Headshot prep guide
Let me introduce myself :)
I offer professional headshots that give a clear, confident message about who you are as a business and I love to use natural lighting and backdrops. Whether it's a park, garden, or urban setting, let's create stunning images that reflect your personality and style. If you prefer a specific location like a cafe or commercial business area for your photoshoot, I am happy to arrange it.
Let's capture images that truly represent your business and brand. Tailored packages to meet your unique needs. From individual headshots to team photos, we can create a package that suits your requirements and budget.
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What to wear...
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I often get asked about what to wear on a photoshoot, and I always say to choose clothes that you feel comfortable wearing both in the fit and the style. Don’t go out of your comfort zone with something that would make you feel self-conscious wearing to out in public. The following tips may be of help if you're wondering what to choose.
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1. Decide what type of clothes your job requires. If you wear a suit to work then wear your favourite suit to the shoot. Once you have something you will feel comfortable in then you can concentrate on your expression as your audience want to see you looking like 'you'.
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2. Choose well fitting clothing. Ill fitting clothes tend to make people look larger on camera.
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Women -
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Choose an unfussy neckline—think timeless and classic.
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Layering is a great way to quickly change up your look in the studio. For example, a crisp white shirt can easily be dressed up with a blazer then scarf. Layering helps to soften the neckline and creates an opportunity to use complementary colours. If you have lots of hair coming down onto your shoulders, layering at the neckline creates a soft, even frame for the face.
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Fabric with texture looks great if that’s your thing.
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Men -
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Business Casual Look – Light colour button shirt, open neck, collar under jacket lapel, dark well-fitted jacket.
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Formal Look – Light-coloured, plain or small-patterned shirt, tie, dark suit jacket. Ensure your shirt collar is the right fit for your neck and the tie is neatly knotted, covering the top button.
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If you plan to do jacket on / jacket off, don’t choose a white shirt as it can look too bright against your skin. A light colour like blue or a subtle pattern works well.
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3. I would recommend mid-tone plain colours, they are universally flattering and makes sure your face remains the focal point of the image.
- Classic darker neutral colours such as navy and green, remain timeless over the years.
- Try and avoid busy patterns, stripes or loud prints that can distract from your face.
- Black can come across as too severe, although can be softened with jewellery or layering. Whites and beiges can wash you out in certain lighting.
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4. If you own a business or represent a company with signature colours, consider subtly incorporating them into your outfit. However, avoid being too “matchy”, your outfit should complement your brand, not overwhelm it.
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5. Less is more with accessories. You don't want them to overwhelm or distract from your image. If big jewellery is part of your image, then make sure it doesn't overpower your look.
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6. If you want to look well groomed then it is a good idea to hire a make up artist for the shoot. You want to make sure make up is natural and avoid over glossy or shimmery products. Remember that people will focus on your eyes and mouth when viewing your photo.
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7. Things to avoid...
Avoiding fashion trends is advisable as, once you have a head shot you love, these photos could be around for years so you don't want it to go out of date.
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- Busy patterns and logos: Keep the focus on you, not the fabric.
- Overly bright colours: These can be distracting and create harsh reflections.
- Ill-fitting clothing: Clothes that are too big or too small can create unflattering lines.
- Casual outfits: Unless your industry leans toward a relaxed dress code, avoid overly casual looks like t-shirts, hoodies, or sportswear.
- Bare shoulders or arms: Avoid sleeveless tops, as bare arms highlight the contrast between the tone and colour of your arms with your face. You also risk showing your armpits in certain poses, and that is best avoided with most people.
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8. Your headshot is a powerful tool for your personal brand. Consider what message you want to convey:
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Leadership and authority: A jacket and strong colours like navy or deep green project confidence.
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Approachability: Softer, warm tones like maroon or deep blues can make you seem more welcoming.
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Creativity: If you’re in a creative industry, a pop of colour (in moderation) can showcase personality while keeping things professional.
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9. Wearing glasses for your headshot is great, but make sure they are spotlessly clean, any fingerprints or dust will show up on the final image. If you wear glasses at your desk but won't be wearing them for the photos, make sure you take them off at least half an hour before the shoot. The last thing you want is the little red marks on the side of your nose showing up in the photo!
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10. Have fun! Rules are made to be broken, so choose what you feel comfortable in. This is just a guide to help you get thinking about things that may not have occurred to you.
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