We think it probably goes without saying that your clothing choice is important. That doesn’t mean that picking clothing is easy though! We have some tips that will make the process of deciding what to wear easy and help you ensure that you look your very best.

When choosing what to wear for your professional headshots, it’s best to avoid complex patterns like stripes or checks. Horizontal lines can be difficult to look at in a photo and mixing patterns can make the photo feel busy. Vertical lines can have a slimming effect but should be minimal. It’s best to opt for solid colors whenever possible. This will not only give the headshot a more classic look but will be more visually pleasing several years from now when styles and trends have changed.

For men, choosing what to wear is often pretty simple. For a corporate headshot, a business suit is almost always a good choice. If you want a more casual look, you can forgo the blazer and wear a white shirt with a tie. For blazers, solid grey or navy are good choices for timeless portraits. You don’t want to choose clothing (or a hairstyle) that are too trendy as it can date the photograph. If you are wearing a tie, choose something classic. A simple pattern or a bright color if you like but avoid anything too over the top.

For women, selecting the right clothing can feel more complicated but the rules are really the same. A classic business suit or simple blouse and skirt or pants are great options. Again, don’t wear anything too trendy or a pattern that’s busy. It’s best to choose something with a fall or winter look rather than a summer style.

The most important wardrobe tip we have to offer is to wear something that you like. Something that makes you feel good. The confidence that comes from knowing that you look good along with a warm smile will result in an image that you love and will help you achieve your marketing goals. Headshots are supposed to convey that you are a confident and polished professional so take the time to choose clothes that convey that message.

Figuring out what to wear is only the first step in preparing for your headshot session. You’ll also want to pay special attention to your hair and nails.

We can’t stress the importance of well-groomed hair in your headshot enough. Bad hair can ruin your whole session! Play it safe and go to the hairdresser or barber right before the session. You’ll probably use your headshot for at least a year. You don’t want to wish that you’d gotten a trim every time you see it! Don’t style your hair in an unusual way. You want to look like you normally look.

Please don’t forget the importance of your hands in your portraits. Whether you choose to do your nails yourself or have them manicured, keep them clean and if you wear nail polish use coordinating colors. Ladies, if you are wearing an open toe shoe, make sure your toes are ready to be photographed. Sometimes the photographer will take full body photos and your feet will show.

If you wear glasses most of the time, you will probably want to wear them in your headshot photo. To eliminate glare or reflections, bring empty frames or remove the lenses from your glasses. If you’d like photographs with and without your glasses, just let your photographer know.

Do not overdo the sun for a headshot photo. While a tan can look great, too much of a good thing can ruin your photos. Sunburn can be an expensive problem. It causes facial shine, red noses and cheeks, strap marks, hat lines and peeling, which the photographer may be able to retouch, but it will cost extra.

Many people choose to have their makeup done professionally for their headshots. It’s a good idea! A professional makeup artist will know how to make you look your best for the camera. We do offer professional hair and make up!  Ask for more info.  If you’re doing your makeup yourself, keep it natural.

1. Take two or three changes of clothing so you can experiment with contrasting colors. You only need the top half of the outfit for “head and shoulder” type headshots.

2. Ask what color background we will be using and what prime color would compliment it.

3. Tell your photographer before you arrive what image you are trying to convey. What type of business are you in? What is your corporate or business culture? Look at other photos of those in your company for samples to compare. If you are “not” a corporate type, let the photographer know what type of look you want to portray.

4. Dark clothes are less distracting and put the focus on your face and eyes.

5. Men: if you have a heavy beard, trim before arrival.

6. Men: Bring additional clothing if you’d like to add a “casual” look. Some people take off their suit jacket and do more casual photos in just a shirt and tie. However, a more casual button down or gold shirt are also good options for a more casual look.

7. Brush your teeth before the shoot!

1. Don’t get a new haircut just before the session. Give it a week.

2. Don’t wear something that might “clash” with the background.

3. Don’t wear white unless you are wearing layers and it is underneath.

4. Don’t wear jewelry that will distract from your face or that is very trendy and might look dated down the road.

5. Don’t overdress. Don’t wear “big” jewelry, big scarves, big hair.

6. Don’t wear loud stripes or checks. Avoid herringbone. No short sleeve shirts, please.

7. Don’t wear a turtleneck (unless it is a very good look for you). In general, a v-neck style will be more attractive.

8. Don’t wear a jacket you cannot button, or that you have to stretch to be able to button. It will not look good and you will not feel good about it. Bring something that fits properly.

9. Don’t over-do your makeup. And I don’t mean the “style” of your makeup, I mean in the thickness and amount of application on your skin.

10. Don’t be afraid to ASK me / CALL me about any of these BEFORE you arrive.