There are lots of options when choosing what to wear for a headshot. Below you will find some guidelines that I like to use. This is your time to shine and we do that by keeping the focus on you. These are simply tips. Stay true to your own style with fit a priority. You are welcome to bring several choices along with you and I can help you pick as well. Keep in mind, your session at Cintas is 10 minutes long.
Executive Headshot
In keeping with Cintas’ classic and professional dress code, men will need to wear a jacket, shirt, and tie. Your shirt should fit snuggly and correctly with the collar touching your neck all around. Men’s shirts often look wrinkled and baggy from being too large or being the wrong cut. Come with your shirts and jackets pressed and photo-ready. If you choose a busy tie, choose a solid shirt and jacket. A patterned shirt equals a solid tie and jacket. If you’ve had your tie for over 5 years, you may need an update. Not only should your tie be on point, but it also needs to be tied correctly. As there are many different ways to tie a tie, stick with one that is more classic than trendy to keep your headshot from being dated too soon.
EXECUTIVE HEADSHOT
The executive look for women is simple and smart. If you choose not to wear a jacket, opt for a solid color, collared shirt. Collars should be crisp and not limp to make a more polished impression. They can be worn with a jacket as well with the collar inside the jacket or outside the lapel. Jackets are an excellent option to cover up a blouse, shell, or tank with a pattern on underneath if you decide to go with a patterned top. If you choose to wear a jacket, it should fit your form to not add extra weight to your frame. Choose colors that flatter your eye color and underlying skin tones, or opt for the classic white, gray or black for best results.
Keep jewelry subtle and classic or not at all. If you choose to wear earings, leave off the necklace and vice versa. You don’t want to date the image by choosing jewelry that is trendy. Classic and simple works best in a headshot.
Personal Grooming Tips
The first step in your headshot session should start with good skincare. Let’s talk about what suggestions I have for you before you head in for your session.
FACE: Finding the right photographer is the hardest part. The rest is icing on the cake. Speaking of icing, I don't recommend makeup for men for a headshot session, but if desired keep it simple and light. If you have oily skin, pick up a tube of Peter Thomas Roth Max Anti shine Matifying Gel, which is a miracle worker on oily skin. I will have it for your use as well. Make sure you have moisturized skin and your lips are free from chapping. For both men and women, avoid using a moisturizer with SPF as it can cause flashbacks with the studio lights. Women, your makeup should be clean and fresh. No need to overdo it for your headshot session. Avoid strong, hard eyeliner lines, and brows that are heavily penciled in or squared off with liner or even stamps. Simply filling in bare areas is sufficient as well as cleaning up any stray hairs. Women, bring lip gloss, balm, or color. When wearing color, it should complement your skin tone, not take all the focus away from your other features. Make sure the color stays within the outline of your lips. The foundation on your face needs to match your neck. Bring everything with you for touch-ups as we go along. In the summer months, or when going on vacation take care to protect your skin from sunburn. I can tone down red skin in post, but it is very difficult to do and often leaves you looking orange. Please rely on sunscreen rather than photoshop for optimal results.
Men, to help eliminate razor burn and irritation, use a new blade for shaving and moisten your face with hot water to prep the skin before using a quality shave cream. Don't forget to rinse with cool water and pat dry and apply a good moisturizer. Make sure facial hair is trimmed and combed.
Got red eyes or had a late night the night before your session? I’m a huge fan of Lumify Eye Drops. They take the red out in under 1 minute and feel great on your eye! Please read the bottle before using it. I don’t believe they are a match for people who use contacts. Always consult a Dr. before using anything you aren’t familiar with.
HAIR OF ALL SORTS: Hair should be clean. Please bring your brush or any tools you may need to touch up. I will have hairspray on hand.
Don’t forget about your eyebrows! Pluck stray hairs and keep them brushed. Avoid stamped-on eyebrows and sharp edges that don’t look natural. Be sure to watch for rogue nose hairs as well and get those taken care of before your session.
ACCESSORIES: If you wear glasses and have more than one pair, bring them all with you. Different glasses will sit on your face differently and lenses react to the light differently as well. Lenses with the anti-glare coating are preferred, or bring frames without the lenses if you don’t have the coating applied. Some glasses are difficult to shoot due to the glare they produce when using studio lighting. I will do my best to minimize or eliminate the glare, but I am at the mercy of the lenses you bring with you.
Jewelry should be kept to a minimum, if at all. If you wear a necklace, I would skip the earrings and vise versa. If you chose to wear jewelry in your headshot, choose classic pieces so you don’t date your headshot quicker than you would like. Statement pieces look great in person, but in the small space of a headshot, they can completely steal the spotlight from you.