What to wear for your corporate headshot

Corporate headshots are an essential for your business’ branding and making a strong first impression on clients, potential employers and colleagues. Whether your photo is going on the company website, your LinkedIn profile or the internal pages, you’ll want a headshot that you’re confident to share.

As a London corporate headshot photographer, here’s a few tips to help you look your best and get ready for your corporate headshot session.

What to wear?

Start with something that you’re comfortable in and you know looks good on camera. It’s best to wear fitted clothes that give some shape to your figure. Find the balance between something that is not too tight or too baggy and unflattering on camera.

The focus for a professional headshot should be on you. That means, avoiding logos, branded clothing, thin stripes and distracting patterns that take the attention away from your face. Solids are always a safe call or something with a small pattern.

You can’t go wrong with Classic and Professional

For Men: Opt for a well-fitted blazer or jumper in neutral colours paired with a crisp white or light-coloured dress shirt. If you need a formal option, choose a tie that complements but doesn't overpower the overall look.

For Women: A tailored blazer paired with a blouse or a professional dress works well. Choose solid colours or subtle patterns that exude confidence and professionalism.

Avoid distracting patterns, bright colours, thin stripes and solid black

Busy patterns, neon colours, and overly bold designs can be distracting and take the focus away from your face. Stick to solid colours and classic patterns.

While you might think black is flattering, on camera it actually looses all details, it looks flat and you’ll lack contour and definition. If black is a must for you, aim for something with a pattern or texture that might catch the light and provide some detail or a black blazer with a coloured shirt or vest visible underneath.

Dress for all seasons

Chances are that you’ll be using the same headshot year round so you want to be sure your clothing is suitable throughout the year. This means avoiding woolly jumpers, polo necks and summery sundresses.

Add a bit of variety

If you’d like several images and some variety in the look, bring a few options for a wardrobe change.

Beyond the clothing- don’t forget your personal grooming

Hair: Ensure your hair is neat and well-groomed. If you need a haircut, schedule it at least a week before the shoot to allow it to settle.

Facial Hair: Men should decide whether to go clean-shaven or neatly trimmed. Make sure to shave on the day of the shoot if you opt for a clean look.

Makeup: For women, natural makeup that enhances your features is best. Avoid heavy makeup; instead, focus on even skin tone, defined eyes, and a natural lip colour.

Glasses: If you generally wear glasses, by all means, wear them in the photos. Please clean your glasses before the shoot so they are free from smudges and finger prints.

Consider the Background and Company Culture

Think about the backdrop of your photo and the culture of your workplace. If the background is light, avoid wearing white or very pale colours to prevent blending in. Align your attire with your company's dress code—if it's more conservative, lean towards traditional business wear; if it's creative, you might incorporate a bit more personal style.

What you can do to prepare in advance

Get Plenty of Rest

Ensure you get a good night’s sleep before your photo session. Being well-rested helps you look fresh and alert.

Hydrate and Eat Healthily

Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your shoot to keep your skin looking hydrated and healthy. Avoid salty and greasy foods that can cause bloating or breakouts.

Practice Your Pose and Smile

Spend some time in front of the mirror practicing different poses and smiles. Find a natural expression that feels comfortable and confident. Consider your posture—stand or sit up straight to convey professionalism.

Choose Your Outfits in Advance

Select and try on your outfit(s) a few days before the shoot. Ensure everything fits well and is clean and pressed. Bring an extra shirt or blouse just in case of spills or other accidents.

Communicate with Your Photographer

Discuss with your photographer any specific requirements or preferences you have for your headshot. Understanding what you want can help the photographer guide you on the day of the shoot.

On the day - relax, be yourself and enjoy it

On the day of the shoot, try to relax. The more comfortable you are, the better your photos will turn out. Take deep breaths, think positive thoughts and trust the process. An experienced headshot photographer will guide you through the session and help create photos that you’re confident to use.

Time to refresh your corporate headshots? Please visit my headshots and business portraits page or contact Tricia to learn more.