TIPS FOR YOUR PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT SESSION
When deciding on what to wear for your professional headshot, think about the image you are trying to project. Your clothing, hair style, make-up, tie color/pattern and jewelry all play a role in the outcome of your image.
Select pieces that are professional and reflect the image you would like to convey.
If you need some inspiration, please click here for some ideas based on headshots we have photographed in the past.
TIPS FOR MEN
CLOTHING
When choosing what to wear for your professional headshot, think about what kind of look works best for your industry.
If you plan on wearing a tie, bring several options to choose from. Classic patterns are ideal and will extend the life of your headshot. Choose tie colors that compliment your skin tone. For example, a blue tie will “pop” for blue eyes.
A gray or navy suit, fitted white dress shirt and a subtle patterned tie is always a classic and timeless look. A slim fit suit with a narrow lapel tends to look more modern when coupled with a thin tie.
For a business casual look, choose a sports coat in a neutral color like navy or gray. Pair with a button down collared dress shirt in white or light blue. Alternatively, add a sweater under your jacket for different look.
If you are going for a more casual look and are not planning on wearing a jacket in your headshot, choose a collared button up dress shirt that fits snug to the back of the neck. Avoid wearing a white undershirt for your headshot, this is not a good look.
Try clothing on prior to the shoot. Button the top button on your shirt if you plan on wearing a tie. Make sure that the shirt fits properly. Check your jacket and other clothing items. Properly fitted clothing is a must.
If you wear glasses, clean the lenses before the shoot. Fingerprints on the glass add glare in the image. Glasses with minimal or no reflective coating are best.
HAIR & GROOMING
Schedule a hair cut a week or or so prior to your photo shoot, that way your hair will have a chance to settle and look natural.
If you have a beard or facial hair make sure to trim so you look your best.
TIPS FOR WOMEN
CLOTHING COLORS
As a general rule, deep saturated colors work well for headshots. Pair these colors with neutrals like gray, navy or earth tones. Choose colors that flatter your skin tone. Wear red if you want your image to really stand out. Red is a “power” color. While the color black works in small amounts, try to avoid clothing that is entirely black or white. Both colors tend to flatten and lose depth. Either color can work, but try to avoid them as solids unless you plan on layering. Avoid nude colored tops close to your own skin tone. Lighter skin tones specifically should also avoid pastel tops, as these colors can tend to wash you out.
LAYERING CLOTHING
Layering clothing adds depth and interest to your headshot, so a blouse or cami under a jacket can look great and add interest.
“POP” YOUR EYE COLOR WITH YOUR CLOTHING
Choose clothing colors that “pop” your eye color. Blue paired with colors such as blue, purple or pinks really draws attention to them. Having purple and/or yellow clothing do a great job making green eyes really stand out. For hazel eyes, try orange or purple. Wearing green if you have brown eyes will make them appear lighter. A warm gold color will make your eyes sparkle if they are dark. Almost any shade of blue will look great if you have a dark eye color as the extreme contrast of the blue will help them pop. Remember skin tone and hair color play a role as well, so use your judgement as to which colors are the most flattering on you.
TOPS
Short sleeve tops work best when accompanied by a jacket, blazer or cardigan. On their own they can sometimes look less professional. Choose a three quarter length or long sleeves.
NECKLINES
Choose a flattering neckline. V-necks, boat and crew necklines tend to work well. Low necklines can often times come across less professional and more revealing than you might have intended.
BRING A FEW OPTIONS
If you are feeling unsure as to which jacket or top will work best, bring a few options and we can help you decide.
JEWELRY
Jewelry should compliment to your headshot. Often times simple jewelry is the best choice. Remember to choose pieces that are on the chunky side, so that they show up. Small chains and delicate items will disappear. Trendy jewelry can be fun, but remember it will look dated in no time, so choose wisely.
HAIR
We all feel most confident when are hair is looking its best. Spend a little bit extra time preparing your hair so that it looks its best.
MAKE-UP
Apply your make-up a bit heavier than you typically would. If you wear lipstick, bring several colors options, avoid dark or bold colored lipstick. Avoid shimmery tones and instead choose neutral tones for your eyeshadow. Choose black mascara over brown as it comes across better in the images.
GROUP IMAGES
For group images, neutrals and solids tend to work best. Primary colors and patterns can be a distraction when there are several different people in the composition.
When in doubt, bring another option as far as a top or tie. Jewel tones mixed with neutral textured layers tend to set each subject apart while maintaining a cohessive composition overall. Try to err on the side of charcoal or navy suits over a black.
To maintain continuity while creating a diverse image, its best if everyone is in the same general color scheme without wearing the exact same color. Keep in mind if you have specific branding colors, it is great to pepper those colors in without everyone being uniformed.
QUESTIONS
Please feel free to email or call us at 847-729-4466.