What to wear for your corporate headshot
Whether your photo is going on the company website, your LinkedIn profile or the internal pages, no doubt you’ll want a professional headshot that you’re confident to share.
Here’s a few tips to help you look your best for your photoshoot:
What to wear?
The first consideration if your company has organised the photography, is to find out if they have particular guidance on dress code for your headshot. If not, enquire whether they want casual or formal wear. If the latter, does that mean jacket and tie, open collar, shirt and tie or perhaps a range so you can have some variety?
What does that mean for you? Start with something that you’re comfortable in and you know looks good on camera. It’s best to wear fitted clothes that give some shape to your figure. Find the balance between something that is not too tight or too baggy which might be comfortable but is unflattering on camera.
The focus for a professional headshot should be on you. That means, avoiding logos, branded clothing, thin stripes and distracting patterns that take the attention away from your face. Solids are always a safe call or something with a small pattern.
Colours - avoid black and white
As for colours, it’s best to select a colour that works with your skin tone whilst avoiding solid white or black if possible. While you might think black is flattering, on camera it actually looses all details, it looks flat and you’ll lack contour and definition. If black is a must for you, aim for something with a pattern or texture that might catch the light and provide some detail or a black blazer with a coloured shirt or vest visible underneath.
Solid white is problematic because it reflects the light which can washout fair skin tones and it picks up other nearby colours. White is fine under a blazer or cardigan.
Dress for all seasons
Chances are that you’ll be using the same headshot year round so you want to be sure your clothing is suitable year round. This means avoiding woolly jumpers, polo necks and summery sundresses.
Add a bit of variety
If you’d like several images and some variety in the look, bring a few options for a wardrobe change.
Glasses
If you generally wear glasses, by all means, wear them in the photos. Please clean your glasses before the shoot so they are free from smudges and finger prints.
Checklist
Early to bed the night before and drink plenty of water so you’re looking fresh
Prepare your outfit and iron your clothes in advance
Bring a hair brush and anti shine wipes/translucent powder if you have shiny skin
Clean your glasses
Time to refresh your corporate headshots? Please visit my headshots and business portraits page or contact Tricia to learn more.