As a professional, your headshot is one of the most important images on your social media profiles, business cards, and websites. It is the first thing most potential clients will see and form an opinion on. A strong corporate headshot leaves no room for doubts in the viewer’s minds—it is a confident representation of you and your brand. As such, you need to take your time and thoughtfully consider the clothing and style you wear for your shot. Keep reading to find out how to choose the right clothes for your corporate headshot.
Tips for choosing the right clothing for your corporate headshot
Define Your Style
The first step in choosing the right clothes for your corporate headshot is to define your style. Are you bold and modern, or classic and timeless? Do you like over-the-top styles with loads of detail, or do you prefer a more minimalist look? Take some time to reflect and understand what best represents you and your brand. Once you have an idea of what look you’re going for, you’ll be able to better select clothes that align with it.
Choose a Color Palette
Once you know a general style that you want to portray, it’s time to pick out a color palette. Find colors that complement each other and are within the same family. It might help to pull out a few ideas from the branding of your website or business cards. For example, if you have teal as an accent color on those items, consider incorporating that same teal into your clothing choices as well. Just be sure not to go overboard—too many colors can be overly distracting and take away from your features in the photo.
Stick with Solid Colors
When choosing clothing for a corporate headshot, it is usually best to stick with solid colors or subtle patterns. While print or loud patterns may look interesting when you’re standing still, they tend to become distracting and overwhelming when captured on camera. Stick with shades that aren’t too bright or dull so that the focus of the shot remains on you—not your clothes!
Consider the Neckline
A shirt’s or dress’s neckline plays an important role in headshots as it affects how much skin you show in the shot. Generally speaking, a collared shirt looks more professional than a tank top or t-shirt—but it also depends on the overall context of the shot. If you’re going for something more laid back, then a tank top might be appropriate, whereas if you’re looking for something more formal, then a shirt with a blazer could work well. When in doubt, try on different necklines until you find one that looks best based on what you’re trying to portray in the photo.
Accessorize with Care
Accessories can add an extra bit of personality and flair to any outfit. When selecting accessories for your corporate headshot, try to keep them simple yet meaningful—things like watches, glasses, jewelry, and scarves can complete an outfit without becoming too distracting or overwhelming in the shot. Just remember—less is often more!
Dress for Your Industry
Depending on the industry you work in (or want to work in), certain clothing choices may be more appropriate than others. For example, if you work in finance, then wearing a well-tailored suit might be preferred over casual clothing choices. On the other hand, if you’re in the creative industry, then wearing something fun and interesting may be more suitable for your headshot. Do some research into what is expected in your field before settling on any clothing choices for your shot!
Conclusion: Choosing The Right Clothes is Important
When taking photos for a corporate headshot, it is essential that you take some time to consider what type of clothing would look best on camera. Consider defining your style, picking out complimentary colors, sticking with solid colors or subtle patterns, thinking about necklines and accessorizing with care before making any final decisions. Also take into account what is expected in your field and dress appropriately based on those expectations. Doing so will ensure that your corporate headshot looks polished and professional!