What to Wear for Professional Headshots

Are you having trouble deciding what to wear for your professional headshots or personal branding photos?

The headshot on your website may be the first time a prospective client sees you so this photo must give a good impression.

Many components make great professional headshots & branding photos, most of which I will control.

The lighting, camera settings, angle & pose for example. But I can’t dress you!

What you wear for your photoshoot is an important part of your photograph & something that many people worry about. So to help you choose your outfits, here are my top tips for what to wear for a branding photoshoot or business headshot.

What to wear for a corporate headshot & branding shoot

Think about how you want to come across in your business photos.

What tone do you want to project? 

This will often depend on your company & the industry you work in. If you work in professional services, a lawyer, for example, you may want your photos to project authority & knowledge. Whereas a graphic designer may want something more creative, contemporary & relaxed. These attributes are often represented by the clothes we wear.

Consider also your brand identity. Your new headshot & branding photos must fit with your existing brand. Is yours a stand-alone image or does it need to complement other, pre-existing profile photos on the company website?

Once you know the tone of your photos, plan what you are going to wear in advance so that you have time to wash, dry-clean & iron everything before your shoot. You don’t want a crumpled shirt to spoil an otherwise perfect photo.

Colour

When you are being photographed it’s important to wear colours that complement your complexion, skin tone & hair colour. Wearing clothes that are the wrong colour can age & drain you.

Choose solid, mid-tone colours – think blues, greens, & purples – as they flatter most complexions. Select colours that won’t dominate the image. Very bright hues can overpower the photo. If you want to bring a splash of vibrancy into your photo consider your accessories; wear a tie, a scarf or a piece of jewellery.

Stay away from colours that mimic skin tones as they will make it difficult to differentiate your face from your clothing. Pastel tones can make some people look pale, washed out & unwell. Not a great first impression!

Darker shades are more slimming but black isn’t always the most flattering colour. Solid black can photograph flat & may lack detail & definition thus making you appear larger. Exchange black for rich neutral colours like navy blue, dark brown, deep purple or forest green. 

Solid colours look better than distracting patterns, these can often confuse the eye in a photo. 

For both males & females, a bright, white shirt gives a clean & crisp look to your photos. You may also want to think about your brand colours & choose clothing that compliments them.

Style

The right style of clothing is just as important as the right colour. Choose shapes & cuts that flatter your body type & ensure that your clothes fit you well. Poorly fitting clothes (either too big or too small) can spoil an otherwise good photo.

Fitted clothing that enhances your figure looks better in a photograph than something shapeless & baggy. Tailored & structured items create a well-defined shape. If you are self-conscious about your arms, avoid short sleeves & bare arms. Long sleeves will keep the focus on your face, not your arms.

A modest v-neck or simple crew neck is generally a flattering neckline. I would advise against wearing a low-cut top as this will draw the eyes away from your face.

Choose classic & timeless styles of clothing. This year’s hottest fashion may look great now, but in a year could date your photo.

As well as considering the style, wear clothing that is comfortable. If you don’t usually wear a jacket, don’t feel as if you have to for your photoshoot.

You must look like YOU!

If you feel uncomfortable in unfamiliar clothing this will show in your posture & expression. Not only will this will come across in your photos but when a contact meets you in real life they may not recognise you in your regular attire.

Finally, match your style of clothing to your work & the location of the photoshoot. For example, a personal trainer would look out of place wearing a suit in a gym.

Accessories

Accessories are a fantastic way to bring some of your character & personality into your photo. A scarf will add a splash of colour & soften the feel of your image. They are also useful for drawing attention away from the neckline. A tie can work similarly for men.

Think about your jewellery; necklaces, bracelets, earrings, watches. Consider carefully which pieces you wear & make sure they enhance your photo. Other accessories may be glasses, hats, a change of jacket, hairband or belt.

Bring a selection of accessories with you to your photo shoot.

Want to find out more about what to wear for commercial headshots & personal branding photoshoots?

I hope you found these tips on what to wear for branding or professional headshots helpful.

Spending a little time in advance of your shoot preparing your clothing will ensure that your photos are not let down by a poor choice of outfit. You will come out of the session with a great set of images that show you & your brand in the best possible light.

A Personal Brand Photoshoot includes a complimentary pre-shoot consultation to plan your shoot. During this, we will discuss clothing & what to wear for your shoot.

What to wear for headshots

Included in a Premium Headshot Shoot is a 30-minute video call to discuss & plan your session. During this, we will discuss clothing & what outfits would work well for your photo.

Are you looking for that ‘little bit extra’ with your branding photos or business headshot? Drop me a line to find out more.