A headshot is a photo of your face, so everything else should quietly support it. These rules are boring on purpose — they work, and they scale from one person to a fifty-person team that needs to look like one company.
Color
- Solid, mid-tone colors — navy, slate, forest, burgundy, charcoal. They frame the face without competing.
- Avoid pure white (glows, blows out) and pure black (turns to a shapeless void) unless there’s a layer to break it up.
- Skip neon and anything that casts colored light up onto your chin.
- Pick a color that contrasts with the background you’ll be shot on — ask in advance.
Neckline and fit
A defined neckline — a collar, a blazer lapel, a crew or V that sits well — gives the frame structure at the throat. Clothes should fit at the shoulders and collar; gaping or bunching shows immediately in a tight crop.
Layers and patterns
- A blazer, jacket or structured cardigan adds shape and reads as ‘put together’ even in business-casual fields.
- Small, low-contrast patterns are fine. Tight stripes and busy prints can shimmer or distract.
- Bring two or three options on hangers — it costs nothing and gives you a choice on the day.
Grooming and glasses
Hair as you normally wear it for work, done that morning. Shave or shape as usual — consistency with how you actually look matters more than ‘extra polished.’ If you wear glasses daily, wear them; the photographer will manage reflections. Matte makeup reduces shine under lights.
For teams
Send everyone the same one-paragraph guide and a three-color palette a week ahead. Ask for a layer (blazer or jacket) so junior and senior staff read consistently. Book a few minutes per person and keep a spare tie and lint roller on the table.
Frequently asked questions
What if our company is very casual?
Should I get a haircut right before?
Booking headshots for yourself or your team? Get in touch and we’ll send a wardrobe guide and a plan for the day.