What to Wear for Your Headshot Session | Tips from a Pasadena Photographer
One of the most common questions I get before a headshot session is: "What should I wear?" It's a great question — your outfit can make or break your photos. Here are my top tips to help you show up confident and camera-ready.
Stick to Solid Colors
Busy patterns, large logos, and bold graphics draw the eye away from your face — which is the whole point of a headshot. Solid colors photograph cleanly and keep the focus where it belongs. Navy, cream, soft grey, forest green, and burgundy are all excellent choices.
Avoid Bright White and Neon
Pure white can blow out in the light and create harsh contrast against your skin. Neon colors cast unflattering color on your face. Opt for off-white, ivory, or soft pastels instead.
Dress for Your Industry
Think about who is going to see your headshot and what impression you want to make. A corporate executive might choose a tailored blazer, while a creative entrepreneur might go for something more relaxed and personal. Your headshot should feel like the best version of you — not a costume.
Bring Multiple Outfits
I always recommend bringing 2 to 3 outfit options to your session. This gives us variety and ensures you'll have options for different uses — LinkedIn, your website, press features, and social media all have different tones.
Pay Attention to Fit
Clothes that fit well always photograph better than clothes that are too loose or too tight. If something has been sitting in your closet unworn, your session is not the time to debut it. Wear something you feel great in.
Grooming and Hair
Get a haircut or blowout a day or two before — not the morning of, so it has time to settle naturally. For makeup, go slightly more polished than your everyday look since the camera softens everything slightly.
What to Avoid
Sleeveless tops unless you love your arms on camera
Loud jewelry that competes with your face
Clothes with wrinkles — steam or iron everything beforehand
Shoes that don't match the overall look (yes, we sometimes shoot full length)
Ready to Book Your Headshot Session?
I offer professional headshot sessions from my San Marino studio, serving clients throughout Pasadena, Arcadia, Alhambra, and the greater Los Angeles area. Sessions are relaxed, guided, and designed to get you the images you actually need.
Schedule a complimentary chat and let's get you camera-ready.
Shinkfield Studio is a boutique portrait photography studio in San Marino, CA. Specializing in headshots, family portraits, and dog photography throughout the San Gabriel Valley since 2009.
