How to Dress for a Headshot Photo Shoot

When posing for a head shot, a man should wear a clean shirt with a collar.

Having a good photo head shot is an ideal way to make a first impression with potential clients, employers or business contacts. Since your photo can't speak for itself, when you're having your head shot taken, you must make a good impression, so that the picture sends the right message. When preparing for a head-shot photo shoot, choose an outfit that conveys a professional image and flatters both your face and skin tone.

Women's Clothing

Before choosing your outfit, consider what you hope to achieve with your head shot. If the photo is for a business card or profile, dress in your usual business attire. If the shot is for a modeling or acting portfolio, choose a sporty, casual or dressy outfit, depending on the kind of image you want to project. Choose solid colors that complement your skin tone rather than stripes or bold patterns. Wear a sweater or jacket over your blouse or shirt so that you can remove layers if you want to adjust your outfit during the photo shoot. Your head shot will look current for a longer period of time if you avoid outfits that are overly trendy.

Men's Clothing

Like women, men should cater their clothing to match the image that they wish to project with the head shot. For corporate head shots, opt for a classic suit. If you want a more casual look, try a blazer with a button-up shirt or a polo shirt, but stay away from T-shirts or anything without a collar. Stick to solid colors but avoid pastels or anything that is starkly black or white. Ensure that your clothes are clean and freshly pressed and that no buttons are missing from the collar of your shirt.

Hair and Accessories

Style your hair neatly the day of the photo shoot. Avoid outlandish hairstyles or flashy hair accessories as they will distract from your face. Bring a comb or a brush and appropriate styling products with you to the shoot for last-minute grooming. Women can wear simple earrings or a necklace in head shots, but should avoid large or cumbersome jewelry that will overwhelm the look of the photo.

Skin and Makeup

Men should arrive at their photo shoot either freshly shaved or with neatly trimmed facial hair. Teeth should be clean and, if necessary, whitened. Women should match the style of their makeup to their chosen outfit. If you're going for a corporate look, wear the same amount of makeup that you would wear to work. In the same manner, if your outfit is casual, keep your makeup light and natural-looking. Bring a makeup kit with you to the shoot for any last-minute touch-ups. If you are not skilled at makeup application, consider hiring a professional makeup artist.

References

• Todd Duncan Photography: What to Wear for Your Corporate Head Shots
• Zero Dean Photography: How to Prepare for Your Headshot
• Kaizen Headshots LA: What to Wear and How to Prepare