Planning outfits for your brand session doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether it’s just you or your entire team, the goal is to create a cohesive, polished look that makes your brand shine. As an Iowa brand photographer, I’m here to help! Let’s dive into some tips to make outfit planning easy and even a little fun.

Start with Your Brand Colors and Style

Think about your brand’s vibe. Is it modern and minimalist? Bright and bold? Classy and timeless? Your brand colors are the perfect jumping-off point for planning outfits. You don’t need everyone in identical clothes, but sticking to a shared color palette can create a unified look that still feels natural.

For example, if your brand’s colors include navy, white, and beige, you might have someone in a navy blazer, another in a white blouse, and someone else in beige trousers. This way, the team looks cohesive without being overly matchy-matchy.

Coordination Over Matching

Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical outfits. Instead, focus on coordination. Choose a color palette and let team members pick pieces that fit their style within that range. Even doing an all white shoot, people are in various shades of white and cream will make the look elevated. It’s all about giving everyone a chance to express themselves while keeping things polished and professional. 

Keep Comfort and Confidence in Mind

Your team will look their best if they feel confident and comfortable. Encourage everyone to choose clothes that fit well and make them feel amazing. Avoid anything too tight, too loose, or overly trendy if it doesn’t fit your brand’s aesthetic. Comfort also includes practicality, especially if you’re doing outdoor shots or plan to move around during the session.

Don’t Forget Accessories

This is my favorite tip because it really just makes an outfit I promise!!! Accessories can elevate an outfit and bring some personality to your photos.  Simple watches, necklaces, or belts can pull everything together. For team members who wear glasses, remind them to clean the lenses before the shoot and avoid overly reflective coatings that could catch the light.

Communicate the Plan

Once you’ve nailed down your vision, share it with your team. A mood board with outfit ideas and color inspiration can be super helpful. Lay out the color palette, suggest outfit ideas for headshots, and make sure everyone knows what to expect. This clarity makes it so much easier for everyone to show up prepared. (Feel overwhelmed to come up with a mood board, I create them for my clients all the time!) 

Plan Ahead

Give your team plenty of time to plan and shop for their outfits. If you want to take the stress off their shoulders, you can even provide suggestions for where to shop or offer a few ideas to get them started. It’s also helpful to schedule a quick team meeting to go over the outfit plan and answer any questions. Need some ideas for places to shop in Iowa or online? Check out my blog post with a list of local boutiques and shops here. https://kirstieveatch.com/outfit-shopping-for-your-personal-brand-session-iowa-brand-photographer/

Have Backup Options

Things don’t always go perfectly, and that’s okay. Having a few neutral backups, like a blazer, a plain white shirt, or an extra tie, can save the day if someone’s outfit isn’t quite right. Planning ahead makes everything run smoother.

Coordinate with Your Photographer

Share your outfit ideas with your brand photographer. As a brand brand photographer here in Iowa, I am frequently helping my clients with their wardrobe! I can help you fine-tune the details, offer advice on how colors will photograph. This collaboration ensures your brand session is as polished as possible.

Test the Look

If possible, gather your team for a quick try-on session before the shoot. This lets you see how everything works together and make adjustments as needed. Take a few test photos to check that the outfits align with your vision. Another option is to bring your outfits together to lay out on a bed or table to view how they look together. 

Celebrate Your Team’s Style

On the day of the shoot, remind everyone to show up feeling confident and ready to have fun. When your team’s outfits are thoughtfully planned, it reflects your brand’s professionalism and creates stunning photos that stand out.

By following these tips, you’ll be ready to rock your brand photography session with a polished, cohesive look that perfectly represents your business.

If you’re ready to create stunning, on-brand images that tell your story and captivate your audience, I’d love to hear from you. Simply fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page to get started.

Curious about my base collections and pricing? You can find all the details here. Let’s create something incredible for your business!