WHAT TO WEAR GUIDE FOR BUSINESS HEADSHOTS AND CORPORATE PHOTOSHOOTS
Deciding what to wear for a business headshot or corporate photo shoot can feel overwhelming. What you wear, and how you prepare for your session, plays a crucial role in achieving professional and impactful results. To make things easier, I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your shoot and look your best.
General Tips
- Plan Your Wardrobe in Advance:
Dedicate time to carefully select and prepare outfits for your photo shoot. It’s always a good idea to bring multiple wardrobe options, depending on your session package, to provide flexibility. - Keep Your Clothes Ready:
Hang your outfits on hangers and place them in a garment bag to avoid wrinkles. - Start in Your Favorite Outfit:
Arrive in the first outfit you’d like to be photographed in. - Get Rested and Refreshed:
A good night’s sleep before your shoot ensures you look and feel your best. - Skin and Makeup Preparation:
- Arrive with clean, moisturized skin.
- If makeup is being done on-site, a fresh face will help the artist work their magic.
- If doing your own makeup, go for a natural look and bring your kit for touch-ups.
- Hair Styling:
Style your hair beforehand. A neat, natural look works well for most corporate sessions. - Be On Time:
Arrive early to your session to avoid stress and give yourself time to relax and settle in. - Relax and Enjoy:
Above all, enjoy the experience! A confident, happy demeanor will shine through in your photos.
Wardrobe Guidelines
Corporate Look for Women
- Opt for tailored suit jackets that fit perfectly, paired with complementary bottoms and shoes.
- Ideal colors include gray, navy blue, black, and other neutral tones with tailored details.
- Blouses made from silky fabrics look great on camera. Consider solid colors or subtle accents in jewel tones like blue, green, wine, or purple.
- Keep accessories simple—earrings, bracelets, or necklaces add visual interest without overwhelming.
- Ensure proper undergarments for a polished appearance.
Business Casual Look for Women
- Wrap dresses or tops with a waist-accentuating cut are universally flattering.
- Stick to plain colors. Patterns and prints can be distracting and date your photos. Jewel tones like blue, green, and purple work best.
- V-neck tops are excellent for elongating the neck. Pair them with complementary tank tops for added dimension.
- Casual blazers or jackets are perfect for layering.
- Accessories like belts or minimal jewelry enhance your look for medium shots.
Corporate Look for Men
- A tailored suit and a crisp dress shirt are classic and professional.
- Bring at least three tie options in colors like red, blue, purple, or black to coordinate with your shirt.
- Pocket squares and vests can add sophistication for a polished style.
- French blue and purple shirts paired with dark gray, navy, or black jackets are always flattering.
- Avoid bold prints, neon colors, all-white, or all-black ensembles unless previously discussed with your photographer.
Business Casual Look for Men
- Choose dress shirts that can transition between formal and relaxed looks.
- Bring undershirts if needed, and at least three tie options for versatility.
- Blazers and casual jackets paired with collared shirts offer a relaxed yet professional vibe.
- Stick to flattering color palettes like French blue or purple with gray or navy tones.
Things to Avoid
- Sleeveless tops, overly tight or revealing clothing, and anything too casual.
- Patterns, busy prints, and stark colors like white or black, as they can disrupt the camera’s exposure and clash with backdrops.
- Flesh-tone colors (beige, peach, pastel) that blend into skin tones.
- Trendy items that might look dated in a few years.
- Haircuts immediately before your shoot—give it a few days to settle naturally.
Posing Made Simple
Worried about posing? Don’t be! Posing is simply about adopting a stance or position that flatters you. I’ll guide you through the process, offering tips and directions to help you feel relaxed and look your best. Remember, the goal is to make you shine.
Shoot Location and Lighting
Whether your session is in a studio or on-site, I use professional lighting to bring out your best. My LED lights are bright yet cool, ensuring you stay comfortable throughout the session.
Don’t Forget Your Smile
Your smile is your most powerful asset. While it may take a few moments to feel at ease, I’ll help create a comfortable atmosphere so your genuine personality shines through.
Final Thoughts
This guide is designed to help you look and feel your best for your corporate photo shoot. Remember, it’s your session, so ultimately, wear what makes you comfortable and confident. Above all, relax, have fun, and let your personality shine!
Contact me today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward elevating your brand, with a professional headshot or corporate photoshoot.