What to Wear For A Headshot

Are you updating your headshot? Sweet! We’ve all seen someone using an old photo that looks NOTHING like them anymore. You’re not that person. High five!

Ok, so what do you wear for this kind of photo? Easy peasy.

What would you normally wear to work? That’s a great place to start. I’ve photograph doctors and lawyers and realtors and engineers and executives and coaches and DJs… You name it, I’ve photographed it. The first thing I always ask is, “What do you normally wear to work?” Headshots are your first impression, your introduction. It’s the image people will associate with you when they meet you. You should look like the person in that photo. If they’re never going to see you in a suit, don’t wear a suit. If you always wear a pink cowboy hat, wear it. (I photographed an incredible businesswoman a few years ago whose signature look was a pink cowboy hat.)

What about pants and shoes? They don’t matter. Your headshot is generally from the bottom of your ribcage to just above the top of your head. Yoga pants or board shorts are perfectly acceptable. (I photographed the founder of a very well-known silicon valley startup and she wore yoga pants and flip flops with her blouse and blazer.)

The one thing I suggest, unless it totally goes against your brand, is to avoid really busy patterns. If your shirt looks like ski suit from the 80s, people will notice that, and not your face. That defeats the whole purpose of taking a headshot. I’ve photographed clowns and magicians and colorful patterns are normal for them. If it’s not your thing, stick to solid colors.