What to Bring to Your Personal Branding Photoshoot

A graphic title What to Bring to your Brand Business Photoshoot with the background photo of a change room displaying a women's outfit

A What to Bring Guide for Female Entrepreneurs

A personal branding photoshoot for your business is your chance to shine, connect with your audience, and showcase your business personality. Planning what to bring and wear will make all the difference. Here’s how to prepare like a pro, so you look and feel your best on shoot day.

1. Choose Outfits That Reflect Your Brand

a blond woman staring into the camera, wearing glasses, a black outfit with bright red leather jacket

Your wardrobe speaks volumes about your brand, while balancing between the professional & the personal. Ask yourself:

  • What’s my style? Professional and polished? Casual and creative?
  • Who’s my audience? What will resonate with them?

Pick outfits that align with your vibe and the message you want to send. Think about the colours, fabrics, and overall aesthetic that feel true to you and your brand.

2. Pack Versatile Options

a white women with long grey hair wearing her glasses on her head. She is also wearing a salmon coloured sweater with a bright blue scarf in her branding photo

Variety is key. Plan for:

  • Professional looks for headshots.
  • Casual-chic styles for relatable moments.
  • A statement piece or two that showcases your personality.

Layering and mix-and-match pieces can create multiple looks with minimal effort, giving you more content to use across your website and social media.

3. Prioritize Comfort and Confidence

Choose clothes that fit well, flatter your shape, and make you feel like a million bucks. Avoid anything too tight, restrictive, or uncomfortable. If you feel good, it’ll show in your photos.

4. Consider Colour and Texture

  • Stick to colours that complement your skin tone.
  • Use a mix of neutrals and brand-appropriate statement hues.
  • Experiment with textures to add depth and interest.

Keep the shoot location in mind to avoid clashing with the background.

a white women in front of a white wall dancing. She is wearing a black skirt with hot pink top and jacket

5. Don’t Forget Grooming and Accessories

headshot of a blond women looking off to the side, chewing tip of hot pink fashion glasses. She is wearing a pink jacket with red turtle neck
  • Hair & Makeup: Book a pro if possible, or ensure your look is polished.
  • Nails: Clean, neat, and photo-ready.
  • Accessories: Use jewellery, scarves, or hats to elevate your outfits, but keep it simple to avoid overwhelming the photos.

6. Props to Tell Your Story

Nicole, Founder of SmartCat Marketing, writing notes with A Story Brand book. She is sitting on a sofa with brand coloured pillows in blue and gold, with a framed logo on the wall

What to bring for PROPS add context and personality. Consider:

  • Tools of Your Trade: Showcase your expertise with your go-to gear.
  • Technology: Laptops, phones, or tablets for modern vibes.
  • Workspace Elements: Bring touches of your office or studio.
  • Branded Merchandise: Strengthen your brand recognition with your logo or products.
  • Personal Items: Add depth with meaningful objects that reflect your story.
  • Natural Elements: Flowers, plants, or organic textures for freshness.

Discuss your ideas with your photographer to ensure everything fits seamlessly.

7. Prepare a Shoot-Day Kit

What to Bring, the essentials:

  • Extra outfits: For variety and backup.
  • Touch-up essentials: Makeup, a brush, tissues, etc.
  • Comfortable shoes: For walking to alternate locations
  • Snacks & water: Stay hydrated and avoid the hangry

8. Final Prep: The Week Before

Spoil yourself a little:

  • Hair: Ensure your roots, colour, and cut are on point.
  • Nails: Fresh mani-pedi.
  • Skin: Exfoliate, moisturize, hydrate, and consider a facial.
  • Sleep: Rest up to look fresh and radiant.

9. The Day Before

  • Iron and hang all your outfits.
  • Ensure your props and accessories are ready.
  • Wash your hair and arrive with clean, moisturised skin if you’re using a makeup artist.
  • Double-check your packing list.
  • Get a good night’s sleep—you’ve got this!

Key Reminder

a women with long brown hair, wearing a royal blue top, black jacket and black pants, sitting at an outdoor table with her laptop. Behing her is the Halifax harbour with a small baot tied to a pier

Props, outfits and location setting should represent your brand authentically and resonate with your audience. They’re tools to tell your story, so make them count. By preparing thoughtfully, you’ll create photos that elevate your brand and boost your confidence.

Ready to elevate your own brand visibility? Find a photographer in your area that specializes in personal brand photography.

If your business is in the Canadian Maritimes, reach out, I would love to chat. Want to know more? Start here.

Allison Smith

Halifax Personal Brand & Live Event Photographer | Social Media Coach & Course Creator, Post with Purpose through Photography & Social Media.

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