Session planner
What to wear for headshots
Colors, necklines, layers and a checklist for LinkedIn, executive, medical and team headshots.
Short answer
For a headshot, wear a solid color in a mid or deep tone, with a jacket or collared top for structure. Skip busy patterns, tiny stripes and large logos. Bring a second outfit for a second look. This guide has a checklist by headshot type and a day-before list.
The short version
- Wear solid colors in mid or deep tones.
- Choose a jacket or a collar for structure.
- Skip tiny stripes, busy patterns and large logos.
- Steam or press everything the day before.
- Clean your glasses, and tidy your grooming a day ahead.
Colors and backgrounds
Solid colors keep the eye on your face. Mid and deep tones, such as navy, charcoal, forest green and burgundy, read well outdoors and in an office. Very pale tops can wash out against a bright sky, and black can lose detail in a dark room. If you are not sure, bring two colors and we pick on site.
Think about where the photo will run. A deep color stands out on a white web page. A softer color suits a warm, friendly profile. Tell me the use and I help you choose.
Necklines and collars
A crew neck is simple and works for most people. A V-neck should be shallow, so the frame stays modest. A collar should sit flat and fit snug at the neck. Jackets should fit across the shoulders, and sleeves should end at the wrist. If you wear a tie, check the knot in a mirror before you leave.
Layers and jackets
A jacket adds structure and gives a second look when you take it off. A thin layer under a jacket should not bunch at the collar. For an outdoor session in cool weather, a jacket also keeps you comfortable between frames.
Glasses
Clean the lenses before you arrive. Glare comes from the angle between the light and the lenses. A small tilt of the head or a change in the light angle fixes most of it, and I check each frame. If your glasses have a heavy frame, bring a second pair or try the frames off for one look.
Hair, grooming and timing
Get a haircut one to two weeks early, so it settles. Tidy facial hair the morning of the session. Skip anything new on your skin in the days before. Lip balm helps, and a small comb or blotting sheet in your bag covers touch-ups.
What to wear by headshot type
| Type | What to wear | What to bring |
|---|---|---|
| A solid top in a mid or deep tone, with a jacket or collar if it matches your field. | A second top for a second look. | |
| Executive | A well-fitted jacket and collar. Dark or mid tones read as calm and credible. | A second jacket color, and a pressed shirt in a spare. |
| Medical | The attire your practice uses: white coat, scrubs or business attire. Pick one for the whole group. | A casual top for social media. |
| Team | One agreed color family, so the team page looks like one team. | A lint roller and a spare top for each person. |
The day-before checklist
- Steam or press every outfit.
- Lay out shoes and accessories with each look.
- Pack a lint roller, a comb and lip balm.
- Clean your glasses.
- Drink water and sleep.
- Confirm the time and place.
The session prep checklist has a headshot tab you can tick off, and the outfit planner builds a palette for any session.
Ready to book?
Headshots start at $250. See headshot sessions, LinkedIn headshots, executive headshots, doctor headshots or team headshots.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear for a headshot?
Solid colors in mid or deep tones photograph well, and a jacket or collared top gives structure. Skip busy patterns and tiny stripes. Bring a second outfit if you book The Personal Brand. The headshot wardrobe guide has a checklist for LinkedIn, executive, medical and team headshots.
How long does a headshot session take?
The Professional takes about 20 minutes and includes 1 to 2 looks. The Personal Brand takes about 45 minutes and includes 2 to 3 outfits or backdrops. Team days run about 4 hours for a half day or about 8 hours for a full day. Add time to meet and park.
How much do headshots cost?
The Professional is $250 for 2 retouched images. The Personal Brand is $395 for 5. On-site team headshots are $150 per person, $1,200 for a half day or $2,200 for a full day. Prices are before tax, and the quote builder adds travel and tax for your exact total.
How many headshot photos do I get?
The Professional includes 2 retouched images. The Personal Brand includes 5. Extra edited images are $15 each, or $150 for a full gallery of extra edits. Every session also includes a print release, so you can use the images on your profile, website and print materials.
When do I get my headshots?
Two days after the session, in a private online gallery. The link comes by email, and every retouched image is ready to download, share and print. If you need them the next morning, rush delivery is an option. Tell me about any deadline, such as a new job or a launch, when you book.
Do you come to my office?
Yes. A quiet room with a window or a plain wall is enough, and a conference room or an empty office works well. Tell me your address, the room and how many people need a photo, and I confirm the travel fee before you book.
Next step
Book your headshot
Pick a date, and I send a short wardrobe note once you book.
Prefer to talk first? Call 919-917-3015 or see pricing.
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