Headshot Style Guide
Choosing The Right Look
When it comes to selecting your look, it is important to bear in mind that a headshot is an instant impression of you and the company you represent. Does your company have particular brand criteria and guidelines? What is the nature of your work and what is the culture of your industry or firm? Are you aiming to build trust with a traditional, more conservative look, or do you aim to stand out from the crowd and defy convention a little? This guide will help you make some choices that will produce a strong headshot with the focus on you! We have also included some tips and guidelines for hair, makeup and accessories.
Clothing Choice
While fashion photography aims to highlight the outfit, a headshot is trying to connect the viewer with you! As a general rule of thumb, selecting an outfit that will keep the focus on your face is a good idea. Choosing solids, neutral tones and darker colours helps to achieve this. If you wish, layer with either contrasting or complementary shades. Patterns are usually kept subtle and simple. A fitted white collared shirt or blouse is a timeless look. Does your company recommend a tie or is a more casual look preferred? When in doubt, ask HR or a director.
Hair & Makeup
When it comes to makeup, most business environements will want to keep the look day-wear, natural and fresh. If a makeup artist (MUA) has not been arranged, please bring some powder, lipstick and basics to freshen up prior to your photo shoot. A brush and some hairspray goes a long way to gently taming those fly-aways.
If a MUA is providing a full application, please arrive one hour prior to your shoot time with a fresh face and nothing more than a light moisturizer.
Jewellery, Accessories & Shoes
Jewellery can make a strong statement about your brand, success, and the image you project. Smaller subtle pieces that delicately accent the outfit and your look are generally recommended, however, one well-chosen statement piece can also be impactful and positive.
Although the classic head and shoulders headshot does not provide men with a lot of options for showing off jewellery, the wider shots we create in our branding sessions offer a chance to highlight watches, cufflinks, and rings. Ties and pocket squares are a great opportunity to show a splash of personality or subtly infuse brand colours.
Shoes are again not seen in the classic headshot, however, if a full-body photo is required, please consider your footwear and choose something that will make a good impression.
Body jewellery and tattoos are much more common and widely accepted in today’s society and professional circles. If you have plugs and or body jewellery that would leave holes or sagging skin when removed, we recommend keeping the jewellery in for your photo, or perhaps “dressing up” with a fancier piece than your daily wear. If looking to showcase your tattoos as part of your brand, consider how the garment choice will show the tattoos. A gentle exfoliation 48 hours before your shoot (not the day of your shoot as it can cause redness and puffiness), and applying a quality moisturizer on the tattoo the morning of your shoot will help to make your body art more vibrant and look great!
It’s all about your brand!
The above recommendations are tried and true concepts for a clean and professional headshot. They are generally geared towards the executive or modern business professional. That said, a more casual or edgy look is also accepted nowadays and may very much be on-brand with your business and your company’s culture. Perhaps this brief guide has provided some helpful suggestions for you or at least fueled some thought as you prepare for your shoot.
Our high volume sessions and express package will provide you with one stunning headshot in a classic, relaxed pose. Depending on the length and type of headshot session you have booked, we will work through a number of poses and crops, from head and shoulders to half body and full body in a variety of “looks” from the more casual to the formal. Our personal branding session is your best value and offers a deeper dive into creating a more comprehensive set of assets for you.
For more information or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out by email or phone, and we would be happy to help you prepare for a successful headshot portrait session!