WARDROBE TIPS FOR HEADSHOTS
FeEl Your Best, Look your best
Wardrobe Tips for HEadshots
Not only do clothes convey a lot about who you are, they can make you feel confident. Feeling confident, comfortable, and relaxed is the first step to a successful session. Here is my best advice for choosing your wardrobe for headshots.
Setting the Tone
What kind of image do you want to convey?
Serious and businesslike? Laid back and casual? Cutting edge or creative?
Who you are and what your profession is will dictate this for you.
Choosing your outfit
- You can simply start with a color that you like, or choose an item of clothing that you know you feel great in. If you don't know where to start, here are a few tips:
- Layering is great. Jackets, sweaters, etc., will all help to frame the face and add interest.
- Don't be afraid of accessories like scarves or necklaces as long as they don't overwhelm.
- Long sleeves are best for headshots, since some of your arms will show which can distract the eye from your face, but that is personal preference.
- Don't ignore your bottom half. We may take some shots in seated poses and your bottoms may show.
- More formal could be suit/jacket, and dress shirt (or tie if appropriate).
- Feel free to bring a few options (including accessories) to your session and we can look through them together. If you are doing a custom session, we'll photograph you in more than one outfit.
A bit about Color
- In general, darker colors are better and more flattering. Jewel tones and richer neutrals like chocolate, dark gray, or navy, are great alternatives to black.
- A neutral base with a pop of color adds interest.
- People often hear that they should stay away from black and white, but it's really a matter of personal taste, and skin tone. You don't want black to drag you down, and you don't want white to wash you out. Both colors do well with accessories or layers.
- Patterns are OK as long as they don't overwhelm. Think small checks vs large plaids or florals.
- A fail-safe tip is to pick a top that accentuates your eyes.
Other Tips
- Please be sure that clothes fit well - A too-big blazer or button down will look messy.
- Don't forget to press your clothes - I can't stress this enough.
- Hair should be worn as you normally would, but hairspray will tame flyaways. Blowouts are a great idea, and retouch your roots if need be. Best time for a haircut is a week or so before your session.
- Make-up should be kept natural, and it can be a nice treat to have it professionally done. False eyelashes are OK as long as they aren't overdone. Matte is better than shine.
- Groom or shape your eyebrows a day before your session.
- Drink lots of water and be well-rested ahead of your session.
Lastly, because everyone asks -- yes, I have some Photoshop tricks up my sleeve, and I'm willing to use them (sparingly). This includes the basics such as smoothing fine lines (if you ask!) or blemishes, but not giving you a whole new physique. I don't recommend removing anything "permanent" such as birthmarks. Because honestly, I think you're perfect just the way you are.
FIND US
Based in Andover and available
North and West of Boston.
@cristenfarrellphotography