Headshot Pre-shoot Tips

Consider getting a haircut or trim a few days before the shoot and bring some hair product if you use it. Keep beards or facial hair neat and tidy and tidy up ear and nose hair.

Protect yourself from the sun, especially on the day’s leading up to your shoot. No-one wants a red face/nose or peeling skin!

We have face powder to get rid of shine if needed and you can bring your own if you prefer.

Get a good night’s sleep, especially the night before to voice bags under the eyes.

Stay hydrated to help keep your skin and eyes clear.

WARDROBE INSPIRATION & IDEAS

Opt for solid colour: Solid colours are typically better and less distracting.

Fitted is better: Whatever you wear, make sure it fits you well. Jackets that are too tight or clothes that are baggy don’t photograph so good. If you haven’t worn your outfit for a while, try it on a few days before your shoot to make sure it fits.

Undershirts generally aren’t recommended for business looks.

If you’re still stuck for ideas, head over to our headshot gallery or look through the classic options below to see if one of these would suit you.

THE BUSINESS CLASSIC

A well fitting navy suit is a great option for corporate headshots or portraits.

It’s well suited to conservative industries and executive positions but can easily go into most business looks.

It can be made formal with a tie or dressed down without. 

Classic shirt colours to compliment navy are white, cream, light pink and light blue.

Navy is best accessorised with brown leather shoes and a brown belt, dark-brown leans towards a more conservative look and tan or lighter brows veer towards more and youthful.

THE RELAXED PROFESSIONAL

For a modern alternative to a suit, this look takes a light/khaki blazer with a barely there plaid print and pairs it with chinos and a classic chambray shirt to give this a more casual twist.

It’s a great option for entrepreneurs, founders and men that don’t want to look as conservative in their headshots but still want to look like they’ve made an effort, or less formal industries like marketing or architecture.

Pair with dark accessories for some contrast.

THE CASUAL | CREATIVE

For casual looks or those in a more creative industry, a bomber can be great alternative to a blazer or a suit jacket.

Pair with a polo or sweater knit to dress it up or a plain T-shirt to dress it down.

Keep accessories simple with some classic sneakers in white and a silver watch for some understated bling.

GENERAL TIPS

Make sure clothes fit you well: Well-fitting clothing always looks better in portraits. Try on your outfit a few days before to make sure its not too tight or too baggy.

Longer sleeves can be more flattering and more professional in some cases.

Choose the right undergarments: Making sure your bra isn’t visible or obvious. Check for straps and bumps that it may create under your clothing.

With most headshots, we won’t be seeing your footwear, so consider wearing shoes that are comfortable. If we’re shooting anything editorial, pairing shoes gives us more options for full length images but not entirely necessary.

Getting enough sleep makes a massive difference to your face, helping you look and feel more energised. It will also reduce the likelihood of any puffy eye-bags.

WARDROBE INSPIRATION & IDEAS (Women)

Opt for solid colour: Solid colours are typically better and less distracting. They can also give your headshot more mileage as patterns can date fairly quickly.

Fitted clothing: Whatever you wear, make sure it fits you well. Jackets that are too tight or clothes that are baggy don’t photograph so well. If you haven’t worn your outfit for a while, try it on a few days before your shoot to make sure it fits.

If you’re still stuck for ideas, head over to our headshot gallery or look through the classic options below for some inspiration.

THE BUSINESS CLASSIC

This is the most classic look for business headshots. 

You can’t go wrong with a dark blazer.

Make sure you choose a well-fitting blazer that accentuates your shape.

Style your blazer with simple black trousers or skirt and a white or pastel v-neck.

FEMENINE | ELEGANT

A skirt and blouse has a softer look to it and great if you’re looking for a more feminine style.

The outfit pictured exemplifies a monochromatic look using neutral/beige tones throughout.

Consider tucking in your blouse to accentuate your waist line and add a belt see some extra detailing.

Silk scarves can also be used to cover necklines, infer a brand colour or for a bit of fun.

RELAXED PROFESSIONAL

A great option of you work in a creative-professional or more casual environment.

White is a great option if you’d like something carefree.

Consider pairing with dark jeans and nude shoes to give an unassuming feel.

Throw in a white blazer for a little more polish.

Make-up for business headshots is normally best kept simple.

Your make-up should make you feel confident so if you generally don’t wear lip-stick, this isn’t the time to do it.

Keeping your make up as natural as possible also prevents it from becoming a distraction.

Avoid highlighter, shimmer and moisturisers containing sunscreen: They  can make your face appear shiny when being photographed.

Try to avoid big changes to hair styles and colouring leading up to the shoot, or seeing a hairdresser that isn’t your regular as it doesn’t always end well!