Women’s Headshot Tips
When you get the best photos of yourself you attract the right clients or get the job interview you applied for. The best headshots are authentic and genuine. They show personality, approachability, and professionalism.
In the many years I have been photographing business headshots I’m asked the same question over and over again. “What should I wear for my professional headshots?” So I’ve put together my top 5 tips and recommendations about professional headshots for women so you can have amazing portraits. I know how important your photos are to your online presence. I want you to succeed, get incredible headshots, and love what’s been created.
1) Choose Flattering Clothing
Wear well-fitted clothing. Not too tight but not too loose.
Avoid low-cut tops.
Long sleeves are better for headshots than short sleeves. The less skin that shows in the photo the better.
Pastel colors and other neutral colors should be carefully chosen. You don't want the outfit to blend in with your skin tone.
Be sure undergarments are not visible through the top including straps and bras hanging out.
Your wardrobe should reflect the type of job you are in or looking for.
What is the best color to wear for a headshot?
Plain colours are the best choice.
Patterns are too busy and distracting for a headshot photo.
Avoid flesh tones, beige, peach, browns, or yellows. As these will blend your face and arms into the outfit.
Keep color choices in the mid-tone range.
Purples, blues, greens, are flattering.
Black, grey & white are a safe bet.
Go With Your Everyday Hairstyle
Your hairstyle should reflect how you look daily. When someone sees your profile photos or headshot on your website or online, it should reflect how you look in real life and in person. You want to look like your photo so there are no surprises when you meet someone for the first time. However, this doesn't mean showing up with messy hair or how you would wear your hair to the gym. Remember your corporate headshot is not a glamor shot.
How do I style my hair for a headshot?
Getting your hair done on the day of your photo session can be beneficial.
A blow-dry is recommended on the day of the shoot, if you have the time & if that’s how you love your hair to look.
If you normally wear your hair straight don’t get it styled with too many curls.
When cutting and coloring hair have this done about a week or twobefore your headshots are taken. This allows for time to look more natural.
Avoid frizzy flyaways in your photo by washing your hair the night before or having it styled the day of the shoot. Apply products that help maintain hair. 3. Keep Jewelry Simple
Should you wear jewellery in a headshot?
It is recommended to wear as minimal jewellery as possible to keep from distractions. If you do choose to wear jewelry keep it clean and timeless.
Keep jewellery at a minimum, if any at all.
Necklaces can be too distracting in a headshot unless its small & simple..
Big shiny earrings will take the focus off you.
It is not recommended to wear big clunky jewellery in a professional headshot.Make-up Matters
If you decide to have makeup done professionally be sure to make it look natural. Don’t overdo it. Make-up is meant to enhance your beauty and conceal minor blemishes. Keep in mind this is a headshot and you want it to reflect how you look if they met you in person.
Should I wear makeup in my headshot?
Yes, wearing makeup will look good in photos.
If you do wear makeup be sure it is evenly applied.
Keep it to what you wear daily. So your photos reflect how you look.
Avoid too much makeup. No one has perfect skin, we don’t expect you to conceal all blemishes.
Think more natural.
Get plenty of rest the night before.
Stay well hydrated. This does wonders for your skin.
Avoid facial treatments, waxing, and masks the day before, that’s best a week before. Ask me for all your skin questions.
Moisturising your skin leading up to your session is always a great idea.
Keep with your daily routine, don’t try new products right before your photos.
How do I prepare for my headshot?
Preparing mentally for your session is a good idea. Feel confident on the day of the shoot.
Rest, relax, and enjoy your session. Have a plan, don’t rush. Organise your outfits the night before.
Relax.
Avoid alcohol the night before your session.
Get plenty of rest.
Bring a spare outfit just incase.
Have a manicure or paint your nails.
