Wardrobe - general

Whatever you choose you should be comfortable, and the clothing should fit in with the intended audience (e.g. LinkedIn profile, “About me” on your corporate website, speaker or author biography). If your headshot will be used along with similar pictures (eg executive team on your website or with other speaker biographies) ask if there are guidelines or find out what others have submitted. For example, if other speakers are wearing suits and ties, you should too.

Clothing tips

  • Solids are best - avoid stripes, checks, or any other strong pattern.

  • Black is great. Simple is better.

  • Clothing should be clean and ironed.

  • Make sure your clothing fits well - not too tight or loose! MEN - check the fit of the neck, not too loose or tight.

  • White shirts only work under a jacket.

  • Avoid busy patterns and logos (a small logo against a plain shirt can be removed in retouching).

  • Men: if going without a tie, a visible undershirt is a definite no-no.

COLOR ANALYSIS: Consider a color analysis appointment with House of Colour Magnolia prior to your appointment. A personal color analysis session will identify your best color palette for hair color, clothing, glasses, lipstick and makeup, jewelry, and more. Wearing your best color shirt, sweater, or jacket in a headshot can help you stand out and shine. You can book here.

  • If you get a color analysis, I offer a background color from your palette for your headshot!

For Men:

Avoid sun exposure for 1-2 days before your headshot - sunburn is hard to compensate for.

Wardrobe:

  • For an informal look tees, polo shirts or turtlenecks work well.

  • For business a plain dark jacket worn over a colored shirt with or without a tie work well.

  • Collars should not be too loose, especially with a dress shirt

Grooming

  • Your haircut will look its best after one or two weeks

  • Facial hair (including eyebrows) should be well groomed and trimmed

  • Unless stubble is part of your look, make sure your shave is fresh and thorough. Camera resolution together with studio lighting can be brutal on stubble!

  • Don’t worry about blemishes - they are easily removed in retouching!

For Women:

Avoid sun exposure for 1-2 days before your headshot - sunburn is hard to compensate for.

Wardrobe: Wear what you think looks best on you and bring two alternate choices. Contrary to popular belief there are no absolutes when selecting clothing for portraits. If you feel good in what you are wearing your confidence will come through.

General tips on clothing:

  • Simpler is better

  • In general, neutral solids are better than patterns.

  • Fitted and tailored clothing works best. Loose or baggy tops will make you look larger than you desire.

  • Try on your top(s) with your bra in front of bright light and mirror to check for transparency. Studio lights may shine through thin fabrics.

  • Model your tops for a friend and take some quick photos with your phone so you can see yourself in your tops.

  • If you love your arms, tank tops can work nicely. However, long sleeves often work better than short sleeves.

  • If you have long dark brown or black hair, your hair will blend into dark clothing, so consider wearing a lighter colored top.

  • As we age, lighter colored tops may be more flattering and fresh. Darker colors can draw attention to wrinkles.

  • Avoid pastels if you have light skin. They can wash you out.

  • In general most headshots are better without jewelry. NO jewelry for actor headshot. Jewelry is fine for corporate headshots.

  • AVOID busy patterns (stripes, plaids, etc), shiny fabrics, and loose / baggy tops

Make-up: Less is better! Wear makeup that makes you feel comfortable and look camera-ready but natural.

  • Do wear mascara as well as lipstick close to your natural lip color.

  • Don’t worry about blemishes - they are easily retouched!

  • Not too much face powder over foundation - it will show and is almost impossible to retouch.

  • Don’t wear sunscreen or SPF to the session

Hair: Consider having your hair professionally done, especially if you have unruly hair. Haircuts look best a week or two old.

  • Adding some wave or curl usually looks great in a headshot

  • Wear your hair in a way you think looks most like you!

Grooming and Skin:

  • It is very helpful to wax and manicure your eyebrows and remove facial fuzz prior to your photoshoot. BUT make sure to do this 3 or more days before your session, just in case you have a skin reaction.

  • Removing hair from the facial skin ensures that your foundation goes on smoothly and prevents applied powder from becoming attached to those fine hairs, which are very visible in your close-up digital photographs.

  • A drug store depilatory cream will easily remove facial fuzz. Popular brands include Sally Hansen and Oil of Olay. To make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction, conduct a patch test a few days before the photoshoot.

  • You can also use a traditional disposable razor and just shave it. Yes, shave it! It is a myth that by shaving the hair it will grow back darker and thicker. Plus, shaving removes the top layer of dead skin sells and exfoliates your skin. This can tighten and plump your skin through constant cellular rejuvenation.