Melissa Spurrier Photo

We’re committed to a safe environment where all are welcome and everyone is celebrated. We’re going to make you comfortable while you’re in front of the camera, whether you’re a professional model or it’s your first time being professionally photographed.

We pride ourselves in our capability of balancing a professional atmosphere and approachable, fun-loving personalities to create a photoshoot ambience where everyone feels comfortable.

Contact us

Proudly located in Dallas-Fort Worth
Send us a note
Phone calls are by appointment only.
search-opener search-opener
Fort Worth Event Photographer: a group of men and women sitting on or standing behind a grey leather couch at an event. Everyone is smiling and wearing business casual or business attire.
Head Shots

Your Ultimate Guide On What To Wear For Your Corporate Headshots

As a Dallas branding photographer, one of the questions I know my clients will always ask me is what to wear for corporate headshots, which is why I wanted to create a guide with helpful suggestions for you to refer back to as you prepare for your session. 

While I love buttoned-up and professional headshots, I also think that a pop of color or patterns works sometimes really well for headshots – without overdoing it, of course. Not only can it help you stand out from others, but thinking outside the box for your outfits can also help you feel more like yourself and more comfortable for your photos! I also love working with companies that encourage their employees to wear bright colors! 

Keep reading to learn more about what to wear for your corporate headshots. 

a man in a white button up and blazer taking a corporate headshot
a woman in a black shirt and blazer taking a corporate headshot
a man in a blue tie, white button up, and suit jacket wearing glasses smiling and taking a corporate headshot

Your Ultimate Guide On What To Wear For Your Corporate Headshots

Over the years, here’s what I’ve found works best for corporate headshots that will help still capture your unique personality without sacrificing professionalism: 

Colors and patterns 

If you’re taking pictures with your team, I wouldn’t suggest that everyone wear the same outfit, color, and pattern because this can quickly look like a uniform. 

For individual photos, don’t be afraid of textures and patterns, as these are a great way to add your personality and make your images more dynamic. With that being said, be wary of loud, busy patterns or distracting prints. I’ve found that solid colors typically work best and photograph well – think jewel tones, navy, black, white, or gray. 

a man in a pink button up and navy blazer taking a corporate headshot against a white backdrop he is also wearing glasses
a woman in a striped white button up and brown blazer taking a headshot against a white backdrop

Choose professional attire 

For the “buttoned up” type of professional headshots, I always recommend selecting clothing items that align with your industry. Some examples include a pantsuit, a suit with a skirt/dress, a jacket, or, if you aren’t going to wear a jacket, a very professional dress/blouse. Avoid ruffles and bows, as these are very distracting in images. 

On the other hand, consider a button-up, a tie, a suit, a blazer, etc. With anything that you choose, make sure that it fits well. This means no loose, baggy clothing, clothing that is too tight, etc. If something doesn’t fit well, this can be hard to edit in production – an outfit that fits properly is crucial for great images. 

Also, for an individual headshot session, you’ll be moving during your session in a variety of poses, so you’ll want your look to be complete from head to toe. Be sure to test your outfit in different ways, like standing and sitting, to make sure your clothes don’t look too baggy or create unflattering wrinkles.

Speaking of wrinkles, make sure that your clothes are ironed too, before your session! Wrinkled clothing looks unprofessional. 

Furthermore, collar choices are very important for headshots. If you are wearing a collared shirt, make sure you have a well-pressed dress shirt with a properly tied tie. Noticeably low-cut or high-neck styles can also create unflattering proportions.

If you’re ever unsure about your outfit choices, I’m here to help. I’m always more than happy to send over suggestions and more sample images to make choosing and putting together an outfit easier. 

a man wearing a black shirt and purple blazer taking a corporate headshot he is holding his hands crossed in front of him
A man subtly smiling sitting in a chair with clasped hands resting on a desk

Accessories 

Accessories can definitely be a part of your outfit (necklaces, watches, a stylish scarf, etc), but your accessories don’t need to be overdone or flashy. Avoid chunky statement necklaces as these can sometimes get cut off in images, and with any accessory you choose, I would recommend that it be a reflection on your personal style, as the focus of the image should be on you, not your accessories. 

a woman wearing a black zip up taking a headshot in fronto f a blue wall
Dallas Fort Worth Headshot Photographer; photo of a man in a blue and orange suit with a bowtie and glasses laughing and holding his lapel in front of an outdoor setting

Avoid seasonal attire 

Your headshots are going to be viewed during every season, so make sure you avoid anything that could be viewed as seasonal – puffer jackets, heavy sweaters, etc. Choose clothing that you could wear all year round. 

Fort Worth Headshot Photographer; photo of a woman in business attire and glasses looking pensively at the camera in front of a black backdrop.
a woman wearing a black leather jacket taking a headshot in front of a gray wall

Hair, makeup, and skincare

When it comes to hair and makeup, don’t be afraid to do your hair and makeup so that you look like you. Also, don’t hesitate to go a little heavier than usual on makeup (eyes/lips).  Remember, hair and makeup are meant to enhance your features in your photos – not make you look like an entirely different person. 

If you wake up with a blemish, don’t worry – apply your makeup as usual because this is an easy fix in production. You can avoid shiny or oily skin with a light matte powder. Facial moisturizer and lip balm also go a long way. Also, I recommend getting a haircut a few days before your session, not the day before. 

I also include light retouching for all headshots – so if you’ve got a honker the day of your shoot, just let me know and I’ll easily be able to touch it up in post!

For the men, consider using moisturizer (or practicing with a bit of basic skincare) and use chapstick the day of your session.

a woman wearing a black blazer and gold hoop earrings taking a corporate headshot
a man with glasses and a tan blazer takes a corporate headshot against a white backdrop
a woman with short curly hair and glasses takes a corporate headshot wearing a striped blazer

Additional Headshot Tips

Here are some additional headshot tips for your session:

Backup clothing 

Pro tip: bring an extra shirt/pants, a lint roller, and a hairbrush to your session. These can all save you, especially if something accidentally stains your shirt, pants, skirt, dress, etc., before your session! 

Fabric that photographs well 

Cotton, wool, and matte fabrics are great choices for your session. However, I wouldn’t suggest silk or satin – while beautiful, they easily wrinkle in images. Also, avoid any fabrics that, if you start sweating, will show through the material. 

Don’t wear clothes with logos or branded clothing items 

This is a big one – avoid any clothing items where the logo is noticeable and pulls away from the main focus of the image – you! Graphics, logos, or branded clothing are all very distracting. 

Don’t forget about your shoes! 

If you’re taking a full-length shot, you’ll need to think about what shoes to wear as well. Avoid open-toed shoes or sandals or shoes that look well-worn or scuffed. 

DFW Headshot Photographer; African American woman wearing all black with gold necklaces sitting in a green chair next to a gold geometric sculpture and plants in front of a black backdrop

Ready To Book Your Corporate Headshot Session?

I hope you found this guide on what to wear for your headshots helpful! Whether you’re looking for corporate headshots or individual professional headshots, the bottom line is that headshots are a must-have! A headshot is your first representation of you – this image conveys your unique personality and tells your personal story.

Looking for a Dallas branding photographer for your corporate headshots or individual professional headshots? I’d love to chat with you and get the ball rolling! Your branded headshots don’t have to be boring. Or painful. I bring everything together with inclusive brand photography you can count on to highlight your unique personality and your values. 

You can reach out to me here, and I look forward to what we can create together!

Read these next: 

The Top 5 Photography Studios For Rent In Dallas And Fort Worth

Corporate Branding Photography: What It Is And Why It Matters For Your Company

,

RELATED POSTS