Your business headshot is often the first impression clients and colleagues have of you. Whether in your email signature, your LinkedIn or social media profile, your website, or a speaker bio, you want this photo to start the conversation for you! Every detail impacts how you and your brand are perceived. Here are our expert tips to ensure you look confident, approachable, and camera-ready!
HAIR, MAKEUP, & GROOMING TIPS
Proper grooming is the first step to a polished headshot. Be sure to schedule any haircuts, manicures, eye brow waxing, or other appointments prior to your headshot.
- Hair: Keep hair clean and styled. For long hair, consider a professional blowout. For day-of styling, work with your natural texture.
- Soft waves or a relaxed bun for fine hair
- Soft updos or half-up styles for thick or curly hair.
- Face-framing layers highlight your best features.
- Facial Hair: Shave or neatly trim any facial hair.
- Nails: Maintain neatly trimmed nails. Remove any chipped nail polish.
- Makeup: Apply light, natural makeup to enhance features without looking overdone.
- Recommended routine: Start with a clean, moisturized face for a smooth base for your makeup. Opt for light foundation or BB cream instead of heavy concealers or powders. A touch of blush or bronzer can add natural warmth and dimension without overpowering your look. Since headshots are close-up, enhance your eyes with mascara and eyeliner to make them pop, but keep it subtle. Choose a soft, natural lip color that complements your skin tone and keeps the focus on your face.
- If you choose to book a makeup artist for the day-of, request a soft, natural look.
WHAT TO WEAR
Your outfit should reflect your brand in a way that communicates professionalism. When selecting your clothes, consider your audience. Suits and ties are classic attire for professionals while creative fields might call for more expressive choices.
Here are a few do’s and don’ts when selecting your clothing:
- DO NOT wear hats (unless appropriate for your profession)
- DO NOT wear large patterns
- DO NOT wear graphic tees or visible logos (that are not your brand’s)
- DO NOT wear clothes that contrast your brand colors
- DO NOT wear clothes that are too tight or too loose, as they can create unflattering shapes.
- DO wear your glasses if you wear them daily. If you only wear them occasionally, consider taking a few shots both with and without them. Keep in mind that transition lenses can darken in bright studio lighting or sunlight, so opt for a non-transition pair.
- DO ensure your clothes are clean, pressed, and lint-free.
- DO wear colors that match your brand and chosen backdrop, as well as complements your skin tone.
- DO select comfortable, breathable fabrics like cotton or silk that drape naturally and move with you. Some stiff and rigid fabrics can feel restrictive or create unflattering wrinkles.
- DO wear flattering, well-fitting clothing
TIPS FOR MEN…
- Choose solid colors for your shirt and blazer.
- Select a crisp, collared shirt.
- A plain white, gray, or skin-toned undershirt work best so it doesn’t show through your dress shirt.
- Select classic, tailored pieces such as a well-fitted button-down shirt or blazer.
- If wearing a tie, choose a a solid color or a simple, subtle pattern like small dots that complements your shirt.
- Consider adding a pocket square in a coordinating color.
- Avoid clothing that is outdated such as oversized lapels, elbow patches, or novelty ties.
TIPS FOR WOMEN…
- Women with smaller busts: Choose a turtleneck, mock neck, or crew neck top. Tops with ruffles, embellishments, or textured fabrics can also add volume.
- Women with fuller busts: Choose a boat neckline or slash neckline.
- Avoid V-necklines unless wearing with structured pieces like blazers or a pencil skirt.
- Avoid batwing sleeve or dropped shoulder sleeve styles.
- Avoid front pockets on your blouse.
- Select simple and timeless earrings or necklaces that complement your top’s neckline. Avoid bulky or distracting accessories that draw attention away from your face.
PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT OUTFIT INSPIRATION
EXPERT GUIDANCE
One of the best parts about working with Block Portrait Studios for your headshots, branding portraits, and team photos is that we provide wardrobe guidance. We will help you select an outfit that matches your brand colors and looks great on you. If it’s the day-of, and you are torn between a couple of options, bring them both and we’ll make the final choice for you!
For businesses, we also provide a styled guide to send to new recruits who come to us for their add-on quick-take headshot, as well as for team portraits.
LET'S MAKE THE BEST FIRST IMPRESSION
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