If you're reading this, chances are you've got a business headshot photo session coming up. First of all, congratulations! Getting professional headshots is a fantastic way to make a great first impression and showcase your unique personality and style. But with so many details to consider, it can also be a bit overwhelming. That's why I'm here to help guide you through the process and make sure you're fully prepared for your upcoming shoot. In this post, we'll go over everything from what to wear (and what to avoid) to tips for styling your hair and makeup. So, let's dive in and get ready to rock your business headshot session!
OUTFIT:
Let's start with the basics: what you wear to your headshot shoot can make all the difference in how you present yourself. Whether you're aiming for a corporate website or a friendly LinkedIn profile, it's important to consider what message you want to convey. Are you the no-nonsense leader of your industry? Or the approachable expert that everyone loves to work with? The answer to these questions will help guide your style choices.
While some industries may still demand a more formal dress code, many are taking a more relaxed approach. However, when in doubt, it's always better to err on the side of overdressing. After all, who doesn't love a sharp-dressed individual?
But don't worry, you don't have to wear a full-on tuxedo or a stiff pantsuit (unless that's your thing, of course). Remember, we only need the top half of you in the shot, so feel free to get creative with your lower half. Whether you prefer comfy jeans or flowy skirts, just make sure you feel confident and comfortable in your outfit. After all, confidence is the ultimate accessory!
WHAT NOT TO WEAR:
Avoid overall pastel, neutral tones. Headshots are often converted to black and white so beautiful color combinations will not be visible. For example, a light pink or light gray shirt with a light blue tie will all become the same gray color and will blend in together. Since business headshots are often done against a grey background, a grey/beige/and even a red jacket or blouse will also blend into it. TIP: Wear something contrasting. Give preference to dark jackets with a light shirt/blouse.
Wrinkled clothes. Please make sure that your jacket / blouse is not wrinkled - wrinkles are hard to remove in post-production. If you don’t have time to dry clean/press your top - hang it on hangers the night before the shoot and spray (mist) evenly with water. Hanging clothes up during a hot shower can also help!
Lint. Please remove lint. Sticky tape or a razor does a great job! I am likely to use strobes and flashes, and every last speck on your dark jacket will light up and sparkle.
Please avoid tiny patterns, thin stripes and plaid. There is a so-called “moire” effect, where the thin stripes and busy patterns throw the camera's matrix off and result in weird looking hues and distortions, which are hard to remove in post-production. Please give preference to solid colors and not textured fabrics
HAIRSTYLE:
Headshots are primarily focused on your face and eyes, so it's important to style your hair in a way that allows both eyes to be visible and your face to appear as open as possible. If you have the opportunity to visit a hair stylist before your photo session, I highly recommend doing so.
SKIN:
The use of flashes during a photo shoot can often result in skin looking glossy or even greasy. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening.
Firstly, it's a good idea to rinse your face before the photo shoot. This can help to reduce shine, and a quick dab with a paper towel can help to further eliminate any excess oil.
MAKEUP:
If you decide to wear makeup, I suggest opting for a matte foundation and avoiding highlighters or illuminators. While these products are designed to give you a natural-looking glow in natural light, they can cause your skin to appear oily under flash photography, resulting in "hot spots" that overexpose certain parts of your face and void it of its natural tones.
Additionally, it's worth noting that the camera tends to "favor" drama and striking features, particularly the eyes. If you're unsure about your makeup style, I recommend focusing on accentuating your eyes more than anything else
GLASSES:
If you typically wear your glasses only for reading or working on a computer, then you may not need to wear them for the photos. However, if you usually wear glasses, it's best to wear them.
It's important to keep your glasses clean since they tend to accumulate dust and fingerprints quickly. Additionally, the flash of a camera can highlight any speck, so be sure to thoroughly wipe your glasses and make the lenses spotless.
If you have an option, pleaser consider using glasses with anti-glare coating to prevent reflections and glare in the photos.
Please adjust the placement of your glasses to prevent them from sliding down your nose and blocking your eyes. Be sure to push them back as close to your eyes as possible for optimal results.
Hope this helps! The most important thing to remember, is that your business headshot is a chance to showcase yourself in the best possible light. By taking the time to carefully consider your outfit, hairstyle, and makeup, you can feel confident and ready to rock your photo shoot. Remember, the key to a great headshot is to be yourself and show off your unique personality. So go out there, have fun, and show the world what you're made of!
