Getting ready for a corporate headshot can create some anxiety. You want to look your best, but you don’t always know how to dress and what’s been proven to work.
That’s why we discuss what to wear for corporate headshots in this guide. But first, here’s a quick list of helpful tips to get you started:
- Always wear pressed, well-fitting clothes
- Prioritise mid-tone solids
- Add minimal patterns on items
- Prioritise matte fabrics
- Adopt tidy grooming
- Consider optional accessories
- Bring a lint roller
Now, let’s go over our tips in more detail so you can feel confident about your upcoming corporate headshots in Brisbane.
Press Your Clothes And Ensure They Fit
First, press your clothes to make them appear smarter by lifting and lowering a hot iron onto them sequentially. This technique gets rid of creases that will otherwise show up on corporate headshots taken with high-quality cameras.
Going along with this, ensure your clothes fit. If they are too tight or baggy, it could look awkward in the photo. Spend some time checking the mirror to see if everything makes sense, or preferably on a smartphone, before the main shoot.
Choose The Right Colours And Patterns
Next, when thinking about what to wear for a headshot, consider colours and patterns. We suggest focusing on mid-tones, or basically shades falling somewhere in the middle of the darkest and lightest colours in an image. Don’t go for pure whites or blacks, as these can look a bit odd.
Examples of mid-tones include medium grey (literally in the middle of black and white), taupe and light peach. These colours look good in real life, but even better on camera, providing proper contrast with whites and blacks in the background.
Select The Right Fit, Necklines and Layers
At the same time, you want the right fit, necklines and layers. As a general rule, these should be clean and professional.
Structured collars are shirt collars that maintain their shape by themselves and don’t need support. They often incorporate stiffening elements and work well in photos because they frame the face and offer a polished appearance.
You should also aim for clean necklines as part of professional headshot clothing. These include V-necks, boat necks and collared shirts (as mentioned above). They work in photos because they improve facial proportions and reduce visual distractions (which can occur if the neckline is unclear).
Lastly for this section, think about the layers of clothing you’ll wear. It’s good policy to stack these on top of each other to build visual interest. For example, you’ll want a garment worn close to the skin, perhaps a middle layer shirt, and then a blazer or jacket. This approach tends to be more flattering and versatile.
Add Accessories, Glasses And Proper Grooming
In addition to headshot outfit ideas, ensure you have the proper accessory setup. Ensure you only pick non-reflective jewellery so it doesn’t reflect the camera flash. For example, go for a matte metal instead of polished silver or gold.
If you wear glasses, clean the lenses. Dirt or smudges can prevent the camera from picking up on your eyes, and any grease can cause additional reflections.
If you have the option, wear glasses without a heavy anti-glare tint. Again, these can be reflective.
As for grooming, choose light, matte makeup. Make sure you keep your hair and facial hair clean and ordered. Stray strands don’t work well on camera.
Keep Your Clothing Practical
Of course, the weather can be hot and humid for much of the year in Brisbane. Therefore, we suggest wearing breathable fabrics and clothing that reduce the risk of sweat patches.
If necessary, we recommend changing into more formal or corporate clothes on arrival. This way, you can adjust your attire to what’s most comfortable.
Bringing a tie, scarf or jacket is also an option. You can wear it for the shoot and then take it offer later.
Check Your Final On-Camera Prep
Lastly, we suggest testing your outfits in daylight to see whether they work on camera. Generally, it’s not a good idea to make last-minute buys. These aren’t always as photogenic in real life as they are on mannequins.
During the shoot, focus on your posture and follow the photographer’s instructions. They will usually guide you.
And finally, don’t forget to breathe and enjoy the experience!
To learn more or book, contact Leah Desborough today.
Lastly, we suggest testing your outfits in daylight to see whether they work on camera. Generally, it’s not a good idea to make last-minute buys. These aren’t always as photogenic in real life as they are on mannequins.
During the shoot, focus on your posture and follow the photographer’s instructions. They will usually guide you.
And finally, don’t forget to breathe and enjoy the experience!
To learn more or book, contact Leah Desborough today.
