Your headshot session has been booked with The Brand Creative Photography, and now you are planning your session.  The most important part?  Your wardrobe!  There are some definite do’s and don’ts when it comes to what to wear for a headshot portrait.  Here is my best advice:

Go for the Classics

Choose a professional suit or outfit that has a classic look.  You should not be able to tell what decade it is in the photo!  Men, choose a suit that fits well in a dark classic color, like black or grey.  Make sure it doesn’t bunch up if you are sitting…  If suits aren’t your thing, then go for a well fitting, collared, button down shirt.  Make sure your undershirt isn’t visible.  If if is, try a v-neck undershirt.  Ladies,  I highly recommend a nice top and pants with some sort of layering piece, preferably a blazer or jacket of some kind.  V-necks accentuate the neckline and look best on women.  If you are a business professional, try to stay away from short sleeves or tank tops.  Bare arms don’t typically work for you, but they can work for a model’s comp card or an actor/entertainer headshot.

*Quick Tip:  Don’t choose to low of a neckline (read: no cleavage).  And no turtlenecks.  They accentuate the chin and make people look as if they have no neck at all in photos.*

Wear Solid Colors

Wearing clothes that have a tight, grid-like or herringbone patterns tend to create an effect called moiré in photographs, which basically means a ‘rippled’ effect.  It can be very distracting, so stay away from small patterns.  Not all patterns are off limits though – thin stripes that are further apart will be fine.

I also suggest that you do not choose a solid white or solid black ensemble.  Often times, white and black can wash you out (especially if you are light skinned) and details tend to get lost.  No, don’t get me wrong:  pairing a nice black suit with a white or colored shirt, with a colored tie will work fine.  But please don’t pair black on black, or white on white…  We want to add depth and dimension to your photos!  

Your best bet is to find a color that complements your skin tone and eye color.   For instance, if you have fair skin and blue eyes, try blues, pinks, and grays.  If you have green eyes, look for browns, oranges, and greens.  If you are medium to dark skinned and have brown eyes, you can probably wear most colors, but avoid those that too closely match your skin tone.  Remember, we are trying to create depth and dimension in your photograph!

*Quick tip – Bright red typically doesn’t work well on anyone…  It’s a very over-powering color, and often produces a color cast on the skin!*

Accessories

Ladies, keep it simple with your jewelry.   I suggest stud earrings and a (relatively) simple necklace.  I know the statement necklace is a hot trend right now, and with some ensembles they work great!  To be on the safe side, you may want to bring a few options with you to your session.  If I see your jewelry before I see your face, I may ask you to remove it!  Your face is the sole focus of a headshot portrait, so choose jewelry that will complement you, not overpower you.  

Gentlemen, if you choose to accessorize with a tie, remember the no small patterns rule!  Just like oversized jewelry can distract from the ladies, moiré on your tie will distract from you.  A solid color tie is your best bet, but make sure it is not made from shiny or reflective material, which also may prove to be distracting in your photo!

Grooming

If you’re planning a haircuts, make sure you have plenty of time.  Ladies’ and girls’ cuts should take place no closer than two weeks to your session.  You never know when something could go wrong… Allow some extra time just in case.  For the men and boys, a fresh cut a few days ahead of the shoot typically works great.

Gentlemen, if you have a beard, trim it evenly so it’s nicely groomed.  Darker colored beards tend to be accentuated  in photos, so trim it well so it’s not too thick.  If you are going for a clean shaven look, get a good shave that morning.  Scruffy or that stubbly in between stage is not advisable.

Ladies, I highly suggest wearing makeup to your session.  If you don’t wear makeup on a daily basis, go for a light foundation, blush, mascara, and a natural lip tint.  If you aren’t a stranger to make up, just don’t overdo it.  Please use eyeliner sparingly.  Lining all the way around your eyes makes them appear much smaller.  In a headshot, you want to appear open and fresh -faced.  We want to see the real, beautiful you!  And FYI, if any of your products have a sunscreen in them, skip it – just for your session only!  Sunscreen contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which in photographs tend to reflect as a white cast.

If you are prone to breakouts, start using salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide treatments to minimize pimples and blemishes.  In post processing, I will edit out blemishes and smooth your skin, but every little bit helps!  🙂

If you want to brighten your smile, start your treatments a few weeks before your session.

Tips for the Kiddos

That’s right –  sometimes kids need headshots too!  For our little models and aspiring actors, most of the advice above applies:  stay away from small patterns, choose solid colors that complement their skin and eyes, use layers, and don’t over accessorize.  A few extras:  no cartoon characters or graphics on their clothing.  And avoid any type of teeth staining candy or drink the day of your session.

*Quick Tip:  Your child needs to be comfortable for their session, so formal dress clothes may not be your best option.  For boys, consider choosing dark jeans and a collared polo or button down shirt.  For girls, maybe a skirt or leggings, a cute top, and a cute jacket.*

If it’s time to freshen up your headshots, I’d love to get you in front of my camera!
Click here to learn more about my Headshot Sessions!