What to Wear for Your Branding Photo Session (Hint: It’s Not Always a Blazer)

Let’s have an honest chat about what to wear to your branding photo session—because I know this can feel overwhelming. You want to look good, feel confident, and most importantly, you want your outfit to say the right thing to the people who see your photos. Spoiler alert: it’s not always about looking "professional." It’s about looking like you—the version of you your clients will be meeting.

I get it. When we think “professional photos,” our minds go straight to button-ups, blazers, and structured outfits that scream Serious Business Person. And sure, if you’re a lawyer or working in a corporate environment, that look might totally make sense for your brand. But for a lot of us—especially in 2025—those rules don’t apply anymore.

We’re seeing so much more flexibility in how professionals present themselves, especially for entrepreneurs, creatives, and service providers. You don’t need a blazer to be taken seriously. (I mean, unless you love a blazer—then rock it. But you’ll never hear me say it’s a requirement.)

Instead, I want you to ask yourself this:

“Does what I’m wearing match the message I want my brand to send?”

Because that’s where the real magic is.

Color Speaks (Louder Than You Think)

Let’s talk about color psychology for a second. I know, it sounds fancy—but it’s simple, I promise. Every color tells a story and creates a feeling. White = clean. Red = bold and urgent. Purple = luxury and loyalty. Blue = calming and trustworthy.

Now imagine you’re a therapist trying to create a warm, welcoming vibe in your photos. Red might not be your best bet—it’s intense, it says “STOP!” not “Come in and talk about your feelings.” You want something softer, more approachable—like blues, greens, or neutrals that match the calm environment you work hard to create.

And it’s not just about you. Think about your brand colors, your logo, your website, your office walls. If your office is painted a peaceful sage green, maybe steer clear of wearing bright orange—unless you want to burn some eyeballs on your About page.

Even if you hate your brand’s main color on your skin (hey, it happens!), we can get creative. We can shoot near water for a pop of blue, or use accessories to sprinkle in your colors without committing to a full outfit. It's not about matching head to toe—it's about setting the tone.

Sometimes a blazer is the perfect wardrobe option, but that doesn't mean it has to be a stuffy black one!!

Branding Photos = Visual Storytelling

This is why I never just show up and shoot. We’ll talk before your session about your brand, your story, and what message you want your photos to tell. Are you approachable and warm? A powerhouse speaker? A coastal Charleston-based brand that wants to lean into that Lowcountry vibe?

Let’s say you run a business called “Coastal Garbage Works” (okay, I made that up—but if it’s real, I love it). A dock or marshy inlet would be a perfect backdrop. Why? Because it visually supports your brand story without you having to say a word.

When we plan your session, we’ll think about all of that—location, vibe, color, story. Because your photos shouldn’t just be pretty. They should teach your future clients what it feels like to work with you.

It’s Not a Formula—It’s a Collaboration

Here’s the truth: there’s no universal formula for what to wear in your branding session. And that’s exactly why we’ll figure it out together.

You’ll send me ideas. I’ll help you make decisions. You’ll tell me how you want people to feel when they land on your website or scroll past your Instagram profile. I’ll help craft visuals that match that feeling.

And listen—I know that branding photos can come with a lot of pressure. You want to hit the right poses. Get the perfect headshot. Have the right colors. And then actually know what to do with the photos afterward. That’s a lot.

So let’s ease that tension.

I show up to planning meetings in cozy cardigans and casual overalls, not because I’m not a professional (I am), but because I want you to feel comfortable, seen, and supported. We’ll chat like friends over coffee and build a strategy that’s true to you.

When your face shows up on a podcast graphic, in a speaking event promo, or on the homepage of your website, I want those photos to instantly say:“This is who I am. This is what I bring to the table. You can trust me.”

And it all starts with what you wear.

Let’s figure it out together—I can’t wait to photograph your brand story in a way that feels completely, unmistakably you.

If you've been thinking about booking your own branding session, head here to get all the details about working with Kayla Rochelle!