What to Wear for a Professional Headshot: A Photographer's Guide
Your professional headshot is often your first introduction.
Before someone reads your résumé, visits your website, or meets you in person, they've likely already seen your photograph. Whether it's on LinkedIn, your company's website, a business card, or social media, your headshot is making a first impression long before you shake hands.
The clothing you choose should complement you—not compete with you. The goal is to create a timeless, professional image that you'll still be proud to use years from now.
The good news is that you don't need an expensive wardrobe. With a few thoughtful choices, you'll look polished, confident, and approachable.
Dress for the Job You Want to Represent
Think about where your headshot will be used.
Are you a financial advisor? Attorney? Realtor? Healthcare professional? Business owner? Executive? Entrepreneur?
Your clothing should reflect the image you want others to associate with your personal brand. The right wardrobe communicates professionalism without distracting from what matters most—your face and your expression.
General Tips for Everyone
Choose clothing that fits well.
Solid colors almost always photograph better than busy patterns.
Avoid large logos, graphics, or distracting text.
Wear clothing that reflects your profession and personality.
Iron or steam your clothing before your session.
Bring a lint roller if you have pets.
If you wear glasses every day, wear them for your headshot. They are part of who you are.
At True West Photos, every professional headshot session includes one clothing change, allowing you to create two different professional looks.
What Men Should Wear
Simple almost always wins.
Great Choices
Well-tailored suit
Sport coat
Dress shirt with or without a tie
Polo shirt for a business-casual appearance
Solid-colored sweater over a collared shirt
Colors That Photograph Well
Navy
Charcoal
Medium blue
Forest green
Burgundy
White
Light blue
Try to Avoid
Busy plaid or bold stripes
Neon colors
Large logos
Wrinkled clothing
Jackets that are too large or too small
Should you wear a tie?
It depends on your profession. Attorneys, bankers, executives, and financial professionals often benefit from wearing one. Creative professionals, technology workers, and entrepreneurs often look equally professional with an open collar.
What Women Should Wear
Choose clothing that helps people notice your face—not your wardrobe.
Great Choices
Blazers
Professional blouses
Solid-colored dresses
Sweaters
Layered business attire
V-neck or scoop-neck tops
Colors That Photograph Beautifully
Navy
Emerald green
Burgundy
Teal
Soft blue
White
Black (when properly lit)
Jewelry
Simple jewelry usually photographs best. A favorite necklace or elegant earrings can add personality, but avoid pieces that are oversized, reflective, or distracting.
Makeup
Natural makeup typically photographs beautifully. If you normally wear makeup, slightly more definition around the eyes often photographs well. Matte products generally produce a cleaner look than highly reflective finishes.
Bring Two Different Looks
One clothing change gives you more versatility.
For example:
Professional Look
Perfect for LinkedIn, company websites, annual reports, and business marketing.
Business Casual Look
Ideal for social media, networking events, speaking engagements, podcasts, and personal branding.
Having two distinct looks gives you flexibility for different situations without needing another session.
"I'm Not Photogenic"
This is probably the sentence I hear most often.
Almost every client says it before we begin.
The truth is, you don't need to know how to pose.
Every session is fully guided. From posture and body position to facial expression, hand placement, and eye direction, I'll coach you through each step. My job is to help you look relaxed, confident, and approachable—not stiff or uncomfortable.
Within just a few minutes, most clients are surprised at how natural the experience feels.
Your Professional Image Matters
A professional headshot is more than just a photograph—it's often your first introduction.
Whether someone finds you on LinkedIn, your company's website, Google, or a marketing brochure, your image begins telling your story before you've spoken a single word.
At True West Photos, my goal isn't simply to take a nice picture. It's to create a portrait that reflects your professionalism, confidence, and personality—an image you'll be proud to represent you for years to come.
If you're ready to update your professional image, I'd be honored to work with you.
I look forward to meeting you.
Dave West
Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)
True West Photos
