Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, TX. Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots. See more headshots in the gallery. Contact me to book your professional headshot today!
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Headshots and Branding Wardrobe Styling
When it comes to professional headshots and branding photos, what you wear can make all the difference. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about creating an image that resonates with your personal brand. To help you make the best wardrobe choices, we sat down with expert stylist Erin Fetz, owner of Erin Fetz Image Consulting, to get her top tips on how to nail your look for your next photo session.
In this insightful Q&A session, Erin provides valuable advice on everything from choosing colors to selecting the perfect accessories. Read on to discover how you can elevate your headshots and branding wardrobe styling to the next level.
Q: What is the best color to wear for a branding portrait session?
A: The best color to wear for portraits is one that makes you look vibrant and compliments your features. Several physical characteristics, including hair and eye color, skin tone, and the degree of contract between these features, will determine the best color palette for your unique beauty, There are lots of online apps and social media videos that will help you with this, but the surest route is to find a Certified Color Consultant.
Q: Should I wear patterns or solid colors for my portrait?
A: It is usually better to wear solids. In addition to certain, especially small, prints “dancing” on camera, wearing solids also makes your outfit more timeless and avoids dating you and the portrait.
Q: How should I dress to flatter my body type in a portrait?
A: This is critical. Wearing the right silhouettes for your body type will instantly slim you and create a pleasing, proportionate appearance. I’m always surprised by how many women wear the exact opposite of what their body shape would suggest. One common example is that women tend to wear oversized tops to try and cover their bellies. This, however, actually makes their tummy look larger and a natural waistline impossible.
Q: What are the common body shapes for women?
A: Depending on who you ask, you could get a million different answers to this, but it’s mostly just different names for the same body types: One Stylist’s “hourglass” is another’s “X”. I use simple to understand labels: Apple, Pear, Strawberry, Rectangle and Hourglass. A surprising fact is that most women are a combination of body shapes. The trick is combining the right tricks to create your unique “Best Dressed Recipe”.
Q: Is it better to wear jewelry or keep accessories minimal for a portrait?
A: The short answer is Yes! You should wear jewelry or accessories BUT keep it minimal. You want the attention on you – not your bright and shinies.
Q: Should I consider the background when choosing my outfit for a portrait?
A: If this is an in-studio session, your photographer will select a background based on what you’re wearing. Less work for you! If it’s outdoors or some other location, you’ll want to wear an outfit that fits the above guidelines and makes sense in the context of that environment.
Q: How formal should my attire be for a professional portrait?
A: That depends on the degree of formality generally considered appropriate for your profession. Think in terms of who will be seeing this headshot and what you want to communicate to them. Are you a lawyer needing to instill trust and respect or an Advertising Executive needing to show a bit of flair and creativity?
Q: What hairstyles or hair accessories work best for portrait sessions?
A: You want your hair to be the best version of how you wear it most days. Often your photographer will provide or offer you the services of a Hair & Makeup Professional to take care of this for you. You want to look great but still recognizable! Avoid hair accessories. They will date your look.
Q: Should I match my outfit with others in the portrait or go for contrasting looks?
A: Matchy-matchy is outy-outy. Not everyone has to wear navy blue! Shoot for a color palette using analogous colors. These are colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. They will usually match well and create a serene and comfortable look. For example, blue, blue-green, and green form an analogous color scheme.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wardrobe for headshots and branding photos is an essential part of creating an image that represents your personal brand. By following Erin Fetz’s expert tips on headshots and branding wardrobe styling, you can walk into your next photo session feeling confident, prepared, and ready to make a lasting impression.
To learn more about expert wardrobe styling and personal branding, visit Erin Fetz Image Consulting.
Recent Headshot Sessions
Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, TX. Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots. See more headshots in the gallery. Contact me to book your professional headshot today!
