What a joy it was to meet Madison and hear about her amazing ventures as a businesswoman during her Glen Ellyn branding session. Amazingly, she’s a fellow Lombardian who lives just around the corner from me!

Madison hits the ground running in all her endeavors. From earning her marketing degree to killin’ it in real estate (@movingwithmadison), she even owns her own vintage clothing company! With all her moving and shaking, she needed some updated branding images. Get ready, world, because this gal is a force to be reckoned with. In turn, Madison’s kindness will always bring a smile to your face. She’s an incredibly devoted friend, agent, and business owner. She’s warm and personable, and you can count on her to get the job done and advocate for her clients.

To suit her style, we began her session strolling around charming downtown Glen Ellyn on a beautiful, sunny day. This area has tons of hidden gems tucked between the cute brick buildings. In addition to landscaped patios and modern buildings, we found some older architecture and fun smiley prints that work well with her smiley personality. From one business to the next, her look is seamless and polished. Our goal was for her warm personality to shine through while complementing her skilled, professional side. To end the session, we stopped by Blackberry Market, which she claims has the best iced matcha latte to keep her going. (This may be my new favorite coffee shop!)

What to Wear for Your Branding Session

In addition to location and posing, your outfits play a huge role in your overall look. Branding photos let you craft the image you want clients or customers to see. This is how they perceive you and your brand. 

I’m happy to help offer wardrobe guidance for your branding session. Madison did a phenomenal job choosing her outfits for her session. She swapped outfits to give her a variety of polished but personal looks that were perfect for all her marketing material needs.

How to Choose Outfits for Professional Photos

My outfit recommendations depend on the line of work you’re in, but these are some general suggestions:

Go Neutral

If you aren’t quite sure how to dress, neutrals are always a solid choice. Madison’s contrasting black top, white pants, and pop of color with pink heels create a fun-yet-polished look that’s flattering from head to toe. Olive, blush, camel, mauve, and rust are trendier “neutrals” that look amazing with most skin tones and pair well with other neutrals.

Proportion Play

Instead of cutting yourself in half with your outfit, follow the rule of thirds. For instance, if you have wide-leg pants or a midi or full-length skirt, try wearing a shorter, tailored top or tuck it in. If you go flowy or longer on one half, do the opposite on the other half (i.e., avoid skinny jeans and a fitted top. Instead, consider adding a blazer or textured cardigan on top). You can use your hair, too! Consider pulling your hair up to create more shape if you have a collar or high neckline.

I love the classic looks and tips shared by @styled_by_blair on Instagram for women’s branding sessions.

For men, check out the looks we styled for AJ’s branding session.

Subtle Patterns

You may think patterns are a no-go for pictures, but they can work really well and help show off a bit of personality! I love the white squares on Madison’s black dress, as well as the fruity floral dress. Both patterns worked well for our session. However, I recommend avoiding bold, colorful patterns or anything that detracts from your face, the focal point.

Versatile Layers

You’ll probably want to change up your look during the session. To save time and minimize outfit changes, consider a layered look—one with a jacket and one without. Swap your shoes, jewelry, and hair to make the change more distinct.

Accessorize Tastefully 

Without going overboard, an accessory or two can help elevate a style, too. Try a few wrist bangles, a belt, or a necklace. If you aren’t sure if it works, bring it along, and we can try it out! Madison’s gold hoop earrings and pink heels were perfect!

Branding with Meg | Glen Ellyn Branding Photographer

Overall, choose outfits that authentically reflect who you are and your true style. You don’t have to transform into a different person for your branding session. Reach out to me with your line of work or business, plus a little about you so we can plan the perfect outfits for your session.

Start planning your Glen Ellyn branding session with me here.