Choose the Right Outfit
Selecting the ideal outfit for a headshot session can be hard. Wrong choices can ruin the outcome. A great way to make sure you get the best result is to choose something that shows your personality and fits the photoshoot.
Here are the top tips for selecting an outfit for a headshot session:
Consider colors and patterns
When picking an outfit for your headshot photoshoot, there are certain things to consider. Opt for solid colors. Bright blues, greens, pinks or yellows should be avoided as they can make the background too busy and can clash with skin tones. Darker colors like black, navy, gray and brown are better. Textured fabrics can add depth, but don’t go overboard. Stripes or plaids should be avoided. If you have a patterned shirt, make sure it doesn’t stand out too much.
When it comes to accessories, keep it simple. Don’t let their colors overwhelm the photo.
Choose clothing that fits you well
Choose clothing that fits you properly for your headshot photography session. Too large and shape is undefined. Too tight and uncomfortable, unflattering. Good fit should enhance shape and not pinch.
Bring various clothes for different headshots. Neutrals like blue, earth tones, grey are good, but bright colours bring life. Avoid bold stripes, distracting patterns. Stick to solids and simple designs so focus is on your face.
For a more professional look, dress like an interview day. Formal wear like suits or cocktail dresses.
Clothing should be clean, crisp, pressed. Fabric freshener beforehand. Steam just before each shot to avoid wrinkles and ensure attention on your face. Fitted pieces (including jackets) stop clothing from moving around.
Avoid logos and busy patterns
When choosing clothing for a headshot photography session, make sure it is clean, neat and professional-looking. You don’t need to be in a suit or formal attire but still consider what is appropriate for the setting. Solid colors bring attention to your face better.
Take into account skin and hair tones. Certain shades may blend too much. If the photography requires a specific look, pay attention to any required accessories such as ties and jewelry. Avoid logos and busy patterns. These can be distracting in photos.
Accessorize
Headshots are not just about your clothes. Accessories matter too! They can make your look stand out. Here’s the scoop on accessorizing.
Choose the right one for your headshot photoshoot. It’s important!
Choose jewelry and accessories that complement your outfit
Jewelry and accessories are great for enhancing your look. Select pieces that suit your outfit and face shape. When creating a pro headshot, timeless style is better than trendy. To achieve an effortless, polished look, choose accessories suitable for the occasion.
With a blouse with puffed sleeves, a simple pearl necklace or small stud earrings can balance the design. The best jewelry advice for a headshot is to pick pieces that reflect your style but are still classic. Bold statement pieces are best limited to one item, eg. a drop earring or statement necklace. Avoid large dangling earrings, chokers, excessive bracelets or rings.
To ensure the focus is on you, opt for plain metals like sterling silver or 14k gold instead of costume items like cloth or plastic beads.
Consider adding a scarf or hat for a more dramatic look
A scarf or hat in your headshot session can give a dramatic look and show off your personality! Pick one of medium scale, so it doesn’t take over the photo. Look for textures and patterns, with classic fabrics and colors that match your outfit. Scarves are ideal, because they add visual interest and movement. Any size or style – neutral long-style, bright-colored shawl, or vintage necktie – will work.
Hats can add character, but be aware they can cast shadows. If you choose more than one accessory, bring extras in case they clash with tops. That way all looks are cohesive and aesthetically pleasing.
Hair and Makeup
A professional headshot is all about showing the best version of you. Hair and makeup styling is essential. Pick the right hairstyle, and the right makeup. Create a smart, stylish look that is all yours.
Here are some tips to help you nail your headshot session.
Choose a hairstyle that fits your face shape
Choose a hairstyle that fits your face shape and complements your look. Start by determining your face shape: round, oval, rectangular, or triangular?
Round Faces: Go for layers or tousled waves with movement. Avoid blunt cuts and center parts.
Oval Faces: Soft layers and volume at the crown look good.
Rectangular Faces: Choose styles with lots of volume to soften the sharpness. Waves also help add width.
Triangular Faces: Try asymmetrical styles and sweeping bangs. Blunt cuts can make faces too severe.
Texture matters too! Find styles that work best with your hair type & length. Keep it simple, professional, and approachable. Avoid wild colors/patterns.
Consider a professional makeup artist
Getting a pro makeup artist for your headshot? A great idea! They have the skill and tools to make you look your best. Plus, they can suggest the right makeup for your face shape and wardrobe colors. And, they can hide any shadows, blemishes or discolorations.
Let your artist come early on shoot day. They need time to get foundation, powder, eyeshadow, liner, lipstick or gloss just right. Give them enough time, and bring photos of looks you like. With a pro, you’ll always look polished, even on short notice!
Shoes
Choosing shoes for your headshot photography session can be tough. You need to pick the perfect shoes to make your photos stand out. Neutral, plain and timeless shoes usually work best.
Let’s take a look at what shoes you could wear for your session.
Choose shoes that match your outfit
When picking your shoes for your headshot session, it’s crucial to pick wisely! You want shoes that don’t just match your outfit, but also look amazing and appropriate. Here are some tips:
• Think about how they’ll look in photos. Avoid bright or neon colors, and instead opt for neutral tones like black or beige, or even metallics like silver or gold.
• Match the color of your shoes with your outfit. If you’re wearing dark colors, pick dark shoe tones; for lighter colors, choose light shoe tones.
• Comfort is key! If the shoes aren’t comfortable, there’s no point in wearing them. Opt for straps and break in any new shoes.
• Keep them professional. Avoid anything too flashy like sequined stilettos or flashy sneakers. Stick with a classic style that adds elegance without being too showy.
By following these tips, you can make sure your headshots will perfectly capture who you are and what you do!
Consider wearing heels to elongate your legs
Women may want to wear heels to give a height boost. Low profile heels are best, like a nude heel or kitten heel. Heels should be under 3 inches.
Men should opt for dress shoes or boots. Open-toed sandals are not good for business photos. Choose lighter colors like beige, brown or black for the best effect. Avoid clunky shoes.
Final Touches
Headshot photography sessions need the perfect finishing touches. Clothing is essential, from the colors to the textures. Knowing what to wear is key for a professional image that shows off your personality. So, what should you wear for your headshot photography session?
Let us explore!
Bring a few different outfits to the session
Photographers and clients understand that having a variety of wardrobe choices is key for a great headshot session. Bring two to three outfits that represent the roles you want to be considered for. For example, if you’re an actor, one should be typical of your on-stage character preferences – such as business attire or dressy evening wear. Another should be more down-to-earth, and maybe one in between.
Choose neutral colors – like black, navy blue, dark gray or brown. No logos or bold patterns. Bright colors can work, if kept to a minimum. For men, jacket and tie combos with a plain white shirt variant for each look. Avoid short sleeves. Women can opt for clothing that flatters their shape with several necklines – v-necks, boatnecks, round necks. Accessories can help bring out each look – statement jewelry pieces – but don’t overdo it! Hair and makeup should be natural looking. Use cosmetics subtly – lighten/even skin, slight touches to eyebrows/eyes/cheeks/lips. Don’t forget clean, well polished shoes! Professional headshots need thorough preparation!
Bring a few props to add more interest to your photos
For headshot photography, dress for the job you want. Choose outfits that are appropriate for your profession. Add props like books, awards, sports equipment or even a pet to personalize the session. Don’t let the props take away from you as the focus of the photo.
Men should bring items like briefcases, sunglasses or hats. Women may bring bags or jewelry. If you have questions, talk to the photographer ahead of time.
When posing, keep both hands free and visible. Listen to the photographer’s direction and poses. Place the items strategically in each shot to create great images!
Mike Haller
mikeh@hallerconcepts.com
4501 Mattis Road
St. Louis, MO 63128
Studio 314-892-1233
Cell 314-913-5626