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What to Wear for Business Headshots

Gray backdrop, female professional headshot, in twin cities studio, Block Portrait Studios

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Dressing for Your Business Headshots

When you’re getting your business headshots taken, you want to look professional and put together to make a good impression on potential clients. But are you wondering what you should wear? Or how should you style your hair and makeup? Check out these tips from the pros!

Casual business headshot with windows in background by Block Portrait Studios in Saint Paul Studio
Man in gray suit with a dark background, professional business headshots, by Block Portrait Studios, Minnesota
White on white business headshot by Block Portrait Studios in Saint Paul portrait studio
Black on white professional headshot of women in Saint Paul studio by Block Portrait Studios

Pristine & Clean for Business Headshots!

First and foremost, make sure you’re well-groomed! This means clean hair, trimmed nails, and minimal makeup. You want to look professional and put together, so don’t go overboard with the cosmetics. If you’re unsure what will look good, consult a professional stylist. Avoid over-styling your hair; you want to look natural and approachable in your business headshot. A simple style will do the trick. 

Fun business headshot in saint paul studio by Block Portrait Studios

Makeup for Business Headshots

Anyone who has ever had a business headshot taken knows that getting the right look can be tricky. You risk looking artificial or overly polished by wearing too much makeup. But, on the other hand, if you don’t wear enough, you may come across as washed out or tired. So how can you strike the perfect balance?

  1. Start with a clean face. Be sure to wash your face and apply a light moisturizer before starting your makeup routine, which will help create a smooth canvas for your foundation.
  2. Go easy on the foundation. When it comes to headshots, less is usually more. So stick to a light foundation or BB cream, and avoid using heavy concealers or powders.
  3. Add a touch of color. A little blush or bronzer can go a long way in giving your face some life and dimension. Just be sure to use subtle, natural-looking shades.
  4. Define your eyes. Headshots tend to be relatively close-up, so it’s important to make sure your eyes stand out. Mascara and eyeliner can help to draw attention to your eyes without looking overdone.
  5. Choose a neutral lip

Hair for Headshots

Your hair is one of the first things people will notice about you in a headshot, so it’s important to ensure it’s sending the right message. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best hairstyle for your headshot.

  1. Keep it simple. When it comes to headshots, less is often more. Choose a style that is easy to maintain and doesn’t require a lot of styling products.
  2. Consider your goals. Your hair should complement the kind of roles want to have.
  3. Work with your hair texture. Not all styles will work with all hair textures. If you have fine hair, for example, avoid styles that are too heavy or voluminous – they’ll end up looking flat in photos. Instead, go for styles that are textured and feature pieces that frame the face, like soft waves or a messy bun. If you have thick or curly hair, you can go for more dramatic styles that add lots of volume and play with height. Consider a soft updo or half-up topknot to tame your hair while still looking fashionable in photos.
Business quicktake picture taken by Block Portrait Studios in West Saint Paul

What to Wear

Clothing is one of the most important aspects of a business headshot. The right clothing can help convey the correct message, while the wrong clothing can create a distraction. When choosing what to wear, it is crucial to consider the audience viewing the headshot. For example, professional attire is typically appropriate for headshots for business websites. However, more creative clothing choices may be applicable if the headshot is for an acting portfolio. It is also essential to avoid clothing that is too loose or tight, as this can create an unflattering silhouette.

Headshots should highlight a person’s best features, so it is important to choose stylish and flattering clothing. Wear clothes that complement your appearance and convey the image you want to project. For example, if you’re going for a serious and professional look, dark colors are usually best. However, feel free to experiment with brighter colors and patterns if you want something more fun and creative.

  1. Choose clothing that fits well and is free of wrinkles. Clothing that is too loose or baggy will create a sloppy appearance, while too-tight clothing will be uncomfortable and distracting. 
  2. Stick to neutral colors like black, gray, or navy. These colors are flattering and professional-looking. 
  3. Avoid patterns or anything that might be distracting. Again, the focus should be on your face, not your clothes. 
  4. Choose clothing that is classic and timeless. 
  5. Don’t forget to add a little personality to your headshot with a bright lip or a fun accessory. Choose an accessory that compliments your appearance and the image you want to project. Accessories to consider: a statement necklace, a scarf, or a bold pair of earrings.
Professional headshot, man in blue suit, by Block Portrait Studios in Saint Paul studio
Classic black and white portrait of man in Saint Paul Studio by Block Portrait Studios
Saint Paul branding photographer, Block Portrait Studios, saint paul, minnesota
Women in red suit, professional headshot by Block Portrait Studios in Minnesota studio

Relax & Enjoy the Experience!

Relax! The best business headshots are those in which the subject looks natural and comfortable. If you’re tense or self-conscious, it will show in your photos. So take a deep breath, smile, and let your personality shine. So now you have a few tips to help you take the best headshots possible. Keep it simple, choose the right clothing, and relax! Remember, the best way to rock your headshot is to be yourself! Let your personality shine through, and don’t forget to have fun with it.

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