What to wear for my Headshot Photography Shoot

There are a lot of stereotypes and do’s and don’ts about what to wear for a  Headshot Photography shoot. Some might say that it is not a good idea to wear narrow stripes, busy patterns or layers of the same colour because the camera does not pick them up well. And most of this I would well agree with!

When shooting at my home studio I often ask clients to keep their tops as plain as poss – mainly because patterns could ‘battle’ with the lovely background here of French doors and garden etc. But if we’re using a plainer more formal backdrop then I say throw these old ideals out of the window, it is an outdated way of thinking and it’s not a problem for a modern camera anymore. Plus it’ll lift the plainness of the background.

A few general tips:

  • Make sure your clothes are pressed and clean
  • Try new clothes on before the photoshoot
  • Don’t wear baggy, bulky, saggy or otherwise ill-fitting clothing. Something fitted always looks better and more flattering.
  • I always ask people to bring a nice white shirt along to their Headshot Photography photoshoot with everything else – it always looks fresh and professional and covers a lot of ‘looks’. Plus they’re flattering on-camera which can only help!

Deciding on my ‘look’

How should I show myself to the world? There is definitely no right answer to this, it will all depend on the following questions:

1. What these photos are for? (Why am I doing it?)

2. What are my personal preferences (style)?

3. How do I want to look on camera?

Let’s go through those questions together.

1. What these photos are for?

First, of course, you have to know and understand what these photos are for and where you plan to use them. It might be for your LinkedIn profile, for your company website, a new job you are applying for, or simply for yourself. You have to know your audience and what is appropriate or expected in those circles. Do some homework! For example, if it is a conservative law firm, then obviously a good suit would be a better fit than a t-shirt and jeans.  If working in the creative industries a t-shirt and jeans could well be perfect!

In one word you have to understand the environment around you when you are deciding on which outfits to bring to a Headshot Photoshoot. Of course, if your life and work require you to be conservative and casual at the same time, bring different varieties of clothes and the photographer can capture and show the different sides of you.  

With a one-person corporate photoshoot or business portrait shoot for one, I always take a variety of types of Headshot pic – who knows what you may need in the future even if your current job requires something formal. I make sure we get the whole gamut of ‘looks’ to cover you for a good few years.

2. What are my personal preferences for my Headshot Photography?

By this, we mean that when you are thinking of what to wear to a photoshoot always rely on your own stylistic and individual preferences; you know yourself best! You might have your own favourite colour that you would love to see on photos or you know that a certain length skirt fits your look better. Follow your own instincts and preferences. In the end you might be disappointed if you haven’t listened to yourself and your instincts when it comes to representing your individual and unique style.

3. How do I want to look in my Headshot Photography Photos?

You will always have to consider your goals when you pick a perfect outfit. This is not just a Headshot photography shoot but an investment in yourself and in your future! 

Don’t be shy. Gather inspiration, and invest in yourself – even if that includes an outfit that you might never have bought before, but that you absolutely love. This is the opportunity to wear it. Through the camera, this is the chance to open and transform yourself, with the goal to open new professional doors, dreams, and opportunities!

I hope that helps but do ask any questions below – I’d be very happy to advise!

H X