“A picture is worth a thousand words.”
It’s a cliche, but this phrase has proved increasingly true as visual media continues to dominate our everyday lives. And it is important to remember how powerful a photo can be when it comes to the photos that you take for your business, band or brand.
Your “branding” is more than just your company name and tagline. It’s the colors you select for your logo, the graphics you put on the sides of your vehicle or on the back of your business card, and, of course, the photos that you use on your website and social media.
Think about it. When was the last time you really trusted a website with a clashing color scheme, a glitchy layout, or lousy product photos? These days, it screams “sketchy” to have poor branding visuals. Statistics agree with this too–both Etsy and Justuno found that up to “90% of online buyers say that photo quality is the most important factor in an online sale.”
This is one of the many reasons that it pays to ensure your branding photoshoot is done right. In today’s market, you aren’t just going to be taking photos of your product. At some point, you are going to be the focus of that camera’s lens. People buy from people, not necessarily your marketing tactics.
It’s a slightly nerve wracking prospect if you aren’t used to being in front of the camera, made all the more stressful by one key question: what are you going to wear?
Okay, we know that the clothes you wear aren’t going to be the most important decision you’ll make in regards to your branding photoshoot, but they do matter! Think of us as your virtual stylist. These tips will guide your style–from clothing choices to personal grooming–so your confidence shines through during your brand photoshoot.
The difference a professional branding photoshoot can make
Let’s be frank. You want professional grade photos for your business. An expert photographer will be able to capture the tone of your brand more effectively and accurately than simple iPhone captures. It’s an investment that helps your business in the long run.
Remember, photos can help or hinder your business. In fact, they actually help us remember information more effectively. Adding visuals to a webpage or article can increase information retention from 10% to 65%.
Professional photos will also leave customers with a better and more memorable impression of your company, in the right ways. After all, up to 67% of consumers say the quality of a product image is “very important” in selecting and purchasing a product.
Whether your photoshoot is more simplistic or complex, investing in a professional brand photoshoot will make a difference. Paying for expert work pays off.
Why your “style” matters
You may find yourself wondering why your styling matters. When it comes to a branding photoshoot, what you wear is important because it personalizes your brand.
“Personalization” refers to how unique your brand is. Things like your website content, color palette, your company logo, and your backstory are all part of your brand personalization, along with those brand photos, of course.
According to Forbes, “A personal brand is the unique combination of skills and experiences that make you who you are. It is how you present yourself to the world. Effective personal branding will differentiate you from the competition and allow you to build trust with prospective clients and employers.”
Done right, personalization can help you reach and attract (literally, sometimes) your ideal customers more easily–which can help you make that sale or book that next appointment. So, let’s make sure your styling gives you a leg up over your competitors.
10 tips for selecting the best style for your photoshoot
When you start prepping for your photoshoot, remember these tips to help with your outfit selection so it suits your brand and you.
- Coordinate with your brand’s colors: Remember how we talked about the many parts that make up your “branding?” Keep those factors in mind when selecting your clothes. If your company colors are green, gray and yellow, you don’t want to be wearing clothes that clash with that color palette. A good color contrast can go a long way, just make sure it’s a contrast that works with your brand.
- Keep the goal of the photoshoot in mind: Your brand photoshoot should be multipurpose. Whatever the photos are going to be used for, keep that information at the forefront of your mind when selecting outfits. Are you taking photos for your website or a brochure? Are you modeling your newest products? Or are you taking photos to share on social media to garner more attention for your brand? The answers to questions like these will help you clarify what to wear.
- Choose your colors wisely: We already discussed the importance of choosing colors that are cohesive with your brand. But there’s still room to choose some rockin’ options in multiple shades. According to stylist Anna Jackson, “Colours are probably the most important thing for you to get right as wearing the right colors can completely transform your look by lighting up your face and making your eyes sparkle!” Don’t be afraid to select colors that catch the eye. If you aren’t sure about which colors look best on you, we can set up a consultation to review options.
- Plan for your location: If you are taking photos outside on a snowy day and you select a sundress, you’ll find customers questioning their ability to trust your judgement. Keep the location of the photoshoot in mind when it comes to choosing your clothes. For example, you’ll likely want to pair a professional location like an office with professional or even semi-professional clothing while photos at a coffee shop can leave room for a more relaxed outfit.
- Match the message you’re trying to get across: Is your brand fun and lighthearted? Or perhaps you’d rather emphasize your professionalism to your clients. Keep your clothing in line with the “tone” of your company, whether that be professional, serious, analytical, relaxed or bold.
- Select more than one option: The weather changes, the lighting at your location may be less than ideal, or you might have an encounter with a spilled cup of coffee. Bring more than one outfit on hand to ensure you’re prepared for any circumstances.
- Make sure you feel comfortable: You want to look your best in your photos so your photoshoot isn’t the time to try out the latest fashion trend. If you aren’t comfortable or confident in what you are wearing, it can impact the photoshoot more than you realize. When you know your outfit is on point, it’s going to show.
- Ensure your clothes are clean and prepped: You have three fantastic outfits for your photoshoot. You know your location and made sure your colors work well for you and work with your company’s branding. Now, you just need to make sure the clothes themselves are ready! It may seem like a no-brainer, but make sure your clothes are clean, wrinkle-free, stain free and don’t have any visible tears or missing buttons.
- Use layers to make your outfits go further: Layers can be a powerful tool for getting the most out of your clothing. As Sophie of Sophie Carefull Photography explains, “[Layers] not only help with posing but also make images more dynamic and interesting. They can also give structure to an otherwise shapeless item.” What’s more, a good cardigan or jacket can help increase the “seasonality” of your photos so they work all year long (and you don’t freeze if you are taking photos on a windy day).
- Don’t forget to clean up: Your outfit is only half of the equation; how you look is the other half. You can have the best outfit, but your photos will still miss the mark if your hair is a mess. Personal grooming matters so don’t forget to schedule that haircut, clean up your nails, and invest in an appointment to get your hair or makeup done if you aren’t comfortable doing it yourself.
You want the style that you select for your branding photoshoot to make you and your business look top notch. Sometimes that pressure can leave you staring at your closet in indecision. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed! With our advice and professional guidance, you can rest assured knowing that you will have the best styling to make you shine on camera.
Looking for an experienced and professional team to help with your branding photography? Contact RM Creative Services at info@rachaelmattice.com or visit our Contact page to set up an appointment. From style advice to location selection, we know what it takes to create incredible brand photos that’ll make your business, brand or band stand out from the crowd.
Written by Brianna Fries, a California-based writer and editor. You can discover more of her work at briwritesthings.com.