Business
Stepping into a brand photoshoot can be a very vulnerable experience. Getting all dolled up, staring into the lens of a camera, moving in awkward feeling poses. Not the easiest thing to do. But I spoke with my good friend and personal stylist, Swapna Patel, to give us the inside scoop on styling yourself for your personal branding session. Swapna Patel is a New York City area-based personal stylist. She teaches female entrepreneurs to quit hiding behind their laptops in sweatpants, messy buns and confidently use their wardrobe as a tool to show up as the face of their brand.As a stylist, Swapna has helped coaches, fitness experts, photographers, realtors, and other female business owners level up their style, using what they already have in their closet, so they can look like true industry experts. It is Swapna’s firm belief that it is not what you wear, it is how you wear it! While she loves style, she is not a label junkie, something she prides herself on! Working with Swapna has saved her clients lots of money, boosted their confidence and some say it has even changed their life! So what is Swapna’s take on what to wear for your next photo session? She says that you should start with what you already have. Many times you have everything that you need in your closet, but you just don’t know how to put them together. It’s always a good idea to bring in an element of “play” and “creativity” to your style.Also, ask yourself: What are the finishing pieces I need to complete this look? Don’t always go for the exact same things that you wear every day. Mix it up and have fun. Because you can use your wardrobe and style to tell a story about who you are. It’s all a part of who you are as a personal brand. But what if you think you don’t “have a personal style”? Swapna tells us that you need to think about your brand aesthetic because it very often mirrors your own personal style. Start with the descriptors that you are using in your brand. For example “modern” - head on over to Pinterest and start creating a vision board of what you like. Focus on the colors that pop out to you and incorporate those into your wardrobe. Pinterest is an excellent resource for you to not only understand what your style is, it also helps you to know what isn’t your style. Allow yourself to grow and play. Try something new. Mix and match what you already have and add pieces that compliment what you already have. That’s what brings life to your style. When you are planning for your photoshoot here are a few strategies to look and feel your best: Find out more at: www.britbennion.com/episode78