If you're preparing for a business headshot session, you want to make sure that you look professional and put-together. But that doesn't mean you can't have a little fun with your outfit! Gone are the days of cookie-cutter corporate headshots. You are your strongest asset and a business portrait or LinkedIn photo should focus on the qualities that are unique to your story, your experience, your branding, and your goals. Here are three things to consider when picking the perfect outfit for your headshot:

What is my branding?

Consider the subject of the portrait (you!). Think about the industry you work in and the kind of image you want to project. If you work in a creative field, you might want to wear something a little more colorful and expressive that can be seen on a bright webpage paired with warm, personable biographies. If you work in a more formal industry, like finance or law, you might want to stick to something more classic and understated. The branding associated with these industries leans toward sleekness, efficiency, and professionalism. Consider these guidelines to point yourself in the right direction. From there, think about the things that make you unique in your industry. What are your values? All of these small details will inform your branding and give you (or a photographer) an idea of how to market yourself.

What is my story?

Think about the story your headshot is telling. This should go hand in hand with your branding goals. What do you want people to think when they see your photo? If you want to come across as confident and assertive, wear something with clean lines and a strong silhouette. If you want to come across as friendly and approachable, wear something with softer lines and a more relaxed fit. Don’t forget accessories and layers! A blazer can add elegance to a blouse and a wristwatch can add a sense of maturity and organization to a look. Consider the way color can be used in your wardrobe. A powder blue suit jacket is going to convey a very different message than a neutral black or gray. This contrast may be a perfect way to differentiate your cover photo and a contact page photo. A client may find your LinkedIn profile looking for a decisive, confident professional and decide to reach out on your website after seeing a warm, approachable portrait. Your brand is an umbrella that can serve multiple stories, depending on its purpose.

What do I need the headshot for?

The intended usage and audience of a headshot will greatly inform the way you prepare for a session. For example, if you need the headshot for a corporate website, you might want to wear something more formal and conservative - oftentimes your own team will provide you or the photographer with specifics on what to wear. On the other hand, if you're using the headshot for a more casual social media profile, you might want to wear something more relaxed and approachable. Additionally, consider the audience you are trying to reach. If you are in a client-facing role, you want to convey a sense of professionalism and reliability - something that will earn their trust and confidence in your expertise. If you are in a more creative role, you might want to showcase your unique personality and style - choices that will make you stand out against a crowd of other creatives. Consider the purpose of your headshot and who will be viewing it when choosing what to wear for your session. This will help you convey the right message and accurately represent your personal brand.

At the end of the day, preparing an outfit for business headshots can feel like a daunting task. The actors I work with face the same challenge and my advice to them really does not differ very much. The product serves the same purpose. We are communicating who we are and what we represent to a specific audience. Breaking down these details will help you approach your preparation with specificity. And always, phone a photographer! I’m always happy to schedule a consultation to answer questions and help my clients strategize on how to best represent themselves to a target audience!