I can say that Boise is a perfect backdrop for branding session. As a local photographer, I know that the city + the right wardrobe will help you establish your brand.
As a Boise photographer, we are giving you four styling tips for a personal branding session! The number one question I get when advising for branding photography sessions is, what do I wear? Today, I’m hoping my stylist Savannah can share some great tips, in addition to the ones that I’ve provided in my previous blog post on How to style yourself for your upcoming branding session. I would love to hear your thoughts, so please leave a note in the comments if these tips are helpful for you.
Hi, so glad to meet you here! My name is Savannah. I have been professionally styling for three years now. I have worked with a Boise photographer such as Shelly. And I must agree that Boise is a perfect backdrop for your personal branding shoots.
l always LOVED clothes. I remember getting my first paycheck and saving it up to spend on clothes. Who am I kidding? I still do that!
After working as a stylist in a retail store, I realized how much I love to make people feel happy and confident in their outfits. It made my heart overjoyed when people would ask me to style them and to see their reactions. That’s when I realized I should style for a living. So I started styling for photoshoots and helping on set with the models or clients. Learning and perfecting what shapes fit different body types and when to throw in a fun prop for the perfect pic.
Selecting what to wear for a photoshoot can seem like a daunting task.
You may find yourself wearing something that isn’t even your style because you feel overwhelmed by the task of picking an outfit.
So many things to consider like, “Will this outfit look good on my body shape in photos?” “Is this outfit too busy or not busy enough?” “Is this outfit on-trend?”
Here are four styling tips for a personal branding session with a Boise Photographer. Keep this in mind when choosing your outfits!
#1 Proportions Are Everything
When you are pulling an outfit together, you must always be sure to keep the ensemble proportionate. For example, if your top half has a flowy blouse or multiple layers, always be sure to even it out with skinnier pants and a non-bulky shoe to match. If your bottom half has a flowy skirt or less fitting pants or trousers, pair a more fitted top to match. You don’t want to hide your sparkling personality behind clothes that swallow you. The goal is to shape your body for the most flattering and professional-looking photo. The more balanced an outfit is, the better the images come out.
#2 Higher Quality Basics Are Worth The Money
When it comes to the basics that we have in our closet, it’s tempting to buy cheaper, lower-quality brands. For example, not everyone will spend money on a higher quality pair of jeans because they think all jeans are the same. Or some believe all solid-colored t-shirts look the same. As a stylist, I’m here to tell you that all basics are NOT the same. It’s so important to have quality basics in our closet to style and pair with many things. There are many benefits to spending a little more on the basics. They will last in your wardrobe for many years instead of buying multiples in a year. You will build a bigger wardrobe because you will always have quality fitting basics to use as your base to create any outfit. Also, the cut and fit will always be better when you buy higher quality. You can use a perfectly fitting pair of jeans and a solid top to make many outfits pop for years to come, so invest in the basics!
#3 Don’t Over Style
One of the biggest mistakes I see as a stylist is that an outfit that is too busy. Don’t get me wrong; I love a good accessory or a fun prop. The mistake comes in when there are too many layers, patterns, or too many accessories. You want just the right amount to let your personality shine, without detracting the attention from you. The trick is to find the perfect balance. If you are wearing a busy necklace, pair it with a simple pair of earrings or bracelets. If your signature style is a hat, simplify the rest of the outfit that pairs with it. A rule I use while styling is no more than two accessories on the top half. If I have two accessories on top, then my outfit should complement those pieces. For photos, people often think they need to use many layers and many accessories. The truth is you shine more when your outfit isn’t over-styled.
#4 Let Your Personality Shine
Lastly, when you are picking out outfits, make sure your personality comes through. Each of us has a specific style that matches our unique selves. For example, maybe your style is spunky, very sharp and neat, colorful, or perhaps you’re known for wearing black suits every day. When you pick your outfits, stick with the styling tips listed above, while leaving room for your aesthetic, like throwing in your favorite pair of funky shoes. We love who you are, and we want to see that in your photos.
I hope you enjoyed these four styling tips for a personal branding session and I hope this is helpful especially to someone looking for a Boise photographer. If you need someone to assist you with styling your next shoot, I’d love to help. I have several packages to choose from to accommodate your specific needs. Happy photoshoot!
SENIOR | FAMILY | TEENS | BRANDING
Shelly Niehaus Photography is a Boise, ID-based branding and headshot photographer. Shelly specializes in professional headshot photography, personal branding photography and lifestyle photography. Shelly serves the greater Treasure Valley area including Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and Nampa.
