10 Tips To Help Women In Midlife Prepare For A Brand Photo Shoot
Preparing for a brand photoshoot in midlife brings up a lot of emotions. I know, I’m in my fifties, and I’ve been both behind and in front of the camera. The truth is, many women at this stage don’t want to do a photoshoot. And honestly? I get it.
Why Brand Photo shoots Feel So Hard in Midlife
Body Image: Midlife often changes body shape and appearance due to hormonal changes, metabolism shifts, or lifestyle changes. So, we may start to feel more self-conscious about our bodies and worry about our appearance in photos.
Aging Concerns: As we age, we may notice more wrinkles, fine lines, adult acne, rosacea, and changes in skin texture. This can lead to concerns about looking older and the comparison game.
Fashion and Style: Midlife can also be a transition period regarding personal style and fashion preferences. Sometimes, we struggle to find clothing that makes us feel confident and reflects our brand identity.
Lack of Experience: We may not have much experience with professional photoshoots and may feel uncertain about how to pose, what to wear, or how to present ourselves in front of the camera.
Self-Expression: Brand photoshoots often involve projecting a specific image or persona that aligns with our brand/business. Midlife women may feel pressure to convey a certain image of success, vitality, or confidence, which can create anxiety about not meeting those expectations.
Comparison to Others: In a culture that often celebrates youth and beauty, in midlife, we may feel pressure to measure up to unrealistic standards set by media and society. Comparing ourselves to younger women or peers in similar industries can exacerbate feelings of insecurity and self-doubt.
These are all valid reasons to feel apprehensive about a brand photoshoot.
Still, when it comes to your personal brand, I believe your photos are as important as your messaging, brand identity, and website.
Because your brand photos instantly show the vibe of your business, build trust, and help connect you to your ideal audience.
Photo by Steph Zangeneh Azam
One of my favorite stories is about my client, Kate (above). She was dreading her brand photoshoot. Part of her anxiety was that she had no idea what to wear.
When I got there, I could tell she was stressed and uncomfortable, so I asked her what do you feel most comfortable in. It took her a moment, and then she said, “My dirty beat-up overalls.” So I told her to go put them on.
Once she changed, she felt 100% more comfortable, which made her look happy and at ease in the photos. The bonus was that her overalls just so happened to be totally on brand! So when it comes to clothing, wear something comfortable, something that is YOU.
So much of how you look in brand photos depends on how you feel; if you’re not feeling good, it will show.
Below are 10 tips to help you prep and feel more confident during your brand photoshoot session.
Photo by Chase Daley
Choose a Photographer Who Understands: Look for a photographer who specializes in capturing the beauty of women at all stages of life—someone who understands your concerns and can make you feel comfortable and confident. Start by searching online for photographers in your area specializing in portrait or women's photography. Use search engines and social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook to find portfolios and examples of their work.
Wardrobe: Wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Choose outfits that flatter your body shape and reflect your personal style. Consider colors that complement your skin tone and hair color. You may even want to have your color analysis done beforehand. Just be careful not to clash with your brand colors. If you don't have brand colors (yet), then neutrals are a good choice. Look for interesting textures because they’ll show better on camera. I recommend putting at least two looks together. A casual look and a dressed-up look. It’s always a good idea to test-run your outfits and jewelry and have someone take photos of you from all angles so you can see how they look in photos.
Professional Hair and Makeup: I personally do my own hair and makeup, but some women feel more confident investing in professional hair and makeup services. Just make sure to do a test run beforehand. Also, it's a good idea to ensure your hands are exfoliated and moisturized. If you go for a manicure, neutrals are always good. Make sure whatever color you pick doesn’t clash with your brand colors.
Posing Techniques: Work with your photographer to find flattering poses that highlight your best features and minimize any insecurities. Practice posing in front of a mirror beforehand to feel more comfortable during the shoot. Create a Pinterest board with poses for inspiration.
Set The Tone: Your images' emotions and facial expressions should reflect how you want your client and/or customer to feel after working with or using your products. If your brand tone is happy and cheery, go for light and airy photos rather than dark and moody ones.
Natural Lighting: Opt for natural lighting whenever possible, as it tends to be the most flattering. Consider scheduling your photoshoot for soft, flattering light during the golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset.
Embrace Your Authentic Self: Embrace your uniqueness and individuality. Your life experiences and wisdom make you who you are, and that's something to celebrate. Let your personality shine through in your photos.
Focus on Strengths: Shift your focus away from perceived flaws and instead focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Celebrate all that your body has done for you and the incredible things you've achieved.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself throughout the process. Remember that nobody is perfect, and it's okay to have imperfections. Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you would offer a friend.
Celebrate Your Journey: View your brand photoshoot as a celebration of your journey and accomplishments. You've overcome challenges, become wiser, and become stronger. Embrace this opportunity to showcase your resilience and confidence.
I know how nerve-wracking a brand photoshoot can feel, especially in midlife when "all eyes are on you."
I hope these tips help you feel more at ease and prepared. Presenting yourself authentically is important, especially in today's climate, where visibility in your personal brand matters significantly.
