The rest of this post goes more in depth on each topic, so keep scrolling if you’re one of those folks who like to be ultra prepared. We welcome it!
Are Professional Headshots even necessary?
Your headshot is not one photo. It is a business asset you will use for years, on your LinkedIn profile, your company's staff page, a conference program, a speaker bio, a press mention, a proposal.
In a world where people unfortunately do judge a book by its cover, a headshot is an easy way to build credibility and engagement.
Now here are a few general notes as you prepare your outfit.
- Most sites force you to crop your photo, often to a circle, so everything from the chest up is doing the work. We’re not saying to come in your 2020 Zoom attire of business shirt and basketball shorts, but you should pay extra attention to how you look in the mirror from the chest up.
- Second, the photo should match the room you want to be in. If your clients and your industry wear blazers, wear a blazer. If your field is genuinely more casual, a clean, well-fitting solid top reads better than a suit you never actually wear. We have had people show up in dresses, some in Hawaiian shirts, be on brand for you.
What Colors Photograph Best for a Headshot?
Ok, so the short answer is: wear whatever color works best for you, but if you like more in depth guidance, we’ll walk you through some of our thinking.
Why? They hold their detail under studio lighting, they keep the attention on your face, and they work against both light and dark backgrounds.
- Navy and charcoal are the most versatile. If you only own one option, make it one of these.
- Jewel tones add personality without shouting. Good if you want the photo to feel like you rather than like a uniform. (There’s a quick visual below, so you don’t have to Google it.)
What Should You Not Wear for a Headshot?
- Small, tight patterns such as pinstripes, fine checks, and houndstooth.
- Logos and slogans because they compete with your face and they date the photo the moment the branding changes.
- Shiny or sheer fabrics because they can catch light in unintentional ways.
- Anything wrinkled because that one explains itself.
- Brand-new clothes you have never worn because you will not know how they sit until you are already in front of the camera.
- A color very close to your skin tone or backdrop because it will cause you to blend in.
What Neckline and Fit Look Best on Camera?
A simple top that fits you well will photograph better than the expensive one that pulls at the shoulder, every single time. A scoop vs v-neck is not going to make that big of a difference, you should focus on how well the outfit fits you.
We suggest you do the Sit Down Test. Put on what you plan to wear, sit down the way you would in a meeting, and look in the mirror. Does it bunch at the chest? Ride up at the collar? Adjust your outfit accordingly.
Is it ok if I’m sleeveless?
It is ok to wear a sleeveless top, but it does mean that we have to zoom out a bit because in some circumstances, it appears that the person is not wearing a top at all.
Should You Wear Glasses and Jewelry in a Headshot?
Glasses. Wear them if you wear them every day. Your headshot should look like you. Please don’t make your headshot session the day you try contact lenses for the first time. If you’re worried about the glare, don’t be. Show up confidently in your glasses and we will take it from there.
Jewelry. Wear what you love, just keep it simple. The only pieces that give us trouble are the ones that swing or throw light, because they end up sitting differently in every single frame. (If you have a signature piece, bring it. We will make it work.)
Hair and grooming. Look like your best normal self, not a different person. Two small tips and then we will leave you alone: if you want a haircut, get it about a week out so it has time to settle, and tuck a blotting sheet in your pocket. (If you forget, we usually bring extras.)
What Should You Bring to a Headshot Session?
Please do not pack a whole checked suitcase. We will usually provide a mirror, a lint roller, and blotting sheets, but you are welcome to bring your own.
For maximum value, pack the following:
- Two tops in different colors, so you have a choice once you see the backdrop.
- A jacket or sweater, because that second layer is the easiest way to get two looks out of one session.
- Your clothes on a hanger, not folded into a bag. Remember what we said about wrinkles.
One more thing that is not really on the list: a few extra minutes. People photograph better once they have stopped rushing, and the first two minutes in front of a camera are always the stiffest. That part is completely normal, and getting you past it is our job, not yours.
What Should a Whole Team Wear for Company Headshots?
If this is a company headshot day rather than a solo session, there’s not a real need for people to color coordinate unless you intend to take group photos. In that case, then ask people to pick a color in the same color family or palette. Matching lighting, background, and framing is what gives the staff page a cohesive look. That is the entire reason to do everyone at once.
Getting photographed at a conference instead?
One extra note: you should wear the layer you want in the photo rather than planning to change into it because our headshot stations are built to move quickly.
One Last Thing
If you take one thing from all of this, take this: fit beats outfit. A plain top that fits you well will win over the more interesting option that pulls at the shoulder, every time.
And if you are still standing in front of your closet feeling stuck, come as you are. We do this all day. We will tell you which of the two tops you brought is working, we will fix the collar, and we will handle the glare on your glasses.
