As a photographer in Ellensburg, I often have the pleasure of working with Matthew Lundh of Sermo Digital, a public affairs company that specializes in political campaigns. Through our collaboration, we’ve created a helpful guide to success for your political campaign photos.

From brochures to websites to press releases, political photography plays an important role for any political candidate. They are the public’s first introduction to you and the platform you’re running on. Besides your campaign logo and colors, photos are crucial in creating a personal brand.

The goal for your political campaign photos is to establish three key personas: Professional, Approachable, and Relatable. We live in a visual world, so your images need to be compelling and help tell a story to voters.

Guide to Your Best Political Campaign Photos

How to Dress

• Dress for your personality type, geographical area, and your constituency.
  (Cowboy boots, high heels, hiking boots, etc)
  If your everyday work attire is cowboy boots and a button-up, your constituents aren’t going to want to see you in a suit. That being said, in all aspects of the photo process, you will want to look like the best version of yourself.  Your boots should be cleaned and conditioned. Your button-up should be pressed, wrinkle-free, and of dark or neutral color.
  Conversely, if you’re campaigning for an office environment, your constituents will want to see you in a business suit or dress and dress shoes or heels.
• Bring at least 2-3 outfits.
  Consider dressing in your campaign colors, to complement your marketing materials.
• Jewelry should be understated so as not to distract.
  Less is more!  Stick to pearls, studs, solid color watches/bands, gold/silver jewelry.
  
•  Wear fall attire to correspond to your campaign season/election.
  (Regardless of the time of year that we take photos.)
  
  

Avoid the following:

• Avoid loud patterns and colors. (neon, fuschia, animal print).
• Skin Tight or Overly Baggy Clothing (Everything should be well fitted).
• Small Repetitive Patterns (think tiny polka dots or pin stripes).
• Heels greater than 3inches.

The idea is that you will be the focus of attention, not your clothing or accessories.

 

Personal Grooming

• Face: Ladies should have their makeup professionally applied. Gentlemen should be freshly shaven with any facial hair neatly trimmed and sculpted.
• Hair: Everyone should receive a trim 7 days prior to the appointment and hair should be professionally styled away from the face. Make sure your hair color is touched up.
• Nails: Nails should be freshly manicured or trimmed.
• Moisturize your skin & tend to chapped lips

 

Supporting Roles

• If your spouse or kids are joining you they should coordinate with what you are wearing.
  
• The goal is for the candidate to stand out, so your family should wear muted but complementary colors.
• Your spouse and children should follow the same personal grooming and rules for dress outlined above.
• If we have arranged to do talking/group shots, let those folks know to dress naturally in a way that will not overpower the candidate.

Want to see more Political Campaign Photos from a photographer in Ellensburg? Check out the following blog posts:

• Clay Myers Campaign Photos
• Matthew Lundh Campaign Photos