How to prepare for your headshot photoshoot

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 starting point and question I’m most frequently asked, is what to wear?

When it comes to choosing the right attire for your staff headshot, it's important to strike a balance between professionalism and individuality. Opt for clothing that represents your personal style while still aligning with your company's image. Solid colours work best as they are less distracting and allow your face to be the focus of the image. Avoid busy patterns or loud prints that may detract attention from your face.

Consider the dress code of your workplace and dress accordingly, whether it's a formal or smart-casual. Remember to ensure that your clothing is clean, wrinkle-free, and well-fitting to present yourself in the best possible light.

What does that mean for you? Start with something that you’re comfortable in and suits you. 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.

Colours - avoid black and white

When it comes to choosing the best colours to wear for a headshot photoshoot, it's important to consider tones that will enhance your natural features and create a visually appealing image.

Neutral hues are classic options but while most think black is flattering, on camera it actually looses all detail, it looks flat and you’ll lack contour and definition. So, please AVOID solid black and instead look to greys, navy or earthy colours or 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.

For a pop of colour, opt for muted tones such as pastels or earthy shades that complement your skin tone. Avoid wearing loud, bold colors that may distract from your face or clash with the overall tone of the photo. Ultimately, the key is to select colors that make you feel confident and reflect your personality.

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.

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.