Everyone wants to know what they should wear for their professional headshot. You should bring plenty of options to the shoot. You can also text me photos of outfits you are considering so I can give you feedback. Here are some tips, but the most important thing is to be true to YOUR style and personality. If you are someone who wears nothing but black, then so be it! These are tips meant to guide and inspire you, but they are not carved in stone!
The idea is to bring the attention to your face, not the clothing.
Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed. This goes double for collared shirts and suits.
Avoid white - unless it is under a jacket. Neutral color palettes work well. Avoid too much contrast in your outfit. Avoid bold stripes and patterns. It is true that horizontal stripes will make things look wider. Textures can be very nice.
Choose colors that fall in the mid-tone to jewel tone color range and avoid pastels (for most people) and neons. The best colors to wear for headshots are the colors that lie in the mid-tone area of the color spectrum, or the muted or dark tones.
Colors should compliment your skin tone and eyes. If you have fair skin and/or blue eyes try blues, pinks or grays. Green eyes, try browns, greens and orange. Medium or dark skin and brown eyes - most colors will work, but avoid colors that closely match your skin tone. Black can look harsh on some people.
Do not wear tight patterns or tight textures.These can create a moire effect in photos viewed online. The effect looks like wavy lines on clothing that appear only on a screen. Avoid small polka dots, pinstripes, small checks and tight patterns of any kind. Solids are best. Medium sized prints and plaids can work when layered with solids, and can create visual interest.
FIT: Fit is as important as color. Extra fabric looks like extra lumps and bumps. Fitted is generally better and give you a shape. Do not wear anything too bulky, or too tight. If you bring a jacket, make sure you are able to button it.
NECKLINES: V-neck and U-neck sweaters and shirts are great.Too low a neckline may not crop well and can make you look nude. Cowl necks and scarves can be hard to control and may add unnecessary bulk. Most women prefer their photos better when they wear 3/4 or long sleeves.
BOTTOM HALF: Blue jeans can look great on camera, unless they are dingy and torn. For headshots your lower half won't show in most of the pictures, but if you choose good pants or a skirt, you will have more options.
Check out this article to learn which colors work best with your skin tone.
MAKEUP: It is best to wear what you normally wear. Don't overdo it jut because you are being photographed. I will remove blemishes.Avoid glitter, it looks like dust spots in the photo.
JEWELRY: Keep jewelry subtle so that it doesn't distract from your face. Don't wear anything too reflective.
BEARDS: If men want to minimize beard stubble, they should schedule early in the day, or shave right before the session. Trim your beard before the shoot.
Rules are meant to be broken! If you want to wear a red leather jacket, cowboy boots, or ethnic clothing- do it! Ultimately, this is about your brand.
0 Comments