WHAT TO WEAR

FOR YOUR HEADSHOTS

Your face is the focus, but what you wear still matters. Every detail contributes to the first impression someone forms, which is why we put this together.

Read what you need, skip what you don’t. Nothing here is a rule.

Download as PDF

IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING

SOLID COLORS

Patterns, logos and loud accessories pull focus off your face.

LONG SLEEVES

Short sleeves add skin at the edge of the frame and distract.

FITS YOU PROPERLY

Baggy reads as unprofessional, even in a crop this tight.

WRINKLE FREE

Non-negotiable, however busy the week has been.

Pick colors that work with your hair and complexion. Not sure? Look at old photos, or ask someone you trust.

choosing your colors

Start with a neutral or solid

White, cream, black or navy keeps the frame calm instead of overwhelming it.

Deeper colors outdoors

Pale colors reflect light and can leave you looking washed out.

Think about your brand

If these are going on your website, find small ways to work your brand colors in.

Contrast if you want black and white

A white shirt under a black or navy blazer works. A light shirt under an equally light jacket does not.

Bold shades near your neckline

A bold necklace draws the eye to the necklace. Color near your face draws it to your face.

Layer, in moderation

Layering adds interest without patterns or big jewelry. Just keep the combinations simple.

Styling tips for women

Avoid too much distraction

Stick to solid tops and toned-down accessories. Very low cut tops have the same pull as a loud pattern.

Avoid transparent fabrics

Studio lighting is brighter than you expect. Check your top in strong light first.

Check your undergarments

Look for visible straps and any bumps the fabric creates underneath.

Styling tips for men

Think twice about white

A white shirt is professional but reflects a lot of light. Wear something darker over it.

Skip the undershirt

You might wear one daily, but they show through under brighter lighting.

Try the outfit on early

A few days ahead gives you time to tailor the shirt and jacket, or come up with a plan B.

None of this is required. It just makes the editing lighter and the result more like you on a good day.

THE WEEK BEFORE

Hair

Cut or color a few days ahead, never the day before. Go with a style you would actually wear to work. Bring hairspray for fly-aways, they are hard to edit out.

Makeup

Keep it close to what you normally wear. Skip highlighter, which reads as shine, and go easy on powder since a high-resolution camera picks up texture.

Skin

Drink water all week. If you wax, do it a few days ahead, not the day before. Sleep matters more than anything else on this list.

BACKDROPS IN THE STUDIO

Here is what you might be standing against, and what tends to work with each. If you have a preference, say so when you book and we will have it ready.

  • Black

    Light tops and real color. Avoid dark on dark, you will melt into it.

  • A young male basketball player with short brown hair wearing a white Nike basketball jersey holding an orange Wilson NCAA basketball against a dark background.

    Seamless Almond

    Forgiving with almost anything. The safe one if you are undecided.

  • Young woman in a blue sports dress carrying a pair of white and black athletic shoes on her shoulder against a black background.

    Seamless Fashion Gray

    Navy, burgundy, deep green. Keeps the focus entirely on your face.

  • Two Holton High School football teammates in blue jerseys facing each other during a Still and Wild media day session in Holton, Kansas.

    Painterly Gray

    Adds texture behind you. Keep the outfit plain so they do not compete.

  • Painterly Warm Brown

    Cream, rust, olive. Warm skin tones sit beautifully against it.

  • White shoot through

    Bright and clean. Anything but white, or you will disappear.

  • White Studio wall

    The crispest option. Strong contrast outfits work best here.

  • haindpainted pink

    Soft and distinctive. Neutrals let the backdrop do the talking.

  • Brown Sugar

    Rich and warm. Good with denim, cream, and earth tones.

  • muted blue

    Calm and corporate. White, gray and navy all read cleanly on it.

Looks that work

  • The classic blazer

    Black blazer, white blouse, simple trousers. Take the blazer off partway through and you walk away with two looks from one outfit.

  • A young male basketball player with short brown hair wearing a white Nike basketball jersey holding an orange Wilson NCAA basketball against a dark background.

    Monochrome neutrals

    Blouse and skirt in different tones of the same beige. Tuck the blouse, add a belt. A silk scarf adds flair without noise.

  • Young woman in a blue sports dress carrying a pair of white and black athletic shoes on her shoulder against a black background.

    The navy suit

    Conservative and hard to get wrong. Brown leather shoes and belt lift it above plain.

  • Two Holton High School football teammates in blue jerseys facing each other during a Still and Wild media day session in Holton, Kansas.

    Business casual

    A bomber over a knit polo. Polished without a suit jacket, and you can shoot with or without the layer.

Still not sure what to bring?

Send us a photo of two options and we will tell you which one will photograph better. No charge, no obligation, and it takes us about a minute.

Email us your options