. I've also got connections with wardrobe stylists who I can refer you to. Here's an article that could also help you.
Items that Wrinkle Easily
You'll be transporting your clothing selections to your Personal Brand Photographer, who, if she's like me, will have already helped you narrow down your outfits, or will take the time to do that before you begin your Branding Session. If you're shooting in multiple locations, the clothes will be traveling with you, so it's a good idea to leave clothes that wrinkle easily hanging nicely in your closet for another time.
A Color that Isn't On Brand
"On Brand", that phrase didn't carry much weight not long ago. It's a rather popular term now. Specific colors are your Brand colors. Think of any major brand and you'll likely be able to envision their logo and the colors you associate with it. If you'd like people to associate your Brand colors with You, then you need to show up in those specific Brand colors, being mindful of the point I mentioned earlier, keeping hues in mind.
A Style that Isn't On Brand
Normally when you think of a lawyer, you think suit and tie, business attire. However, I know a lawyer who works specifically with creatives. She's smart. She's young. She's hip. She knows that most of her clients are all of those things too and she wants to appeal to them, so guess how she chooses to show up online? Exactly. Her style is smart, young, and hip. You won't see her in business attire, instead she wears jeans, a tee shirt and a blazer. That is On Brand for her, so it works. Know what works for your ideal clients style so you are speaking to them.
Basically, here's What You Should Wear:
- well-fitting attire
- colors that work with your tones
- items that are not wrinkly
- On Brand colors
- On Brand styles
*I wanted to point out that in this image of me, it's obvious that my top does not fit well. I love it so much that I decided to skip the suggested "well-fitting attire" statement myself. The only problem with me not following my own advice? I can't unsee that it is not only baggy, but it really does make me look larger than I really am. Ugh!
While I'm on the subject of ignoring my advice, it's always a good idea to listen to your Personal Brand Photographer's suggestions. They actually know what works and what doesn't. If you choose to do your own thing, please don't be surprised if your photographer up-charges to retouch those images. Since I purposefully chose this top knowing full well that it needs to be taken in, I decided not to have it Photoshopped. I thought it would be perfect for this post. It actually spring-boarded this article.
All that to say, learn from my mistake.
Have your own advice or experience you'd like to share? Drop it in the comments. Or know someone who could use this advice? Pass it on.
Blessings,
Zoe
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