Photo Headshot Guidelines
Summary Table
| Please DO Wear | Please DO NOT Wear |
|---|---|
| Rich, deep, solid colors | Strong patterns or bold prints |
| Business professional attire (button up shirts or blouses, suit or sport coat, and minimal accessories) | Clothing with large logos or images |
| Stud earrings, pearls, diamonds or gemstones | Too many accessories |
| Clothing that fits you well | Short sleeves or sleeveless shirts |
Steps to follow before headshot:
1. Only wear glasses that have minimal to no reflective coating.
- Make sure the lenses are clean before your headshots.
2. Jewelry should be tasteful and minimal.
3. Keep hair shiny and natural.
- Only use products that enhance shine.
- Do your hair in a style you typically wear.
4. Wear facial hair the way you normally would.
5. Remember to try and dress to impress an ideal employer or to look like your boss.
- Dress like you're trying to impress your ideal prospective collaborator.
- Choose moderately open necklines.
- Avoid low necklines you'll be tugging on.
- Avoid buttoned shirts that are too tight around your neck.
6. Do not wear tight patterns or tight textures.
- Avoid small polka dots, pinstripes, small checks, and tight patterns of any kind.
7. Wear long sleeve or three-quarter length sleeves.
8. Make sure clothing fit is right.
- Avoid baggy or loose clothing, as it will make you look larger in photos.
- Avoid fabrics that are clingy or shiny.
9. Look put together and tidy.
- Wear the right bra for the shirt you will wear.
- Avoid logos of any kind.
10. Do not wear bright and light colors! Wear muted and dark colors instead.
Resources
Headshots. University of North Dakota. https://und.edu/student-life/career-services/professional-headshots.html 2023
Headshots: The Ultimate Guide for what to wear and how to prepare. Janelle rose photography. https://www.janellerosephotography.com/commercial/headshots-what-to-wear/. 2022
What to wear for headshots 2023: The Ultimate Guide. City head shots. https://www.cityheadshots.com/blog/what-to-wear-for-a-professional-headshot-2021 2023.
What To Wear For Headshots Guide: Do’s And Don’ts For Clothes To Wear For Professional Headshots. Karen vais man photography. https://www.karenvaismanphotography.com/what-to-wear-for-headshots. 2023