Traditional Business Headshot
For the Traditional Corporate Headshot pick your favorite suit that fits you well. Pick a dark color like a navy blue, charcoal gray or black. These colors are classic and will help lead the viewer eyes up to your face. If you are wearing tie, keep in mind that tie should compliment the suit in your portrait and not stand out on it’s own and be distraction.
If you are choosing not to wear a necktie you can still look very executive without a tie.
Business Casual Headshots
If you aren’t wearing a jacket, wear a collared, button-up shirt. It draws less attention to the neck and helps frame your face.
Think about background color. If you are shooting on white, a darker shirt is better. If you are shooting on black or a very dark background opt for something lighter, but not necessarily white.
Stripes or patterns are not the best choice when you aren’t wearing a jacket. They tend to be distracting and work better under a jacket.
Some more helpful tips:
Do not wear a white t-shirt under an open-collared shirt. This results in a very distracting white triangle that draws the eye first when the viewer looks at your photo.
In wider portraits, match the pants to the jacket, or wear a suit. Have a nice belt.
If you need a haircut, visit the stylist at least three or four days before your headshot so your hair has a chance to settle in and look natural.
Make sure if you have a late afternoon photo session that you shave. Particularly if you have dark whiskers.
Now that you know what to bring for your professional headshot session, go ahead and book your session and update that headshot.