What to Wear for Headshots & Personal Branding Photos

May 20, 2025

Don’t panic – I’ve got you!

One of the most common questions I get before a session is: “What should I wear?” And it’s a great question—because what you wear plays a big role in how confident you feel and how aligned your images are with your brand.

Here are my top tips for choosing outfits that work beautifully on camera:

1. Stick to your brand colours (or complement them)

Your clothing should reflect your brand’s personality. Choose colours that either match or complement your brand palette. Avoid anything that clashes. If your brand is calm and neutral, a bright neon top might feel out of place in your photos.

2. Keep it simple and avoid distracting patterns

Solid colours tend to photograph better than busy prints. If you love patterns, keep them subtle. Avoid logos (unless it’s your own) and anything with text, which can pull focus away from your face.

3. Think layers and texture

Blazers, cardigans, scarves, or jewellery can add visual interest without overpowering your image. Textures like linen, denim, or soft knits can bring a warm, relatable feel to your shots.

4. Dress for your audience

Are you targeting corporate clients? A suit or smart blazer might suit. Are you a wellness coach or creative? A more relaxed outfit can feel authentic and approachable. Aim for clothes that are “you on your best day.”

5. Comfort = confidence

Choose clothes that you feel great in. If you’re fidgeting with a neckline or worrying about how something fits, it will show in your expressions. Bring plenty of options if you’re unsure. I’ll help you choose on the day.

6. Finishing touches

Make sure your hair is washed, you are hydrated, your skin is moisturised and your nails are tidy. Avoid overly shiny makeup or heavy powder unless that’s your style.

If you would like to consider a professional hair stylist or make up artist, let me know. I can arrange that.

Trust the process. We’ll make sure your images reflect the real you

Ready to book?

I’ll always help you plan your wardrobe before our session, but these tips should give you a great start. I want you to feel confident, comfortable and completely you in your next headshot or branding session.

GET IN TOUCH and let’s plan something that reflects your story, your style and your brand.

Surrey Brand Photography

May 20, 2025

Why Surrey brand photography is more than just a headshot

When you think of headshot photography, what comes to mind? A crisp headshot in front of a white wall? A formal pose in a blazer? While those images have their place, brand photography—especially at your place of work — can be so much more.

I’m Nicola, a brand photographer based in Surrey, and I’ve been helping businesses tell their stories through relaxed, personality-filled imagery for over a decade. I believe your brand images should feel as authentic as your business values. That means moving beyond stiff poses and generic locations.

A Brand Shoot with Purpose: Lindi Reynolds, Architect

One recent shoot that really captures what I love about brand photography was with Lindi Reynolds and her team. Lindi is a talented architect who wanted individual headshots and team shots that reflected her creative vision and the sophistication of her work. Lindi chose the stunning backdrop of her home office and Hampton Court Palace for her session. She was drawn to the elegance and historical charm of the buildings.

I really enjoyed reading Lindi’s 5 star review after her session “I commissioned Nicola to undertake a photoshoot for me and my team. We all loved working with her. Nicola has an extraordinarily good eye for detail, and worked efficiently and professionally to capture my wonderful team at ease. She took special care to understand the values that inspire our brand, and I feel that her images have managed to capture the essence of us. Thank you Nicola!” My pleasure Lindi!

Surrey Is Your Brand’s Backdrop

That’s the magic of shooting in Surrey, London or the surrounding counties. We’re surrounded by a mix of historic architecture, beautiful green spaces and stylish modern spots. Whether you’re an architect like Lindi, a coach, a wellness expert, or a creative entrepreneur, there’s a location that will naturally enhance your story.

It’s All About Storytelling – Surrey Brand Photography

Your brand is more than a logo or a colour palette—it’s you. It’s how you show up, how you work, your energy, your passion and what makes your clients say, “Yes, you get me.” That’s what I aim to capture in every brand session: real, engaging images that show the human side of your business.

Do you love meeting clients in cosy cafés? Let’s shoot there. Do you create handmade products at home? I’ll photograph you in your workspace. Need polished but friendly images for LinkedIn? We’ll choose a location that feels fresh but professional.

Let’s Bring Your Brand to Life

If you’re a small business owner in Surrey and you’re ready to step into your story with confidence, I’d love to chat. Whether you’re rebranding, launching something new, or just need a refresh, your brand deserves to be seen. You deserve to be seen as the brilliant, person behind it.

Drop me a message or head to my CONTACT ME to find out more about working together. Let’s create something that feels like you—just like we did for Lindi and her team.

Nicola Light Photography // Surrey Brand Photography

Guildford Brand Photographer

May 20, 2025

Are you looking for a Guildford brand photographer?

Being a brand photographer in Guildford is so rewarding. The town is home to a diverse range of independent business owners, entrepreneurs and creatives, all of whom have unique stories to tell. As a Guildford brand photographer, my goal is to help these professionals visually communicate their brand stories in a way that feels authentic, engaging and true to who they are.

Whether it’s capturing a business coach in action during a client session, a florist arranging a bouquet, or a wellness practitioner demonstrating their craft, the town provides the perfect setting to showcase the personality and essence of a brand.

What sets brand photography apart from traditional portrait sessions is the focus on storytelling. It’s about more than just headshots; it’s about visually narrating a brand’s journey, mission and values. When working with clients, I like to dive deep into their brand identity. What do they want to convey? What mood and message should the images reflect? How can we use props, locations and styling to bring that vision to life?

One of my favorite aspects of brand photography is the collaboration. It’s a creative partnership where we brainstorm ideas, scout locations and curate a collection of images that align with the brand’s voice and audience. Whether it’s for website visuals, social media content or promotional materials. The resulting images become a powerful tool for building connection and trust with potential clients.

Where to shoot

While I’m mostly known as a Guildford brand photographer, I also travel for sessions especially to London. This recent shoot for LODESTAR POTENTIAL took place at the fabulous members club No 3 ROBERT’S STREET. The rooftop provided iconic backdrops like the London Eye adding a dynamic, urban feel to the images. The inside spaces provided some great areas for headshots and ‘working’ pictures too. Surrey and London both offer incredible visual storytelling opportunities.

Let’s chat if you’re looking for a Guildford Brand Photographer

If you’re a business owner looking to elevate your brand imagery, LET’S CONNECT! I’d love to discuss how we can craft a visual story that not only looks stunning but also resonates with your audience and amplifies your brand’s message.

Nicola Light Photography // Guildford Brand Photographer

Small Business Photographer Surrey

Nov 13, 2024

Why Hiring a Small Business Photographer in Surrey is Essential for Your Brand

In today’s digital age, high-quality images are crucial for small businesses looking to stand out. Whether you’re based in Guildford, Woking, or another town in Surrey, professional photography can elevate your brand and help you connect with your audience. Here’s why hiring a local photographer is a smart investment.

1. Stronger Brand Identity

Professional photography helps tell your brand’s story and capture its personality. Whether it’s product shots, team portraits, or behind-the-scenes images, a photographer can create visuals that reflect your values and make your business more relatable.

2. Boosts Online Presence

From websites to social media, your online presence is often the first impression customers get of your business. High-quality, consistent imagery can increase engagement and build trust. Local photographers understand the visual style that resonates with your customers, making your brand feel more authentic and appealing.

3. Saves Time and Effort

As a small business owner, you already have a lot on your plate. Hiring a professional photographer allows you to focus on running your business while ensuring your images are polished and high-quality. With the right equipment and expertise, photographers can create stunning visuals that would be difficult to achieve on your own.

4. Improves Customer Trust

Professional photos help customers connect with your brand. Clear, high-quality images of your products or team members make your business feel more trustworthy and reliable.

In a competitive market like Surrey, professional photography can help you stand out. Whether you’re in Guildford, Godalming, Haslemere, or elsewhere, investing in professional images can boost your brand’s credibility and ultimately drive more sales.

Case Study

I loved this session for Chilworth based Surrey Hills Accountancy firm. I have captured them once before in different premises with their original staff team. Now with a new larger office space and an expanded team it was time for a refresh. We had a very productive time capturing them ‘at work’, some headshots and team shots. It’s great to see them already being used on their website and social media!

If you would like to see more examples of PERSONAL BRANDING or COMMERCIAL SESSIONS please do check out the links or CONTACT ME to discuss further. I look forward to hearing from you,

Small Business Photographer Surrey // Corporate Photography Guildford

Commercial event photographer surrey

May 7, 2024

Are you looking for a commercial event photographer Surrey?

I would love to help. It was great fun being asked to be the commercial event photographer Surrey for this Christmas party which was organised by Paul Farris Events. My brief was to capture all the days activities so that the Client had a really special record of their Christmas party. With so much going on in different rooms around the building I whizzed about to record it all. There were some very entertaining (and highly competitive!) quiz rounds going on with a hotly contested final in front of everybody at the end of the day!

In between the quiz rounds, there were some incredible cupcake making sessions. Some of the cupcakes looked very creative. There was also a room with people making Christmas decorations and Christmas crackers. The staff could pop into different rooms and enjoy the activities throughout the day. There were also some giant game sets like connect four and Jenga. A mind reader was wondering around too. His skills were amazing! There was also a fun snow globe for staff to grab some (fake!) cash. Of course, there were some delicious food and drinks on offer as well. The chocolate fountain was to die for! Luckily, I was allowed lunch there too, yummy!

I had a really lovely five star review on Google following the Christmas event.

“Nicola is a pleasure to work with. Very easy, organised and always smiling which helps a lot! Produced some top drawer photos and edited the best ones out to make is all seamless!”

My pleasure, Paul. Thank you for your kind of review.

More information

If you would like to read more about commercial photography in Surrey or other counties, please see this COMMERCIAL PAGE. or CONTACT ME to discuss further. I look forward to hearing from you.

Nicola Light Photography //commercial event photographer Surrey

Business Photography Guildford

Apr 27, 2024

Rachael from My Freelance Admin was looking for business photography Guildford Surrey to get some updated shots. What a pleasure it was to be chosen. Rachael was looking for some headshots and personal branding pictures to use on her website and in her social media.

She is absolutely right in knowing that showing more of her personality is key to driving her business forward. Your potential and current clients want to know who you are, what do you look like. Can they engage with you? They want to know more about the name behind the brand. You can no longer hide behind your logo if you want to drive sales!

Ahead of the day Rachael and I worked together to prepare. We had lots of different stories for her to tell. We also thought about what accessories she would need to bring. For example her laptop, phone, books and her podcast equipment.

We also discussed what she should wear on the day. I normally recommend several different outfits to mix it up a bit. It is really useful if the shots do not look like they were all taken on the same day! Avoid distracting logos that will draw the eye to this rather than you! Pattern if fine as long as it is not too distracting.

We had such a fun morning and I am so pleased she was so thrilled with the outcome.

Kind review

Here is her lovely review she left me after.

“I searched everywhere trying to find what I was trying to achieve with my photoshoot for my business. I just couldn’t find it. After hours of searching I somehow stumbled across Nicola’s website…and there it was! Her examples of personal branding shoots showed exactly what it was I was trying to achieve. I had no idea it was called Personal Branding – I was searching for headshots!

Every step in the process of working with Nicola was absolutely brilliant. From the initial call, to planning over email, the shoot itself and the viewing session. It was all perfect. I was incredibly grateful to be able to do the shoot in Nicola’s house which was gorgeous. It gave off exactly the look I was going for. Nicola was a delight to work with. As were the hair and makeup ladies she organised. I wouldn’t hesitate to book her again. And I am SO pleased with my photos!”

More information

If you are looking for business photography Guildford or surrounding areas (I am happy to travel), please do get in contact.

If you would like to read more about personal branding or headshots there are plenty of examples on my blog. There are also information pages on personal branding and headshots.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Business Photography Guildford // Surrey Personal Brand Shoot

Guildford Small Business Photographer

Oct 5, 2023

Choosing a Guildford small business photographer is an important decision, as the quality of their work can significantly impact your business’s image and marketing efforts.

I loved this session for Guildford Tipper Hire

They wanted a capture product shots and action shots to be used throughout their website and social media. We had a list of key shots that were important to them so we carefully planned out how to get the most of our session moving around the different areas. They were thrilled with the outcome and you can see the pictures already in use on their website and instagram!

Advice

If you are looking for a Guildford Small Business Photographer here are some steps to help you select the right photographer:

Determine your photography needs:
- Consider what type of photography you need, such as product photography, portrait/headshot photography, etc. Do you prefer a traditional, classic look, or something more modern and creative?
Set a budget:
- Determine how much you’re willing to invest in photography services. Keep in mind that quality photography can be a valuable investment in your business’s success.
Research potential photographers:
- Look for photographers who specialise in the type of photography you need. You can use online directories, search engines, or social media platforms to find local photographers.
Review portfolios:
- Examine the portfolios of potential photographers to assess the quality and style of their work.
Check references and reviews:
- Contact previous clients of the photographer to inquire about their experience. Ask if they were satisfied with the photographer’s work, professionalism, and delivery time. Look for online reviews on platforms like Google
Get to know a photographer:
- Reach out to a few photographers who meet your criteria and schedule an exploratory chat. Discuss your project, goals, and expectations.
Discuss pricing
- Request a detailed quote that outlines the photographer’s fees, including any additional costs such as editing or travel expenses.
Compare options:
- Compare the information you’ve gathered from different photographers, including their portfolios, quotes, and references. Balance quality, cost, and compatibility when making your final decision.
Trust your instincts:
- Ultimately, go with the photographer who aligns best with your vision and goals for your small business.

Take your time to make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and budget.

Next steps

So I hope this advice helps. Of course I would love to be considered as your small business photographer. I cover all of Surrey and some surrounding counties.

If you would like to see more examples of my business shoots please see these pages commercial or personal branding. Or perhaps you would like to chat further, so get in touch. I look forward to hearing from you.

All images by Nicola Light Photography // Guildford Small Business Photographer

Corporate Photographer Guildford

Mar 2, 2023

I travelled to the city of London for Austin Werner Tech who wanted a corporate photographer Guildford to capture their expanding global team. Although based in Guildford, Woking and Spain, they chose Tower Bridge to come together for a team day.

My brief was to capture some natural headshots, whole team pictures and other smaller groupings. It was important to include some London landmarks too.

The forecast for the day was dreadful, but there was no possibility of postponing the shoot as they were having a meal that night and other team bonding activities. So we kept our fingers crossed for a dry window. Thankfully that’s exactly what we got!

We started at The Four Seasons Hotel where the team were based. We took some on the front steps which looked very dramatic.

We then walked down towards The Tower of London. We stopped at a small park on the way as I loved the framing of the columns and arch.

We then moved on towards the Tower and Tower Bridge. The team were keen to have these key landmarks in the background. I even managed to get a London red bus passing across the bridge!

We managed to get plenty of combinations before the heavens opened in a very dramatic way! It was suddenly like an Indian monsoon. So we separated as I ran towards the station and they went off for a session in an escape room! It was quite a long walk to the tube so I was absolutely soaked through!

Next steps

If you are looking for a corporate photographer Guildford or other Surrey areas please get in touch. If you would like to see more please check out my corporate photography page.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Corporate Photographer Guildford // Nicola Light Photography

Cranleigh Business Branding Photographer

Feb 20, 2023

What a great start to the year! Roger Coupe Estate Agents were looking for a Cranleigh Business Branding Photographer. So they got in touch to talk about capturing some updated imagery for their website and social media.

First of all we talked about where the shoot should take place. We did a mixture of locations. They chose the fabulous One Forty coffee shop to take some meeting pictures. Then we went back to their offices to take some more by their desks and meeting rooms.

This has given them some fresh shots to drip feed into their social media. We have further ideas to take some outside their office in the summer when it gets a bit warmer and they have got their beautiful hanging baskets out. We may well take some around some of the landmarks of Cranleigh to emphasise the local connection.

Investing in some headshots or personal branding gives your company the professional edge. You simply can’t hide behind your logo! Your clients or customers want to know who you are. Can they relate to you? The more they know you, the more loyal they will be. Especially if you’re a small local business.

Please don’t be daunted, if this is the first time you’ve ever had some pictures taken. I promise that not only will you enjoy the experience, you’ll often see a difference to your sales straight away.

More information

If you would like to see more examples of headshots or personal branding, then please follow the links. Or feel free to contact me to discuss further. Each session is bespoke to you. You may just be looking for a few headshots for yourself. Or team shots. Or more of an insight into your brand through personal branding.

Cranleigh Business Branding Photographer // Nicola Light Photography

Cranleigh Business Branding Photographer // Nicola light Photography

Corporate Photographer Guildford Surrey

Dec 12, 2022

Are you looking for a Corporate Photographer Guildford Surrey? I would love to help. This shoot might give you a flavour of my style, but each session is bespoke so it’s best to get in touch to discuss your particular needs.

It was my pleasure to capture Arundel Advisers recently at the fabulous Wotton House.

The team who are geographically dispersed were gathering there for a meeting so it was the perfect time to update their imagery for they website and social media. We took the pictures inside and out in between their meetings in their breaks. I also quietly hovered at the back of their meeting to take some in action’!

I loved reading their 5* google review after their session:

“Nicola produced some wonderful photos of our small business, which will really bring our website and other social media to life. She worked with us to fit into our day with 3 types of photo : head shots, reportage and group shots. We’re delighted with the results.”

My pleasure, I really enjoyed it!

More information

If you would like to read more about commercial photography, there are plenty of examples on this page. Perhaps you would like to see other examples on my blog. Or contact me to discuss further.

Sometimes individuals need just a few head shots for their website or LinkedIn etc. This is the shortest of my sessions and usually takes pace in the studio area.

There are other options for more extended sessions that might include product photography or personal branding. The latter shows more about the person behind the brand. This might take place in the studio area or your place of work.

This session was a combination of headshots, team shots and working shots to bring the company to life.

Each session is bespoke, so you decide what’s best for you.

Corporate Photographer Guildford Surrey // Nicola light Photography