CLOTHING, COLORS & STYLING TIPS FOR HEADSHOTS
The goal of a great headshot is to present yourself in a professional and/or fun and approachable manner, so choose clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable, flatters your body type, and represents your industry or profession.
Here are some tips on how to dress for your head shot:
FOUR QUICK TIPS:
1) Choose colors that flatter your skin, eyes & hair first and foremost.
Stick to solid colors over busy patterns, which will distract from your face.
2) Choose structured, timeless clothing rather than trendy pieces or excessively worn items.
Opt for fabrics that lay well, flatter your body type, and don't look sloppy or wrinkle easily, like linen.
Avoid boxy styles which can add weight rather than flatter your body.
3) The camera loves layers.
Blazers, jewelry, sweaters, ties, scarves, jackets or vests can add visual interest to your headshot
Keep jewelry and accessories to a minimum as too much bling can be distracting.
4) Grooming is important.
Make sure your hair and makeup are done well. Men should consider a fresh haircut or trim, while women should wear makeup that enhances their features without being too heavy. (25% more than normal is suggested.)
Ladies, we suggest wearing your hair down verses up in a pony tail or pulled tightly back.
See below for more grooming tips and suggestions for you headshots.
NEUTRAL COLORS
Neutral tones such as gray, black, navy, ivory, white and soft blues are timeless and won't ever go out of style.
Most people can wear 1-2 of these colors very well. Additionally, softer pastels or muted jewel tones work well for many.
MORE CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS:
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Ladies - 3/4 or full length sleeves are almost always more flattering than short sleeves. If you have toned arms & shoulders, sleeveless can work well.
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Some women feel sleeveless tops may show too much skin, so in this case, a higher neckline is suggested, or bring a blazer.
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Avoid very strong patterns like bold, wide horizontal strips (those add weight)
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Avoid busy animal prints, large polks dots or geometric, block patterns. Avoid logos.
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Avoid linen, it wrinkles upon touch and clothing wrinkles are rather difficult to Photoshop out
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Heavy tweed blazers, or boxy double breasted ones may add to the appearance of weight
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Avoid very low cut tops, or deep v-necks if you prefer cleavage not to show
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Neon colors photograph weird and will completely distract from your face
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To minimize your neck/jowel or chin area, consider a scarf, cowel neck top, or statement jewelry, or we can pop your shirt collar up
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To minimize weight, choose darker solid colors, or layer with a dark, fitted blazer over a top
BRIGHT & BOLD COLORS
Strong colors, especially jewel tones, can really make the image pop, command attention and flatter your skin. Keep in mind that your eye may be pulled first to the color, and second to the face and eyes -- not necessarily a bad thing, unless you really want the attention going to your face & eyes first in a close up head shot.