There are lots of options when choosing what to wear for your headshot session. Below you will find some guidelines that I like to use, to help insure your image speaks to who you are rather than who your clothing designer is. This is your time to shine and we do that by keeping the focus on you.
Casual Male Headshot
Maybe your job doesn’t require you to wear a suit and tie. There is no need to wear one then for your headshot session. Whether you bring a collared shirt or a t-shirt, make sure it fits you well. Shirts that hug your body are flattering to most body types. If you are large and think by wearing a baggy shirt that you are doing yourself a favor, you are not. It will only make your body look larger than it really is. Avoid dingy whites and shirts with tired collars that don’t stand at attention. Polo style shirts have limp collars and are not ideal. A casual headshot should still look polished and professional. What you wear matters! Solid shirts work best. If you only wear patterns, bring some that are subdued to keep you as the focus not your shirt. Even little things, such as a colored stripe down the button seam is a distraction. Layering is a fun option also. A simple sweater or casual every day jacket are good options.
Business Casual Headshot
The business casual requires a well fitting button down under a form fitting jacket. For this look, solid is always the best option, however a pattern is ok too as a lot of it is covered up by the jacket. If your jacket has a pattern, keep your shirt a solid. It’s ultra important that your garments fit your frame. The collar should be against the back of your neck and not bulging at the sides and creating gaps between your neck and the shirt. The jacket should rest nicely on your shoulders rather than the seams dropping low over them. For me, the fit is more important than the color here. When choosing your jacket and shirt, ask yourself “what do I want my image to say about me and how do these garments reflect that message? There is no need for an undershirt. If your shirt is so transparent that you need something under it, choose a different shirt. I have my clients remove their undershirts if they are not v-neck and can be seen in the images. When we can see the undershirt with an unbuttoned shirt, it is one more thing to distract the viewer’s eye from your face.
Executive Headshot
If your job requires a tie and jacket, bring a handful of both so we have some styling options at your headshot session. Ties should be current. If you’ve had that tie for over 5 years, you may need an update. Your shirt should fit correctly with the collar touching your neck all around rather than gaping. The tighter your shirt fits, the less baggy and wrinkled it will look under your jacket. Often, you will be asked to untuck your shirt during your session. This is to lessen wrinkles and makes it easy for you to pull it down to minimize problem areas. 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.
Casual Female Headshot
Planning ahead for your headshot session is ideal. Even if your headshot is on location, at your place of business, you can still have an amazing outcome if you dress for the photo. For the casual business style, choose a simple top with a scoop, v or crew neckline. A turtleneck is also a great choice, especially if you your jawline isn’t as defined as you would like it to be. Sleeveless tops are also fine, if you are comfortable wearing them. I will work your arms so they look their thinnest in your image. Off the shoulder should be avoided unless you want that au naturale appearance. Go for solid colors and simple designs. Even a solid top that has lace cutouts can be a distraction.
Business Casual Headshot
The business casual style is better suited with a collared shirt or jacket with a shell underneath for a headshot. It’s a bit more polished and professional-looking than tops without a collar. Opt for blouses that are solid and form-fitting or with a subtle pattern. Loose baggy tops, while comfortable and fun to wear, will add girth to your frame. If you have amazing colored eyes, pop them with a similar color or a complimentary color. Sweaters over blouses don’t usually work unless the neckline is the same as the blouse. Sheer blouses should be avoided to lessen the likelihood that bra and tank top straps are showing. Keep jewelry subtle and classic. Large earrings plus a necklace is too much jewelry.
EXECUTIVE HEADSHOT
If you have scheduled a studio session, you have an opportunity to bring a handful of wardrobe choices. If you choose to wear a jacket, it should fit your form to not add extra weight to your frame. Shoulder pads create more width to your frame. Solids mix well with patterns as long as the patterns are subtle rather than extravagant. Collars should be crisp and not limp. They can be worn inside the jacket or outside and having them upright rather than flimsy makes a more polished impression. Dresses should be tailored and simple. Keep in mind the neckline and how a headshot is cropped when making your selections. Choose colors that flatter your eye color and underlying skin tones for best results. Keep jewelry subtle and classic or not at all. You don’t want to date the image by choosing clothing or jewelry that is on-trend.
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 have it here in the studio for your use as well. Make sure you have moisturized skin and your lips are free from chapping. Bring lip balm with you the day of your shoot. 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. Your foundation on your face needs to match your neck. Bring everything with you for touch-ups as we go along. In 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. Do you want photos with facial hair and without? Schedule enough time and you can shave at the studio in between looks.
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 and not freshly cut. Hair needs a little time to settle into a haircut. I've had many cancellations due to haircuts that didn't go as planned or ended up shorter than intended. If you plan on having a haircut before your session, try to have it done at least 3 days before. Please bring your brush and even a ponytail holder. If you straighten or curl your hair, consider bringing those tools with you as well in case you need to make adjustments.
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.