What To Wear To A Headshot Session

Looking To Create A Signature Headshot For Your Business, Brand Or Social Media Page?

What clothes do you wear to a Headshot or Portrait session? It’s a good question and perhaps one of the most important ones you could ask when it comes to creating the perfect image of yourself whether you’re an Actor, Musician, Artist or looking to create a Signature Headshot for your Business, Brand, Social Media or Linkedin page.

In the Film & Television Industry the clothing that you wear is called “Wardrobe” and since wardrobe can make or break your Headshot Session there are a number of “dos & don’ts” that should be considered so here are some general rules. 

Right off the bat is an important one - never wear anything that you don’t feel comfortable in. A Headshot is a very intimate size photograph, we’re closely looking at the subject closely and can often see if something’s off - that eye squint from tight shoes or that weird grin because your pants are cutting you in half. It all shows so being comfortable in what you're wearing is a must.

I also believe that what you're wearing should support the photographs that are being created. A Headshot is a representation of a person with a specific focus on the subject’s face (in particular the eyes), so I believe that any piece of clothing that distracts from that shouldn’t be worn, so in general, no bright colours or crazy patterns, writing or odd designs. Simply put, if we’re going to see the shirt before the face then it’s a “no”.

Consider Fashion Trends When You’re Choosing Your Actor Headshot Wardrobe.

I’ll throw in a few more “Don’ts'' at this point that may seem as though they wouldn’t need mentioning but they do because it’s what happens when you haven’t checked your wardrobe properly before arriving at the Photography Studio. No stains, rips, runs, missing buttons or creases. Nothing awkwardly big or small in size and remember that you want your headshot to last a few years so consider fashion trends when you’re choosing your Headshot Wardrobe and by that I mean this - you can tell how old a man’s suit is by the width of the lapel, the number of buttons and fit - trends come and go so consider classic pieces that carry on through the years or make sure your wardrobe style is current so you’ll get a few years out of your photos.

And remember that Fashion Style is something that influences the viewer’s interpretation of you and so “non-classic” out of date wardrobe being worn by someone may be interpreted as an “out of date Person” by some.

What You Are Wearing In Your Actor Headshot Will Affect How You Are Perceived.

Another big consideration in wardrobe selection for your Headshots is the purpose of the photos. If you’re looking for a Business Headshot there are a range of looks you could choose - from a simple open collar dress shirt to a full suit with vest and tie. Given the options it’s important to consider how you want to be perceived. An open collar dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up may imply ease, simplicity and hard work while a suit with vest and tie may imply stability and a more formal approach. And the same is true for Actors, Artists or anyone for that matter - what you are wearing in your Headshot will affect how you are perceived so choose your wardrobe with thought and care.

There are also wardrobe ideas that will work for everyone. Shirts or blouses (both dress and casual), sweaters (fitted and oversized), sports coats & jackets and possibly more formal choices are possible as well. Layering your clothing is another option that often produces excellent results by adding dimension to the photographs so a t-shirt, shirt and jacket look is something that can work well for example.

The Right Wardrobe Choices Will Contribute To Excellent Results.

Overall, choosing the right Wardrobe for your Headshot Session is important no matter what the purpose of your Headshots are. The right Wardrobe choices will contribute to excellent results and the wrong choices will not.

As a Headshot Photographer I will always discuss Wardrobe options with my clients before a shoot and I often ask for photos of their choices in advance as this is valuable information that helps me make the right set-up decisions that will aid in creating the best Headshot results for my Clients. As I have often said, making a great Headshot is a team effort that requires thoughtful decisions from start to finish!