Your Personal Branding Shoot Style & Prep Guide

Look good. Feel confident. Represent your brand.

This shoot is about showing the real you — professional, approachable, and polished. Here’s how to prep so everything runs smoothly and you walk away with images that truly represent the visual story of your business.

These images will be used on your website, social media, PR features, speaker bios, podcast covers, and more. Let’s make them count.

What to wear:

Bring outfits that match your brand style. Choose clothes that fit well, feel like you, that you can move in that can be shot at all angles.

Outfit Categories:

• Work Uniform – Shows what you do.....branded scrubs, apron, salon wear, branded tee & jeans
• Professional – Blazer & blouse, midi dress & heels, tailored jumpsuit
• The Connection - Shows you as a real human - as if you were going out for coffee
• Inspiration - Sparks Passion - a level up that is bold/fancy/edgy/on brand
• Lifestyle Relaxed – Jeans (straight or wide leg - these photograph best*), button-up shirt, sneakers or flats
• Elevated Casual – Knit top & wide-leg pants, tucked tee

Wardrobe & Styling Tips:

• Plan ahead: Don’t leave wardrobe decisions to the last minute.
• Shoes: Clean, neutral shoes that align with your outfits (white sneakers, loafers, pointed toe books, nude or black flats, simple heels).
• Colors: Stick to your branding colors and neutrals, soft earthy tones, or muted pastels. These colours are flattering on all skin tones and keep the focus on you, not the outfit. Avoid neon, loud prints, and too much black.
• Necklines for Headshots: Scoop, boat, V-neck, or crew that frame the face nicely. Skip turtlenecks, big collars, or thin straps unless layered.
• Fit Matters: Choose clothing that fits and moves well.
• Fabrics: Soft, luxe materials like cotton, linen, satin, cashmere, or silk blends photograph beautifully. Outfits that are accessible year round.
• Wrinkle-Free: Steam or iron everything as wrinkles always show on camera.
• Jewelry: Keep it simple and intentional. *NO Apple Watches please, these date the photos very quick and are a distraction*
• Nails: Your hands will show more than you think - holding props, typing, sipping coffee - Keep nails neat and moisturized; soft polish shades (blush, pale pink, clear) are timeless.

Props & Items to Bring:

Props can add lifestyle elements and help visually tell your story. Remember to consider your branding colors and aesthetics for every category, old phone cases and generic pens or stationary aren't always the most photograph worthy.

Think about what aligns with your work or personality:

Laptop, phone, or tablet — especially if your business lives online (nice on brand phone case) **PLEASE CLEAN tech items because dust and fingerprints are ABSOLUTELY visible and can ruin images**

Notebook or journal — for writing or planning scenes

Coffee or tea mug — casual, lifestyle touch

Books or tools of your trade — make it personal and authentic

Branded materials — packaging, product, business cards, etc.

Fresh florals, candles, textiles — if you want that editorial lifestyle feel

Bringing along a friend to play your 'Client'? - Neutral clothing, business casual, or elevated casual - what you'd see your ideal client wearing

The more effort you put into this area, the better your shoot will be.

Need Outfit Inspo?

I’ve created a Pinterest board HERE to help you visualize styles, outfits, and energy. Feel free to start your own board and share it with me as it helps us align on aesthetic before your shoot.

Wardrobe & Shopping Suggestions:

If you’re adding a few new pieces for your session, I always recommend choosing items that feel elevated, well-fitted, and aligned with how you want your brand to be perceived.

Think of this as an investment in how you show up across your website, social media, and marketing.

If you’re unsure about committing to new pieces, you’re welcome to keep tags on while deciding. I’ll guide you on what photographs best, and any visible tags can be removed in final edits.

Here are a few of my go to recommendations for polished, on-brand options:

Dynamite - Great for modern denim, tailored trousers, and versatile business casual pieces (Hedi and Mika fits are client favourites)

RW&Co - Clean, professional staples like blouses, structured tops, and dress pants

Aritzia - ALWAYS a win for elevated neutrals and timeless silhouettes (the Effortless pant is a standout)

First & Third - Beautiful local boutique for more refined, high end pieces

If you’d like, I’m always happy to help you refine outfit options or build looks that photograph effortlessly and feel like you.

Quick Reminders

• Get a good night’s sleep
• Stay hydrated! Bring a bottle of water with you
• Consider pro hair & makeup, it makes a difference and removes the stress (check out my list of preferred Artists below)
• Be yourself because people connect with authenticity, not perfection
• Trust me, I’ll guide you every step of the way. Trust creates connection in your photos. This is my area of expertise, and

I GOT you!