What to Wear for a Professional Headshot
Newcastle Photographers Guide to Looking Confident, Approachable, and Authentic
When preparing for your professional headshot, what you wear matters just as much as your expressions. Whether you’re a CEO, Actor, or independent business owner in Newcastle, your headshot is often your first introduction to potential clients, employers, and collaborators. Sarah’s extensive experience in shooting portrait photography, beginning at Venture Portraits in 2002 means she knows exactly how to guide you through the headshot process to ensure you look your best while capturing your personality and professionalism.
Below, we have put together a comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect outfit for your headshot. With over two decades of portrait experience photographing professionals across various industries in Newcastle and nationally, Sarah, our senior photographer knows how to balance style, professionalism, and individuality to create a headshot that is the best version of you.
1. Headshots; Patterns vs Colour (Top Half)
Due to the nature of a headshot the top half is a prominent part of your outfit and so it’s important for you to choose a jacket, shirt, blouse, tee shirt or jumper that feels like ‘you’. Colours and textures can add a touch of personality and may reflect a little piece of you.
Patterns in Photography
Most people will tell you to avoid patterns for headshots, as they can be distracting or cause technical issues like the “moiré effect” on camera. But if wearing patterns is part of your personal style and you wear them all the time, don’t be afraid to embrace it! The key is to choose patterns that reflect who you are and ones you would wear to work. Make sure the colours complement your overall look and the outfit of a whole is coordinated. After all, your headshot should capture the real you!
Colour in Portraits
For many people they prefer neutral colours and tones for business, however if you are a bold personality, are drawn to colour or maybe you need an Actor Headshot with an eye-catching colour scheme, please don’t feel you need to conform to neutrals for a portrait! Opt for shades that complement your skin tone and give your headshot a polished, professional feel. Jewel tones, such as sapphire blue, emerald green, or rich burgundy, tend to photograph well and flatter most complexions. Neutral colours like black, grey, khaki or navy are classic and offer a timeless look—perfect for corporate or business-focused headshots.
Bespoke Photography Treatment
On arrival at Clavering House, Sarah’s Newcastle studio, Sarah will chat with you about your clothing options, how these can be matched and coordinated to the range of backdrops on offer. You can share any thoughts about your gut instincts on the backdrops in sarah’s portrait gallery that feel most ‘you’ and discuss any branding requirements or specific requests. Sarah will then come up with a plan for your shoot with a minimum of two backdrops coordinating with your two top options..
Our Tip: Consider the message you want to send with your headshot. Bright colours can signal energy and creativity, while darker tones convey professionalism and authority. Think about how this applies to your field, what your competitors wear and choose accordingly!
2. Headshot Clothing Colour with Photographers Backdrop Colour
The colour of your outfit isn’t just about how it looks on its own—it also needs to work with the backdrop chosen for your headshot. At Sarah Deane Photographic, we offer a range of backdrops to suit different styles, from crisp white to tonal greys and even bolder options like deep navy blue, sunshine yellow or muted olive. The studio has a full range of coloured gels that can be mixed like a paint palette across our flash heads to create translucent and bold lighting effects for more creative professionals.
Contrast and Balance
There are two routes you can go down here- contrasting colours of backdrop and top or blending cleverly using Sarah’s photographer’s eye on a similar toned backdrop. A strong contrast—such as a black shirt on a white background can create a striking effect that draws attention to your headshot even when reduced in size to an avatar, eg a small circle on LinkedIn profiles. This also above applies to skin tones too.
Monochromatic Portrait Looks
If you prefer a more understated approach, monochromatic dressing (wearing similar tones to the background) can create a soft, harmonious look. For example, a white shirt against a white background can look fresh and bright, black on black can look moody, arty or dramatic and a green jumper on a similar tone green backdrop can look very organic.
Our Tip: Bring a few different options to your shoot! That way, we can view them with different backdrops and see which combination gives you the best result.
3. Bottom Half – Do I Consider It?
This one’s a classic headshot question: do you need to think about what you’re wearing on your bottom half if only your top half will be photographed? In most cases, you won’t need to worry too much about your trousers or shoes since they won’t appear in the standard headshots.
However, we recommend considering your full outfit for a few reasons:
- Confidence: Wearing something that makes you feel put together from head to toe will boost your confidence, which will reflect in your photos.
- Unexpected Shots: If your photographer decides to take a wider crop or if you choose a more casual, lifestyle-oriented headshot, your bottom half might sneak into the frame.
- Comfort: An uncomfortable pair of jeans or tight shoes can affect your posture and overall mood during the shoot.
Our Tip: Stick to something comfortable, but presentable, just in case.
4. Textures and Fabrics
Different fabrics and textures can make a big difference in how your outfit looks in photos. Smooth, matte fabrics like cotton, wool, or silk blends tend to look softer and more approachable.
Shiny Fabrics
Fabrics with a sheen or gloss give an added dimension to an image, creating interest and reflective highlights. These can be eye catching and will draw a little attention away from the face so give this a little consideration as to whether you feel it is relevant to you and your brand.
Textures
Textures like tweed, suede, or light knits can add depth and interest to your look, particularly in monochromatic outfits. Feel free to add texture with accessorise with scarves and jewellery to add character, but only if you wear them day to day. Don’t add these just because you feel you ‘should’
Our Tip: If in doubt, keep it simple. Classic, well-fitting fabrics that allow your face and expression to take centre stage are always a safe bet.
5. Reflecting Your Brand: Wear What You Would Wear to Meet with a Client
Your headshot is an extension of your personal or professional brand. Whether you’re a CEO, freelancer, or actor, it’s important to wear something that reflects how you want to be perceived. If you’re unsure, ask yourself: What would I wear to meet an important client?
For Corporate Professionals
If you work in a corporate setting, a smart blazer or tailored shirt will help you convey authority and professionalism. Stick to classic styles that you’d wear in important meetings or networking events. It may be you are a medic and need to bring scrubs or a uniform as an alternative. Anything goes so if in doubt bring it along and Sarah can advise.
For Creatives and Freelancers
For more creative or casual industries, you have more flexibility. A casual but polished outfit can feel more approachable. Think smart-casual, maybe interesting and relaxed tailoring. Trainers could also play a part! You want to look relatable but still professional.
Our Tip: Dress authentically. Your headshot should represent how you look on a typical working day—just a bit more polished.
6. Capturing Your Character: Individuality & Approachability
Your headshot is a great opportunity to show off not only your professionalism but also your personality. Do you want to come across as warm and approachable, or do you need to convey confidence and expertise?
Accessorising
Subtle accessories, like a watch, earrings or simple necklace, can add a personal touch without overwhelming the image. For creatives, you might want to consider bolder accessories, but be mindful that they don’t steal the focus from your face.
Expressing Yourself
If your industry allows for it, don’t be afraid to wear something that expresses your individuality—a colourful tie, a statement blouse, or even a quirky scarf can help you stand out. Just be sure it doesn’t overpower your personality in the photo.
Our Tip: Always aim for balance—your outfit should reflect your character but still allow you to look professional.
7. Being Comfortable in the Clothes You Choose
This may seem obvious, but comfort is key. If you’re uncomfortable in your outfit, it will show in your posture and facial expressions. You want to feel at ease and confident during your shoot so that your headshot reflects your best self.
Avoid Fussy Outfits
Clothes that require constant adjustment, like low-cut tops or tricky collars, can become a distraction during the shoot. The last thing you want is to be tugging at your shirt or adjusting your sleeves when you should be relaxing and not worrying!
Our Tip: Bring options! If you’re unsure, pack a couple of different tops or jackets so you can switch if something doesn’t feel right.
8. Complementing Skin Tone and Hair Tones in a Headshot
The right outfit and backdrop can do wonders to complement your natural features, enhancing your skin tone and hair colour. If you would like to look into more details, a client recently recommended a professional Personal Colour Analysis.
Cool Skin Tones
If you have cool undertones, colours like blues, purples, and emerald greens will enhance your complexion. Silver and grey backdrops also tend to work well with cooler tones.
Warm Skin Tones
For those with warm undertones, earthy colours like olive green, warm browns, or burnt orange can bring out the warmth in your skin. Cream and backdrops are also flattering choices.
Neutral Skin Tones
Lucky enough to have neutral undertones? You can experiment with a wide range of colours, from soft pastels to bold primaries. Just avoid anything too harsh, like neon colours, which can wash out your complexion.
Our Tip: Think about your overall look. If you’re getting a haircut or colouring your hair before the shoot, consider how your new look will work with your wardrobe and the backdrop.
Final Thoughts: Your Headshot, Your Story
Ultimately, your headshot should reflect who you are and what you stand for. At Sarah Deane Photographic, we believe in creating a relaxed, friendly environment where you can be yourself and let your personality shine through. From helping you select the perfect backdrop to ensuring your outfit matches your personal brand, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
So, whether you’re a corporate leader, actor, or independent business owner, don’t underestimate the power of a well-chosen outfit. With the right preparation and mindset, your headshot will do more than capture your appearance—it will tell your story.
Feel free to reach out if you need any more tips or if you’re ready to book your session!
