Headshots are essential in connecting to potential clients and to share who YOU are as a professional. Preparing for your upcoming headshot session doesn't have to be stressful, but I'd like to share a few key things you should keep in mind when searching for what to wear and how to overall prepare so you feel ready the day of!

CHOOSING WHAT TO WEAR


Choose Colors That Fall in the Mid-Tone Range

  • The best colors to wear for headshots are the colors that lie in the mid-tone area of the color spectrum, or the muted or dark tones. Jewel tone color range is preferred and it's best to avoid bright tones, pastels or neons.
  • White is okay as long as it is worn sparingly. White can be challenging to balance in post production and can wash you out if you have a more fair skin tone. If you do wear a white button up, ensure you have a camisole or shirt underneath.
  • Avoid logos unless they are relevant to your position as logos can be very distracting.


Solids Are Best

  • Large patterns can be very distracting, so deciding to go with solids is usually best. Some prints can work when layered with solids over the top (cardigan, blazer, etc.). For example, a medium sized floral print under a solid jacket can be very flattering and add some visual interest to your photo.
  • Avoid tight patterns like tweed, small polka dots, pinstripes and other small patterns as these might create a moire effect on the images when viewed online.


CONSIDER YOUR INDUSTRY

  • If you work as an attorney, government employee, or other more professional capacity, you may consider dressing to reflect that with darker tones and a more formal style.
  • If you are a small business owner, stylist or artist, you want to give personality to your business and can dress as casually or as professionally as you wish. Try not to detract from your face too much as YOU are the face of your business!
  • If you are in the medical field, consider your uniform and if that would be relevant with your headshot.


Necklines, sleeve length, Layers, oh my

  • Avoid turtlenecks and scarves covering all of your neck and low necklines that you will be tugging on. The best necklines for photos are modest V-necks, boat or crew. Button up shirts are okay as long as they fit well and aren't too tight causing bulging and discomfort.
  • Long sleeves or three-quarter sleeves are more professional and often more flattering. If you do decide to wear a tank top or short sleeve top, bring a jacket or sweater for some layered shots as well.
  • Layers are a great option for headshots. Ensure that lighter colors are underneath and darker colors are on top with jackets, blazers or cardigans.


The right fit

  • Avoid baggy or too-loose fitting clothing as it can make you look larger in photos and instead choose well-tailored and fitted clothing.
  • Avoid fabrics that are shiny or clingy like polyester or velvet.

CLOTHING PREP


Ensure clothing is CLEAN, pressed and lint-free

  • If your shirt wrinkles easily, consider hanging it up during transport and changing into it before your photos.


HAIR AND MAKEUP


SKIN PREP

  • It's important to be mindful of your skin in the weeks leading up to your headshot session. Wear sunscreen and drink lots of water. Don't get a skin peel or anything waxed the week before your photos.


MAKE UP

  • Avoid shiny or dewy makeup and instead choose a matte foundation that matches your skin tone and blends well with your neck and neckline.
  • Avoid caking on your foundation as this can enhance wrinkles. For more mature skin, use a thinner liquid foundation.
  • Use concealer more liberally than usual to cover any blemishes and blend it in well.
  • Avoid super bold or dark lipstick. Lipstick should have a slight gloss and should be about a shade or two darker than your natural color.
  • Choose neutral tones for your eye makeup and consider adding eyeliner to your top lash line. Use black mascara instead of brown to ensure it is dark enough.


HAIR

  • Schedule a haircut a couple weeks before your session rather than days before in case anything goes awry.
  • Style your hair in a way that you typically do on a daily basis so you look like you!
  • Avoid wearing your hair in a bun or ponytail.
  • Bring a comb or brush and some hairspray so you can fix any fly-aways before you sit down for photos.
  • Wear facial hair the way you normally do. If you have a beard, ensure it is well kept and photo ready.


GLASSES

  • Glasses can be challenging to photograph as we are often using lighting for headshots and that will obviously reflect off lenses. If you have glasses with minimal to no reflective coating, please wear those as the screen glare can be very hard to edit out.
  • Please clean lenses before your photos.


POST-PROCESSING


  • It's important for me to be aware of the industry you are in as this can affect how much editing or creativity can or should be added in post-production of your photos. This is where we will have a conversation and you tell me how much or how little is necessary!


Have you looked all of this over and still feel stuck or worried? Reach out to your photographer directly! We are happy to help guide you the best we can to ensure a smooth, confident and successful headshot session.