The first thing people should notice in your branding photo is you. Not the outfit.
That's the whole rule. Everything below is just how to get there.
Pick one thing to carry the look. The photo at the top of this post is a good example: one bold color over a simple navy top and jeans. Nothing else is competing, so your eye goes straight to the face. One standout piece, and everything else stays quiet.
Wear what fits you now. Not what fit two years ago, and not what you'll fit into after the holidays. Clothes that pull, gap or bunch show up in photos and in your posture.
Choose a color you already feel good in. If a color has earned you compliments before, start there. When you like what you're wearing, you stand differently, and the camera picks that up.
Go easy on busy patterns and big logos. They pull the eye away from your face. Tiny stripes and tight checks can also shimmer on camera.
Bring layers. A blazer, a jacket or a cardigan gives you structure, gives you options, and gives your hands something natural to do.
Think about where the photos will live. LinkedIn, your website, a speaker bio. Bring two or three outfits so you have a polished option and a more relaxed one.
Think about the setting. In a city like New York, you may be standing in front of brick, stone or glass. Wear something that separates from the background, not something that blends into it. If you're not sure, ask your photographer before the day.
Comfort counts. If you're tugging at a sleeve or adjusting a collar, it shows. Do a test run: sit, stand, lift your arms. If it's annoying in the mirror, it'll be annoying on camera.
Get it ready the night before. Steam or iron it, check for lint, and set it out. One less thing to think about when it's time to relax.
If you want more on getting ready, I put together a personal branding photoshoot prep guide, and if you're not sure whether you need branding photos or a headshot, here's how the two differ.
A good branding photo looks like you on your best day, not like someone you're trying to be. If you'd like to talk about yours, let's talk.
