How To Take Professional Portraits

One of the most important aspects of your headshot session is what you wear. You’ll want to wear something that is timeless, professional, represents who you are, and tells people what is it that you do. So how does one go about selecting the perfect outfit(s)? We have 4 helpful tips on how to prepare for your professional headshot session.

1. Keep it classic. Wearing solid instead of patterned clothing will help avoid aging your photos. Try to avoid the current fashion trends and opt for more tried and truer silhouettes. Classic blazers, suits, long sleeve button-ups, A-line or wrap dresses, and blouses with pencil skirts or trousers are all easy go-to options that stand the test of time. You can also bring in your work uniform for job-specific photos. Be sure to keep these rules in mind for your hair and makeup as well. A well-groomed, hygienic, and simple aesthetic will allow you to get more use out of this investment. If you are still struggling with what to wear, I am happy to help style you and send you Pinterest boards to keep your experience stress-free.

2. Stick to what works. Neutral colors are always a great option as they tend to send a more serious and authoritative message. Black, greys, navy, light blue, white, and tan are all great options for a more traditional style. If you are in a creative field, adding a pop of color here or there would be a fun way to add some life to your portraits. This can be done subtly with an accessory like a belt or piece of jewelry, or even a pair of socks or shoes.

3. Don’t be afraid to bring props! To best convey who you are and what it is that you do, I recommend that you bring 1 or 2 props such as a cell phone, laptop, book, or something specific to your line of work are simple ways to represent you and your brand. 

4. Choosing the right background or location for your shoot. Headshots and professional lifestyle-type photos don’t necessarily have to be taken in a studio with a plain colored backdrop. Nowadays, business professionals are trying to stand out amongst the crowd and have unique and creative headshots that have a personal touch to them. Therefore, when you book your session with me, we set up a time to chat over the phone so I can get to know you and learn more about your vision. Each shoot I do is customized to each client, down to the poses and location to make sure your vision is brought to life.