What Will You Wear For Your Headshots?
You have booked your Professional Headshots and it is officially a date in the calendar—fabulous! You already accomplished the one thing people put off. Now comes the fun part:
What Will You Wear For Your Headshots?
Often the first questions I get from clients after booking their Headshot session revolve around what they should wear. And honestly, the answer is different for each Headshot client. Attire is never a one size fits all proposititon.
The most important advice I can give people is that you want to look like yourself, not some fantasy version of what you think you “should” look like. You of course want to look professional and put together, no matter what career you have. But you also must feel comfortable and confident in whatever you choose to be photographed in. With that in mind, here are some quick and easy guidelines:
Your Headshot Should Reflect Your Industry and What You Do
When choosing clothing for your headshot, take a few minutes to think about what industry you are working in. A Banker or Financial Advisor has a different clientele than a Home Builder or Artist. My best advice is to dress as you would if you were going to meet an important client because your online presence is a first meeting!
A DIY Influencer will have a different outfit choice from a Banker.
A Financial Advisor needs a more classic look.
Headshots Tell Viewers Who You Are
Another bit of advice I give clients is to think about what color or outfit you constantly get compliments on. That can be a great guide when choosing your clothing for your Headshots. You can be professional and still inject some of your personality in your images. If you know you look great in a particular color you should absolutely include it.
Simple Headshot Photography Guidelines
A great choice of color can inject personality into your Headshot while still looking professional.
With these points in mind, some simple tricks will help your Headshots stand out in a crowded digital marketplace.
Let’s keep in mind that Headshots are about your face. As in any portraits, you never want your clothing to distract from your face. While I am a big fan of personality in photos, you still need to be aware that your face is the star, not your clothing. In other words, you wear the clothes, the clothes do not wear you!
A blazer over a print, stripe or plaid can be a great way to include pattern without it being overwhelming.
In many cases, solids tend to photograph better than plaids or prints. If you want to include prints, it may be best to wear a blazer or cardigan over them so as not to overwhelm.
You can definitely include print in your clothing! While this is a little more print than typical for a classic Headshot, this works for this client. I love the color harmony and how well the jacket suits her personality.
Proper fit is critical. Avoid anything that is too tight or too loose. This extends to proper undergarments. The right undergarments in Headshots make all the difference in the world. The wrong undergarments will be distracting.
Accessories should be like a supporting actor in a film. Again, you don’t want them to distract from the star—you!
Ready, Set, Go!
Be sure to preview your look a day or two ahead of your session to check for fit and overall look.
Lastly, do not wait until five minutes before you leave for your Headshot session to decide what you will wear. Prepare properly to ensure success. Take the time a day or two before to try on your options (with appropriate undergarments) and critically check fit. Make sure everything is cleaned and pressed. Put all components for each outfit on one hanger, including accessories so nothing is forgotten.
Following these simple guidelines will guarantee your session will be easier and less stressful.
If you enjoyed this post about What to Wear For Your Headshots, you might also enjoy Never Use A Selfie For Your Headshot.
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