What To Wear For Corporate Headshots
One of the biggest stresses when it comes to getting headshots is figuring out what to wear. The right headshot wardrobe is both fashionable and fitting for your position.
That's why I've written this wardrobe guide to help you put together the perfect look. No matter if you're a partner in a law firm in downtown Atlanta or a technology exec in Midtown, knowing how to dress for your professional headshot is critical. If you work in communications in the Perimeter or finances in Buckhead these guidelines will help you look your absolute best.
Color Psychology & Studio Lighting
For business executives, no matter what industry you're in, wearing solid color suits not only create a timeless look but they also work well with studio lights. When it comes to the color of your suit jacket it's important to match the tone of the work.
If you're working in a more conservative industry then classic Navy or dark Gray is always a good look. However, if you're in the healthcare or biotech industry then wearing lighter gray or even earth tones can work but take both boldness and a clear understanding of your company's culture.
Patterns vs Solids
It's always best to stick with solid colors for headshots. This is true not only of your suit jacket but also of ties, tops, etc. Patterns can show up strange depending on the way a photo is compressed. This is a major issue today with people viewing our headshots on different sized devices. Plus, how our portraits are compressed is controlled the platform we've uploaded them to. LinkedIn, when viewed on a phone, may leave any patterns you're wearing looking very distracting.
Gender Based Expectations
When it comes to gender based expectations you might be tempted to believe that women have a wider range of choices for their headshot wardrobe. However, the trust is that while women can wear pops of color in terms of their tops, men can also add color via their ties, (as well as pocket squares if they choose to wear them).
Again, the conservative or liberal nature of the industry will dictate more in terms of what colors you can add far more than your gender.
Headshot Wardrobe Colors By Industry
Here is a handy breakdown by industry of colors you can wear.
| Industry | Jacket Colors |
|---|---|
| Banking, Finance, & Law | navy, charcoal gray, or dark slate |
| Technology | medium gray, slate or muted earth tones |
| Healthcare & Biotech | navy, soft gray, or deep teal |
| Real Estate or Creative Industries | navy or jewel tones (emerald, burgundy, plum, teal) |
Layering For Versatility
Blazers or jackets provide a formal base for your headshot wardrobe. However, what you wear under your jacket can reinforce that formality or relax it. Ties or more formal blouses work well in more conservative industries such as banking, finance, and law. However, tech execs or those in more progressive industries can relax their look more.
If you're working at a startup near Georgia Tech or a marketing firm in Perimeter Center then wearing an open collar and possibly no jacket at all can work for you. Of course, these more casual looks also lend themselves well to less formal headshots. Therefore, consider environmental headshots over in-studio business portraits.
Pre-headshot Preparation
Before you have your headshots taken it's good to be prepared. Here are the things you want to think about before the date of your headshot session:
- Your Hairstyle - it's again important to match your industry's expectations when it comes to how conservative or wild you can go with your hair. It's equally important to be careful not to try anything too different than normal should you really not like the new style.
- Your complexion - it can be hard to control much about our complexion. Some of us have oily skin, some have dry skin. Plus, like with your hairstyle, you don't want to try anything radically different that will cause an outbreak of pimples. One of the best things you can do to help you look your best is to drink lots of water so you're well hydrated. Doing that will go a long way to helping you look your best.
- Stains - while headshot photographers can and will photoshop out little bits of dust, stains on your clothes can present a bigger challenge. Be sure to check your wardrobe carefully and don't eat anything messy right before your headshots.
On-Site Headshot Preparation
If you're traveling to your headshot photographer's studio then be sure to bring a few different looks. A good headshot photographer will be able to help you choose the best look. Too, you might choose to take several different looking photos which will help you meet different expectations on different platforms.
For example, one photo with solid colors on LinkedIn will help avoid issues with image compression. However you might choose to wear a specific patterned tie or top for photos that will be featured on your website where you have more control over the image settings.
Book Your Professional Headshots in Atlanta
If you have more questions about your wardrobe or you're ready to book your headshots in Atlanta visit our booking page. You can also visit our partner website WDO Photography to learn more or to book a corporate event photographer or advertising and marketing photographer.
Don Orkoskey is the owner of WDO Photography Atlanta. He's a professional headshot photographer with over 20 years experience. Too, Don teaches photography classes in Atlanta at the Atlanta School of Photography as well as offering private lessons. He is also the author of several instructional books on photography.