Men: How to Prepare for Your Headshot

Headshot tip: Think about how your headshot will be used and what type of business you’re representing.

For a very nominal investment in a headshot that will last years, you have the chance to give a great first impression to your prospects and colleagues.

Creative Direction for Your Headshot

If you are getting a headshot through your company, please follow your company’s dress code or required brand guidelines.

If you are getting an individual headshot, here are a few questions to ask yourself before getting your headshot done professionally:

• What is the industry standard? Modern or traditional? Do you want to follow it or break a stereotype? Is this a suit-and-tie approach, casual vibe, or do you need to wear a company uniform?

• What do you want my clients or customers to perceive when they see me?

If you’re part of a corporate headshot session capturing a large number of employees using a specific backdrop or scene, your clothes will set the tone for your personal brand.

Consult your HR or Marketing point of contact with any questions about your photo shoot.

What to Wear for Your Headshot

• First, choose and try on an outfit at least a week in advance. Make sure it fits well, with enough time to spare to get a new outfit in case you need one

• Try on your jacket and shirt to ensure a good fit and that the sleeves aren’t too long.

• Make sure the collar is also sized appropriately. Too-tight collars can “squeeze” your neck and create unflattering skin folds over the collar.

• Undershirt check: If you don’t want an undershirt to peek under a collared shirt, be sure to pack the appropriate base layer or skip it entirely.

• Most headshots are taken from the shoulders up, but if you need a full-body shot, please wear appropriate dress shoes and socks (no white socks with dress slacks, please!).

• Iron and lint-roll your clothes. Consider getting your shirt pressed by a professional. Wrinkles and weird folds from a less crisp collar may incur an extra retouching expense at the photographer’s discretion.

Men’s headshot Outfit suggestions

Image credit: Connectteam.com

Men’s headshot Outfit suggestions

For a professional look: Go for a classic style (suit up!). A suit in grey, navy, or black that fits well and doesn’t bunch up when you button it or sit down is a winner. Choose a button-down shirt and tie to complement your suit colors.

For a casual look: Consider your profession and how you normally dress. Sports coat and dress shirt. Golf shirt vibes.

For an in-between look: Try a button-down shirt without a tie or a white or black v-neck shirt under a sports coat with dark, dressier jeans. You can always take the coat off during your session for a more casual look.

Skip the Logos and Brands: If it’s not your company logo, avoid shirts with visible logos, brand names, or distinct graphics. Legally, featuring a company's trademarked logo in your professional headshot can falsely imply that you are sponsored by or officially affiliated with that brand.

Looking for outfit ideas for your headshot? Here are some examples on Pinterest.

Miscellaneous Headshot Tips for Men

To shave or not to shave? This is 100% up to you and your personal brand. Just make sure you know the line between stubble and scraggly. If you have a beard, give it a light trim.

Clean Your Glasses: Please clean your eyeglasses (no smudges, smears, or dirty lenses). We can remove glasses glare.

Haircut: Make sure your hair has been cut recently. I recommend getting it cut 3-4 days in advance of a shoot. If your barber is generous with the clippers, a few days will give your hair time to grow out.

Consider Teeth-Whitening: If it’s been a while (or, ever) since you’ve whitened your teeth, consider this photo shoot as a catalyst to neutralize any yellow stains.

Avoid the Sun: Sunburned skin and peeling skin are deal breakers for your session and could result in a rescheduling fee. Slather on the sun

Moisturize in the A.M.: If your skin runs dry, apply a light moisturizer to your face on the morning of your shoot. While we don’t want a shiny or dewy look, dry skin can make you look flat, and removing dry skin flakes leads to an editing upcharge.

Prevent Chapped Lips: Chapped, dry lips may result in an upcharge for intensive editing, so keep chapped lips from cracking and drying out by applying a natural lip balm.

Hydrate well the day before and the morning of. If you drink caffeine, consider doubling your hydration intake with a sugar-free drink.

Sleep well the night before.