Portrait Clothing Suggestions

Quality is the utmost focus in our photography services.

Clothing Suggestions For Headshots

Male Headshots

male headshot with a suit and tie

Headshots for men

Preparing for your headshot is important. From time to time, clients ask us what we recommend they wear for their headshot session. In general, the answer is simple, the clothing should represent your industry and position. 

Most importantly, make sure your shirt looks fresh and ironed, wrinkles may distract from your photo. If you need to wear a jacket, consider darker tones like black or dark navy with a lighter toned shirt. Equally important, it is better to stay away from bold textures and bright colors. Also, if you want to wear just a shirt, consider long sleeve shirts, short sleeves draw attention to your arms. 

Additionally, make sure your clothes fit you, do not wear clothes that are too tight or too loose on you. In case, you are not sure what to wear, bring 3-4 different shirts and jackets. Accordingly, we will give you some recommendations on what we think will work for you. Read how to Prepare For Your Headshot.

Female Headshots

office headshot for a female executive

Headshots for women

The same rule for clothing applies to female headshots, stay away from bright colors, distracting patterns and bold prints. After all, you want the person viewing your headshot to be drawn to your face and not your clothes. We should also mention that it is better not to wear clothes with shiny elements, they are distracting.

If you want to wear earrings and jewelry it is equally important to keep it simple. As an example, a small piece of jewelry on a dark shirt or blouse will add to your business headshot.

A search for images of “female headshots” to see what female executives are wearing for their headshots can be helpful. At this point, you can then make an intelligent decision according to your taste for clothing. 

Visit our FAQ about headshots on Palo Alto Headshots Events a subsidiary of Hagop’s Photography. 

Make Up and Hair

female professional headshot

Wear the clothes you like that reflect your personality

Both men and women, as well as children should pay attention to their appearance. To demonstrate, avoiding bright colored headbands or hair-clips for little girls, may be distracting in the photograph. Additionally, for outdoor portraits consider using hair spray to help you control your hair when there are wind issues.

Visit Professional Headshots Page.

Props or Special Clothes

couple photo with white clothes

Engagement photo at Stanford university in Palo Alto

Props such as musical instruments, athletic equipment, a special costume even a hat, may be appropriate. Especially, if they are part of what you want your portrait to tell about you. To put it another way, feel free to bring what is necessary to complete your portrait.

Color

outdoor family portrait

Outdoor family portrait at Stanford university in Palo Alto. Notice, clothes are on the neutral side

For any portrait, bright vibrate colors should be avoided as they will distract from you. Generally, mid range colors or even black (as it is slimming) are usually the best. Also, patterns should be avoided. Additionally, you also may want to think about where in your home you will be displaying your portrait. For that purpose, you may want to compliment that area. Visit Our Portrait Photography Page.

Portraits Tell Stories

candid photo of an engaged couple showing their backs

Candid photo during an engagement portrait session

A portrait tells the viewer who you are. Whether it is an individual, a couple or a family or group photograph, and clothing plays a very important part in the story. That said, your clothing can be casual or formal depending on the purpose.

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