Planning for Your Headshots
Professional headshots are an essential component of building your brand and establishing your professional identity. Whether you're using them for LinkedIn, your company's website, or other professional purposes, the right clothing can make a significant difference in the quality and impact of your headshots. In this article, we'll explore some key considerations for choosing what to wear for your professional headshots.
Dress professionally - The first and most obvious rule for what to wear in your professional headshot is to dress professionally. This means dressing in a way that is appropriate for your industry, your role, and your personal style. Avoid wearing anything too casual, such as t-shirts or jeans. Instead, opt for business attire such as suits, blouses, dress pants, and skirts.
Choose solid colors - When it comes to colors, solid colors tend to work best for professional headshots. Avoid wearing anything too busy or distracting, such as bold patterns or bright colors. Instead, opt for muted or neutral colors such as black, white, gray, navy, or beige. These colors will help to draw attention to your face and make your headshot appear more professional.
Pay attention to fit - The fit of your clothing is just as important as the color and style. Make sure your clothing fits well and is not too loose or too tight. If you're wearing a suit, have it tailored to ensure a perfect fit. Avoid clothing that is too baggy or oversized, as this can make you appear sloppy or unprofessional.
Keep jewelry and accessories simple - When it comes to jewelry and accessories, less is often more. Keep things simple and understated, as you don't want your accessories to distract from your face. Avoid wearing large or flashy jewelry, and stick to small earrings, a simple necklace, or a watch. If you wear glasses, consider choosing a pair without any glare or reflections, or talk to your photographer about reducing glare in your headshots.
Consider the background - When choosing your outfit, consider the background of your headshot. If you're taking your headshot in front of a neutral backdrop, such as a plain white or gray wall, you have more flexibility with your clothing choices. However, if you're taking your headshot in front of a colorful or patterned backdrop, you'll want to choose clothing that doesn't clash with the background. Avoid wearing anything with a similar pattern or color to the background. If you’re uncertain about what background is best for your goal, set up a consultation. I’m more than happy to help you dial this in.
Keep it timeless - This is a tough one for many of us as we age, but our haedshots should match the person that walks into a room to meet that new client, employer or other relationship. Professional headshots are often used for several years, so you want to choose clothing that won't look outdated in a year or two. Stick to classic styles and avoid anything too trendy or flashy. This will help to ensure that your headshots remain relevant and professional for years to come.
Be true to your brand - Finally, make sure your clothing choices align with your personal brand and the image you want to project. If you work in a creative industry, you may have more flexibility with your clothing choices, but if you work in a more conservative industry, you'll want to choose clothing that reflects that. Ultimately, your headshots should accurately represent who you are and what you stand for.
In conclusion, what you wear for professional headshots can have a significant impact on the quality and effectiveness of your photos. By dressing professionally, choosing solid colors, paying attention to fit, keeping jewelry and accessories simple, considering the background, keeping it timeless, and being true to your brand, you can ensure that your headshots are both professional and effective in representing your personal and professional identity.