HEADSHOTS TIPS

WHAT TO WEAR IN YOUR HEADSHOTS?

What to wear in your headshots is one of the most important things to think about before your session. Clothes should enhance and not distract; say something about the characters your are right for, but not look like a costume; show you off at your best, stand out in a pile of head shots and finally show your personality. Look at my portfolio and other resources and see what you like about the clothes, in headshots that jump out to you. Think about what outfits you have that make you feel hot, you get lots of compliments on, or you like to wear for auditions: those might be good choices for your headshots. There are no rules in my book, but some of the guidelines below might make it easier to choose from your wardrobe.

1. SIMPLE: The simpler the better!  We don’t want the clothes to be distracting in the shots. Solid colors usually work best.
2. FITTED: Tailored, more fitted clothes photograph best. Baggy clothes can make you look heavier in the shots.
3. CRISP: I recommend having everything you bring professionally cleaned, or very well pressed. Wrinkled clothes can look very messy and distracting in headshots.
4. COLOR: Blacks, browns, and especially vibrant colors (yellow, green, red, bright blue) all look great. Solid colors are best. I say: “the more color the better!” Bring at least one color that matches or brings out your eyes.
5. VARIETY: Bring a variety of styles and layers (blazers/coat/jackets over button-ups, over tank tops, etc.) I’ll be happy to help you narrow the field to those outfits which will photograph best.  But please DO NOT bring your entire wardrobe: only bring stuff you really love and feel great about. *Ladies- please bring at least 1 tank top, even if you don’t like your arms or shoulders. You might be surprised at how flattering they are in headshots.

Clothes to Avoid:
In general you should avoid busy patterns, whites, baggy clothes, ruffles, puffy cap sleeves, (anything that adds unnecessary bulk will make you look heavier), and accessories (they can be distracting). BUT if there is something that you really love that doesn’t fit the guidelines, bring it and we can try it out, you are the boss.  Cardigans usually don’t work unless you are trying to look more matronly, motherly, or a bit older.

LADIES:
Make sure you bring different bras, for the different shirts you plan to wear, if necessary.  (strapless, etc.)  We don't want to see any straps, or seams.  If you were planning on doing outdoor shots, it's a good idea to bring a camisole or tank top that can be worn under various shirts to make changing out doors easy.

by Taylor Hooper: Headshot Photographer NYC