Your brand photo is an opportunity to showcase yourself in a way that is going to capture, then connect with your target audience in an authentic and inviting way.

Now the owner of a local fashion social enterprise The Grateful Boutique, I previously came from a career in finance, specialising in marketing. When I  would arrange a photoshoot for key people in businesses and their team, it was one of the most nerve-racking and dreaded experience for those getting their photo taken, no matter the person’s position and title.

But, it can be a really fun experience and today those dated profile shots are almost a thing of the past. People don’t seem to place the same trust in suits or white coats as much anymore
and thanks to COVID it’s now official that corporate dressing has been turned on it’s head!

Outfits cross all sorts of previously made up boundaries and limits: people take their rubbish out in cocktail outfits, people make multimillion dollar deals in tracksuits.

So what do you wear then for a branding photo and how can you prepare?

Here’s a few high level tips:

• Avoid wearing something too “in your face’ or intense that might be polarizing for your target audience
• Wear something comfortable, so that you feel comfortable
• Aim for something inviting and approachable
• Use colours and materials that represent the message you want to convey: eg. Green = fresh, white = loyal, pink = loving caring nurturing, blue = calming
• Dress in way that represents what you actually do
• If you’re still nervous about showing too much of yourself personally you can do it through accessories and props: hold a laptop, coffee, drape a jacket over your shoulder instead of wearing it fully, if you don’t want to wear bright colours but love them you can introduce them through a picture in the background or you can do the same with your favourite quote.
• Using pockets, having something to hold and/or a person to talk to during the shoot; these are great ways to help you feel comfortable and support your body language.

Some examples of industries, things to consider and how you can dress for your brand photos:
Personality
Blogger, creative, podcaster etc. Something that portrays your personality and beliefs. Statement tees are a great way to do this

Professional services
For me I want to trust you and to do that I need you to show me a bit of who you are as much or if not more than what you do. Ditch the suit and black. A little bit of colour, comfort and your own personal style. Relaxed dress and jacket instead of harsh blazer. What do your target clients wear?

Community
What do you stand for? Earth nature local. Think natural fibers, earthy colours, locally made iconic pieces or accessories

Outdoors

Fitness for example activewear, travel industry something you’d wear traveling that clients relate to e.g. if you’re high end what would you wear strolling the streets of Paris.

Health wellness and Carers
You can use colours here to evoke a feeling, orange represents health, green is fresh and life, pink is caring and loving.

Most of all, work with a photographer you trust, feel comfortable with and connect with because getting professional photos will most likely be out of your comfort zone, so the right
photographer can make the experience comfortable and fun, which is ultimately how you’ll achieve that winning photo to portray your brand and essence!

IMAGE | Founder of The Grateful Boutique, Jessica Shuwalow posing for her brand photos. Image credit: The Brand Photographers.