Your company headshot or profile picture is often the first impression you make on potential clients, employers, and colleagues. It’s essential to present yourself in the best possible light. Choosing the right attire is crucial, as it reflects your professionalism, the image you want to project and (here's the important bit) your personality. Here’s a detailed guide to help you select the perfect outfit for your company headshot.
1. Understand the Company Culture
Before deciding what to wear, consider the culture of your company. Is it formal and conservative, or does it have a more relaxed and creative vibe? Your clothing choices should align with the company's dress code and the industry standards. For example:
Corporate Environment: Opt for formal business attire. Men might choose a well-fitted suit and tie, while women might opt for a tailored blazer and blouse.
Creative Industry: A smart-casual look might be more appropriate. Think of stylish yet professional outfits like a crisp cotton shirt or a stylish silk shirt / blouse paired with smart trousers or a skirt.
2. Choose Neutral and Solid Colours
Neutral and solid colors are usually the best choice for headshots. They are timeless and don’t distract from the important part of the photo - you. Here are some tips on color selection:
Blues and Whites: These colours tend to be flattering on most people and convey professionalism.
Avoid Bold Patterns and Bright Colours: They can be distracting and may not photograph well.
Consider Skin Tone: Choose colours that complement your skin tone.
Consider brand colours: Think about how the colours you choose will complement (and preferably not directly) match the brand colours that the image will sit within on your company website.
Find out what the back drop colour will be from your photographer: Is the ambient office environment your backdrop, or a coloured / textured backdrop. Then you can complement colours accordingly.
3. Fit and Comfort
Comfortable people make for confident headshots. You need to be comfortable and therefore your clothing should be well-fitted but not too tight. Ill-fitting clothes can be distracting and make you feel uncomfortable, which may show in your photos. Here are some tips:
Tailoring: Ensure your clothes are tailored to your body. Baggy or overly tight clothes can look unprofessional.
Comfort: Choose clothes you feel comfortable in, as discomfort can affect your posture and expression.
4. Pay Attention to Details
Details can make a big difference in how professional and polished you look:
Ironing Ironing Ironing!!! I talk about this a lot: Wrinkles can be very noticeable in photos and can spoil a perfect shot, so make sure your clothes are well-ironed.
Check for Stains and Lint: Ensure your outfit is clean and free of any stains or lint.
Accessories: Keep accessories minimal and tasteful. Avoid large, flashy jewellery that can draw attention away from your face.
5. Grooming and Makeup
Your grooming and makeup should be polished but natural. Here are some tips:
Hair: Ensure your hair is clean and neatly styled. Avoid drastic hairstyles that might not reflect your usual appearance.
Makeup: If you wear makeup, opt for a natural look but wear just a little more than you might do on a normal day. Focus on enhancing your features without going overboard.
Facial Hair: If you have facial hair, make sure it is well-groomed and tidy.
Choosing the right outfit for your company headshot is essential to ensure you are comfortable and feel confident. It goes a long way to making a positive and lasting impression. By understanding your company culture, selecting appropriate colours, ensuring a good fit, paying attention to details, and preparing thoroughly, you can present yourself as confident, professional, and approachable. Once all that is done, I will ensure to connect with you during your shoot to work on bringing out that perfect bit of unique personality in your posing and expression.
FAQs
"Will you help me / my team with posing?"
Yes, absolutely. The biggest part of my job is posing you and helping you feel comfortable. I use a posing system that starts with the feet up and I will fully guide you and your team on every aspect of posing to ensure they look their best.
"Will you help with outfit guidance for my team?"
I will supply my "How to Prepare for your Headshot" pdf guide that you can share with each team member a week in advance of our session. It details clothing, colours and patterns, make up and of course, ironing!
"I'm not photogenic. Can you help?"
I can tell you now that nobody thinks they're photogenic! So many people walk in to my studio and say they aren't and that they hate having their photo taken and then walk out feeling completely different about it. I'll help you with styling advice, posing and expression to ensure you look your absolutely best.
"Can I bring an alternative outfit?"
Yes. In fact I advise doing that, to ensure you feel at your most comfortable for your shoot.
"How much do company headshots cost?"
I charge by the hour of shoot time and also have half day and full day rates. As of June 2024, my hourly rate is £225, for which I will sit a maximum of 6 people per hour, in order to ensure I have time to help even the most uncomfortable subject feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
"How do I choose a company headshot photographer?"
A good place to start is to look at their testimonials on Google. If lots of people are saying that the photographer made them feel very comfortable and that they enjoyed their shoot, then that's a great start. LinkedIn is a great source for finding local photographers and you can review the kinds of things they're talking about in their posts - not just showing their beautiful imagery, but also tackling the kinds of questions their potential clients might have.
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