CHOOSE WISELY
WHAT YOU
WEAR
When preparing for a professional headshot photoshoot, it’s important to choose an outfit or look that is both appropriate for your industry or its intent, and one that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
CONSIDER THESE GUIDELINES
Business Headshots
When it comes to taking a professional business headshot, your attire plays a crucial role in how you are perceived. To make sure you look your best, here are some guidelines to follow:
- Dress in a professional manner: Wear clothing that you would normally wear to work or to a business meeting. A suit, blouse, or dress pants can give you a professional look.
- Choose solid colours: Avoid wearing clothes with busy patterns, stripes, or loud prints. Instead, opt for solid, neutral colours such as black, white, grey, navy blue, or dark green.
- Avoid bright colours: Bright colours can be distracting and take away the focus from your face. Instead, choose muted or pastel shades.
- Ensure your clothes fit well: Make sure your clothing fits you properly and is not too tight or too loose. Ill-fitting clothes can look unprofessional and untidy.
- Avoid flashy jewellery: Keep your accessories minimal and avoid anything that is too flashy or distracting.
- Pay attention to grooming: Make sure your hair is clean and neatly styled. Wear light makeup and avoid anything that is too dramatic or distracting.
- Consider the background: If you know the background colour, choose an outfit that contrasts with it to make the photo more visually appealing.
Remember that the goal is to look professional and approachable. Your headshot should create a positive impression for potential clients or employers.
Lifestyle Headshots
When it comes to lifestyle headshots, you want to create a natural and relaxed look. Here are some guidelines for what to wear:
- Dress comfortably: Choose clothing that you feel comfortable in and that reflects your personal style. You don’t have to wear anything too formal or stuffy.
- Add some colour: Unlike professional headshots, lifestyle headshots allow for more flexibility in colour choices. Consider adding some colour to your outfit to add some visual interest to the photo.
- Choose clothes that fit well: Make sure your clothes fit well and are not too baggy or tight. This will make you feel more confident and comfortable during the shoot.
- Avoid logos and graphics: Avoid wearing clothing with large logos or graphics that could be distracting. Opt for solid or patterned clothing instead.
- Consider layers: Adding layers can add texture and depth to your outfit. Try layering a sweater or jacket over a blouse or shirt.
- Accessorize: Adding accessories such as jewellery, scarves, hats, or sunglasses can add interest and personality to the photo.
- Pay attention to grooming: Make sure your hair and makeup are done in a natural and relaxed style. Avoid anything too dramatic or overdone.
Remember that lifestyle headshots are meant to capture your natural and relaxed self. Choose clothing and accessories that reflect your personal style and make you feel comfortable and confident.
Actor Headshots
When it comes to actor headshots, your attire plays a significant role in showcasing your range and versatility as an actor. Here are some guidelines for what to wear:
- Choose neutral colours: Opt for neutral colours such as black, white, grey, navy blue, or green. These colours will not distract from your face and allow your personality to shine through.
- Avoid busy patterns: Avoid clothing with busy patterns, stripes, or loud prints. These patterns can be distracting and take the focus away from your face.
- Wear form-fitting clothing: Wear clothing that fits you well and flatters your body type. Avoid baggy or ill-fitting clothing as they can make you appear unprofessional.
- Bring different outfit options: Bring different outfit options that showcase different looks and styles. This will demonstrate your range as an actor and show your versatility.
- Consider your character type: Think about the type of roles you typically play and dress accordingly. For example, if you typically play a lawyer or businessperson, wear a suit. If you usually play a more casual role, wear something more relaxed.
- Pay attention to grooming: Make sure your hair and makeup are done professionally and complement your outfit. Avoid anything too dramatic or overdone.
- Dress to match the industry: Consider the industry you are targeting and dress accordingly. For example, if you’re seeking roles in theatre, you may want to wear clothing that is a bit more dramatic or theatrical. If you’re looking to work in commercials or print, you may want to dress in a more casual and approachable style. Dressing appropriately for the industry can help demonstrate that you understand the business and have the skills to fit in with its standards.
Remember that your headshot is your calling card as an actor, so it’s important to choose clothing that showcases your professionalism and range. Bring several outfit options and work with your photographer to select the best ones for your headshots.