Tips for Great Headshots
A professional headshot that truly represents the best version of yourself can speak volumes about both you and your business. Check out these tips to ensure you're putting your best face forward!
Tips: Clothing
Clothing plays a key role in your headshot, but it shouldn’t steal the spotlight. The right outfit complements your appearance, allowing your face to remain the focal point. The wrong clothing, however, can divert attention away from what truly matters—you and your expression.
Choose an outfit that reflects both your personal style and the image you want to project for your company.
For a formal business portrait, dress as you would for a presentation to your most important clients or key stakeholders.
For a more casual portrait, aim for an outfit that strikes a balance between relaxed and polished. Consider pairing a blazer with a crisp t-shirt, or layering a sweater over a button-down shirt or blouse. These combinations convey a sense of effortless sophistication while maintaining a laid-back vibe.
Men should opt for a solid dark suit paired with a crisp, well-fitted white or light-colored shirt. Complete the look with a dark tie for a polished and professional appearance.
Women should opt for a tailored suit in a solid color, paired with a light, elegant blouse. Focus on pieces that look polished and flattering from the waist up, as this will be the focal point of the portrait.
Choose something that drapes nicely over your shoulders and complements your neckline, enhancing your overall silhouette.
Darker shades are often more flattering and slimming, but keep in mind that black isn’t always the most suitable choice. Consider other deep tones, like navy, charcoal, or burgundy, which can offer a similar effect while adding more depth and versatility.
Don’ts
Avoid bold patterns like stripes, plaids, checks, dots, and busy prints, as they can be visually distracting and don’t photograph well. Subtle patterns are acceptable if they don't draw too much attention.
Steer clear of light colors that resemble skin tones, such as beige, tan, peach, pink, white, and pale yellow, as they can wash you out on camera.
Avoid solid black, which often photographs flat, lacking detail and dimension, so consider richer dark tones like navy or charcoal instead.
Light-gray suits tend to appear less sharp in photos, so they are best avoided.
Skip turtlenecks, as they can make the neck area look heavy and less defined.
Red can be overpowering on camera, so you might want to choose a more subdued color.
Avoid short sleeves. For head-and-shoulders portraits, long sleeves are essential to maintain a balanced and professional look.
Tips: Hair and Makeup for Women
If you’re doing your own makeup, aim for a look similar to what you’d wear for a formal evening out—polished and slightly more enhanced than your everyday routine.
Even if you "never wear makeup," consider applying at least a minimal amount for your photo session to enhance your features under the camera.
If you're styling your own hair, bring along any products you typically use, such as hairspray or gel, as well as a brush, comb, and blow dryer for touch-ups during the session.
IMPORTANT: Avoid washing your hair the night before or the morning of the shoot.
Tips: Grooming for Men
Shave early in the day to allow time for any razor burn to subside and for minor nicks to heal before the session.
If your portrait session is later in the day and you have a heavy beard, consider a touch-up shave around midday to minimize the appearance of five-o’clock shadow.
Avoid getting a haircut the day before your shoot, as it may look too fresh. Allow a few days for the cut to settle for a more natural appearance.
... and finally
Smile from within! Think of how you would look if you just ran into a dear friend on a nice sunny day at the beach.
Have fun with it! Remember you’re having a photo session, not a board meeting.
