What to Wear for Company Headshots: A Guide for Clients and Photographers

Company headshots are more than just a photo—they are a professional representation of an individual and their brand. Whether used for LinkedIn, company websites, or marketing materials, a well-prepared headshot session can make a huge difference. However, one of the most common issues in corporate headshot photography is a lack of preparation, often leading to unsatisfactory results.

This guide provides a structured approach to ensure both clients and photographers know exactly how to prepare for a company headshot session. From what to wear to how to set the right expectations, this article covers essential Do’s and Don’ts for both sides.

For Clients: What to Wear and How to Prepare

Do’s:

• Choose Classic and Professional Attire
  Stick to timeless business wear that aligns with your industry. A well-fitted blazer, a button-up shirt, or a professional blouse are safe choices.
• Opt for Solid Colors
  Solid colors tend to photograph better than busy patterns. Neutral or jewel tones work well, while very bright or neon colors can be distracting.
• Ensure a Proper Fit
  Clothes that are too tight or too loose can look unflattering. Make sure your outfit fits well and does not create wrinkles or folds.
• Layer for Versatility
  Adding a blazer or jacket provides options during the session. You can remove layers to achieve different looks in the same shoot.
• Keep Jewelry and Accessories Minimal
  Simple, classic jewelry works best. Avoid large, flashy accessories that may steal attention from your face.
• Prepare Your Grooming in Advance
  • Hair: Get a trim or styling a few days before the shoot.
  • Makeup: Keep it natural and matte to avoid shine.
  • Facial Hair: Ensure a neat shave or well-groomed beard.
• Bring a Backup Outfit
  Accidents happen. Bringing a second option ensures you have a backup in case of spills or unexpected wardrobe mishaps.
• Iron and Steam Your Clothes
  Wrinkles show up in photos, so make sure your outfit is pressed and presentable.

Don’ts:

• Avoid Busy Patterns and Logos
  Stripes, checks, and bold patterns can create distractions. Company logos (unless necessary) can make the image look like an advertisement rather than a professional headshot.
• Don’t Wear Shiny or Reflective Fabrics
  Satin and silk may look great in person but can reflect too much light in photos.
• Say No to Sleeveless Tops or Deep Necklines
  Unless the dress code allows it, sleeveless tops can look unprofessional and unbalanced in a headshot.
• Avoid Trendy or Overly Casual Attire
  What looks stylish now may look outdated in a few years. Stick to classic, professional looks.
• Don’t Overdo Makeup or Self-Tanner
  Heavy makeup and artificial tanning can look unnatural under professional lighting.

For Photographers: How to Guide Clients and Prepare for the Session

Before the Session:

• Provide a Dress Code Guide
  Many photographers fail to educate clients about attire, then blame them for poor choices. Send a guideline well in advance to avoid issues.
• Understand the Client’s Industry and Branding
  A corporate lawyer will require a different style than a creative director. Ask about company branding to align headshots accordingly.
• Confirm the Background and Lighting Setup
  Certain colors work better against specific backgrounds. Knowing this helps guide clothing choices.
• Encourage Clients to Bring Options
  If in doubt, clients should bring multiple outfits. This gives flexibility in case an outfit doesn’t work as expected.

During the Session:

• Check for Wardrobe Issues Before Shooting
  • Adjust ties, collars, and lapels.
  • Smooth out wrinkles.
  • Remove lint or dust with a lint roller.
• Guide Clients on Posing and Posture
  • Encourage relaxed shoulders and a slight tilt forward.
  • Offer posing adjustments to complement the clothing (e.g., adjusting jacket buttons or tucking in loose fabric).
• Use Flattering Lighting for Clothing Choices
  • Overly bright lighting can make light-colored clothing look washed out.
  • Dark clothing can blend too much with dark backgrounds.
• Pay Attention to Reflections
  • Glasses should have an anti-reflective coating.
  • Shiny jewelry or fabrics should be adjusted to avoid glare.

After the Session:

• Offer Basic Retouching
  Remove minor wrinkles in clothing but avoid excessive edits that make the image look unnatural.
• Provide Image Previews and Selection Guidance
  Clients may need help choosing the best images. Offer input on which headshots best match their industry and personal brand.

Final Thoughts

A successful corporate headshot session requires preparation from both the client and the photographer. Clients should take the time to choose the right outfit, while photographers should guide them to avoid common pitfalls. By following these do’s and don’ts, both parties can work together to create professional, polished, and impactful headshots that reflect the subject’s brand and career aspirations.