.png)
Did you know? The way you dress tells people about your identity and what to believe about you. It’s crucial to know what to wear for a professional headshot!
Aside from hiring a professional photographer and striking an eye-catching pose, what you wear helps convey the right message to your audience.
Let’s go over how to choose the right clothes and accessories for a professional headshot!
What to Wear for a Professional Headshot: 5 Business Headshot Tips
If you’re planning on getting a professional business headshot soon, here are 5 things you need to know.
1. Pick a color that contrasts with your background.
Know the color of your photo’s background before picking your outfit. Is the background dark, light, or something in between?
If the background is dark or slightly dark, consider wearing an outfit with light or vivid colors. For instance, red looks great on a black background.
If the background is light, consider wearing something darker than the background. For instance, grey looks great on a white background.
As a rule of thumb, don’t pick a color that is the same as your background. A black outfit against a black backdrop can make your head look like it’s floating.
2. Don’t wear something distracting.
You can wear accessories for a professional business headshot. Be careful not to wear a lot of them though.
For instance, wearing a big necklace and big earrings can be distracting. It’s best to pick one over the other.
In a professional business headshot, anything below the sternum is usually cropped. If your necklace is too long, consider clipping it behind your neck to shorten it.
HOT TIP: Wearing extremely sparkly accessories is something you should avoid. Something this flashy for a business headshot will distract from the subject.
3. Think about your outfit’s neckline.
You can wear accessories for a professional business headshot. Be careful not to wear a lot of them though.
For instance, wearing a big necklace and big earrings can be distracting. It’s best to pick one over the other.
In a professional business headshot, anything below the sternum is usually cropped. If your necklace is too long, consider clipping it behind your neck to shorten it.
HOT TIP: Wearing extremely sparkly accessories is something you should avoid. Something this flashy for a business headshot will distract from the subject.
4. Avoid extremely casual clothing.
There’s no room for sleepwear or tracksuits in a professional headshot.
Even if you work in an industry where wearing casual clothes is a norm, consider wearing something formal for your professional headshot.
Wearing a suit or dress conveys confidence and authority. Formal clothes make you look respected, which positively impacts your image.
5. Choose clothing that reflects your brand.
If there’s a type of outfit that you’re known for, don’t hesitate to wear them. If not, choose clothes that send the right message about you and your company.
For example, if your brand’s personality is classic and simple, avoid wearing something flashy.
Remember, your clothes must reflect what you represent, whether it’s your own company or the company you work for.
Most people will see your photo before meeting you in person. Hence, you must carefully pick what to wear for a professional headshot.
Using the business headshot tips above, consider how you want to present yourself. Consistent personal branding impacts your success, so do it carefully.