Headshot Photography Tips
Updated: Sep 17
What to Wear for a Headshot Photography Session Vancouver BC
Wondering what to wear for your headshot? Keep it simple.
Your headshot should look like you on a really good day. Professional, comfortable, polished, and appropriate for the kind of work you do.
You do not need to buy an entirely new wardrobe or suddenly dress like someone you’re not.
The Quick Version
For most headshots:
• Choose solid colours or very simple patterns
• Wear something that fits you well and makes you feel confident
• Bring 2 to 4 outfit options if you are unsure
• Make sure everything is clean, pressed, and lint-free
• Avoid large logos, busy graphics, and distracting patterns
• Choose colours that complement your skin tone• Bring a jacket, blazer, cardigan, or other layer if it suits your profession
• Clean your glasses before your session
• Bring a brush or comb for quick hair fixes
Most importantly, dress like yourself.
Think About Where Your Headshot Will Be Used
Before choosing your outfit, think about who will be seeing your photo.
A lawyer, banker, realtor, therapist, creative professional, and tech entrepreneur may all dress very differently for work.
Take a look at people in your industry whose professional image you like. That can give you a good starting point.
If your workplace is formal, bring something polished and structured.
If your industry is more relaxed or creative, your headshot can be too.
Choosing Colours
Solid colours photograph beautifully and keep the attention on your face.
Great options include:
• Navy
• Blue
• Green
• Burgundy
• Rust
• Cream
• Grey
• Black
• Jewel tones
• Warm earth tones
You absolutely can wear black or white. Just make sure the outfit has enough shape, texture, or layering that it does not feel flat.
Very pale colours close to your skin tone can sometimes wash you out, so adding a jacket, jewellery, or another layer can help.
Patterns
Simple usually wins.
Small or subtle patterns can work, but very tight stripes, tiny checks, large florals, graphics, and bold logos can distract from your face.
If you love a patterned piece, bring it. We can always decide together.
Fit Matters More Than Fashion
Wear clothes that fit you comfortably right now.
Avoid anything you will constantly be adjusting, pulling down, buttoning, or worrying about.
Your headshot session is not the time for the shirt you technically fit into but cannot breathe in. 😉
If you feel comfortable, you will look more comfortable.
Layers Are Your Friend
One of the easiest ways to get variety from a headshot session is to bring a layer.
Try:
• Blazer
• Jacket
• Cardigan
• Sweater
• Overshirt
We can photograph you with and without it, which gives you two different looks without a full outfit change.
Headshot Tips for Women
Clothing
Choose necklines and silhouettes you already know you like on yourself.
Blouses, sweaters, dresses, fitted tops, jackets, and blazers can all photograph beautifully.
If you are unsure what to bring, pack a few options, and I can help you choose when you arrive.
Jewellery
Keep jewellery fairly simple unless statement jewellery is part of your personal style or brand.
Small earrings, simple necklaces, and classic pieces tend to work well because they do not compete with your face.
Hair
Wear your hair the way you normally feel most confident wearing it.
You can also change it during your session if you would like photos with your hair both up and down.
Bring:
• Brush or comb
• Hair ties
• Bobby pins
• Any styling product you normally use
Makeup
You do not need heavier makeup just because you are being photographed.
Aim for a polished version of your everyday makeup.
A little extra definition around the eyes, brows, and lips can photograph nicely.
If you tend to get shiny, bringing translucent powder is helpful for quick touch ups.
Head HERE to book your Headshot Photography Session in my Vancouver photo studio or on location!
Headshot Tips for Men
With or Without a Tie?
This depends entirely on your profession and how you normally present yourself.
If you regularly wear a suit and tie for work, bring one.
If your workplace is more relaxed, an open collar shirt or shirt with a jacket may feel much more natural.
You can also bring both, and we can photograph a few different versions.
Shirts
A crisp, well fitting shirt makes a huge difference.
Good choices include:
• Solid blue
• White
• Grey
• Navy
• Subtle patterns
• Richer colours that suit your complexion
Check your collar before your session. Worn, curled, or frayed collars are surprisingly noticeable in a headshot.
And yes, please iron your shirt!
Jackets
Grey, navy, blue, brown, and other neutral jackets all photograph well.
Bring one even if you are not sure you want to wear it. We can easily do a few photos both ways.
Grooming
If you are planning a haircut, try to have it done a few days before your session rather than the morning of.
Trim or tidy facial hair the way you normally wear it.
Bring a comb and any grooming product you may want for a quick touch up.
Glasses
If you normally wear glasses, wear them for your headshot.
They are part of how people recognize you.
Before your session:
• Clean the lenses thoroughly
• Check for fingerprints or smudges
• Bring a second pair if you have one
If you want some photos without glasses, take them off a little before the session so any marks on the bridge of your nose have time to disappear.
The Day Before Your Headshot
A tiny bit of preparation goes a long way.
• Choose your outfits ahead of time
• Try everything on• Iron or steam anything that needs it
• Remove lint and pet hair
• Check collars, buttons, hems, and zippers
• Pack accessories and shoes if we are doing wider portraits
• Get a good sleep if you can
What Should You Bring?
If you are unsure, bring more rather than less.
I recommend bringing:
• 2 to 4 tops or shirts
• 1 or 2 jackets or layers
• Any jewellery you are considering
• Your glasses• Hair brush or comb
• Powder or makeup for touch ups
You do not have to figure everything out before you arrive.
I am happy to help you choose.
You can even send me outfit photos ahead of time if you are stuck.
One Final Rule
Wear something that feels like you.
A great professional headshot should not make you look like you borrowed someone else's wardrobe for the afternoon.
It should simply look like the confident, polished version of the person your clients, colleagues, or employer are going to meet.
Ready for a new headshot?
Head HERE to book your Headshot Photography Session in my Vancouver photo studio or on location!
I hope that helped!
:) LL
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