How to Prepare for Your Headshots for Women
(Tips on Clothing, Makeup, and Hair)
Headshots are absolutely crucial for effectively reaching potential customers. When individuals search for you online, they often make quick decisions about whether or not they want to work with you based on what they see. They want to know, "Who is behind this business?" Authentic, real photos of you and your team play a significant role in building a meaningful connection and fostering trust with your audience. This comprehensive guide offers valuable tips on what to wear for your headshots, along with expert makeup advice and essential preparation ideas to ensure you look your absolute best in your photos.
What to Wear for Headshots
Choose Colors That Fall in the Mid-Tone Range
Choose mid-tone colors for headshots, avoiding pastels and neons. Good options include burgundy, navy, plum, and charcoal. Pick the specific shades that complement your skin tone. Stay away from bright pink, bright orange, turquoise, mint green, coral, and neon colors.
Solids Are Best
Big patterns dominate the photo and should be avoided. Solid colors are best. Some prints, however, can work when layered with solids. For example, a medium floral print under a solid top can look great and add interest to your photo. Avoid tight patterns, like pinstripes or polka dots.
Black and White
Black and white can look good for headshots. A white button-up under a black sweater or jacket can create a clean, classic look.
Choose Moderately Open Necklines
The best necklines for photos are modest v-necks and boat or crew necks. Avoid turtlenecks and tight scarves, as they can make your neck look short and create an unbalanced appearance in photos. Stay away from low necklines, as showing too much skin near your face isn't flattering. If you wear a buttoned shirt, make sure it fits well without being tight around your neck.
Do Not Wear Tight Patterns or Tight Textures
Avoid tweed (both synthetic and real) and tight patterns. These can cause a moire effect in photos seen online, appearing as wavy lines on clothing that doesn’t exist in reality. Steer clear of small polka dots, pinstripes, small checks, and any tight patterns.
Wear Long Sleeve or Three-Quarter Length Sleeves
Long sleeves or three-quarter length sleeves appear more professional. If you are angled toward the camera, your arms will be the focus. If you're not comfortable with your arms, opt for longer sleeves. If you choose a tank top or sleeveless top, bring a sweater or jacket with you for some shots.
Make Sure Clothing Fit is Right
Choose well-fitted clothing for photos. Avoid baggy clothes, as they can make you look larger. Avoid clingy or shiny fabrics, like thin polyester or velvet, which show bumps and wrinkles. Don't wear silver or shiny gold and steer clear of tight clothes that may cause bulging. Longer shirts are better if you leave them untucked, as they help elongate your torso and hide any mid-section concerns. Avoid shoulder pads in jackets and suits, as they can make you appear boxy and tense.
Wear Layers for Headshots
Layers are good for headshots, but choose fit and color wisely. Wear lighter colors underneath and darker ones on top. If you're not comfortable with your midsection, choose a jacket, sweater, or blazer that buttons up.
Look Put Together and Tidy
Arrive in clean, wrinkle-free clothes. If your shirt wrinkles easily, hang it up and wear it just before the photo. Choose a bra that matches your shirt color and won't show through. Do not wear logos except for your company logo.
Wear Glasses Without Reflective Coating
Wear glasses with little to no reflective coating. The purple tint for screen glare can ruin photos. Please bring a pair without coating. Make sure the lenses are clean before your headshots.
Makeup for Headshots and Professional Photos
Keep makeup natural. Go for an everyday look, but apply it thoughtfully using these tips:
Protect Your Skin Before Your Session
Use sunscreen in the weeks before your shoot. Editing out raccoon eyes or peeling skin is difficult. Drink plenty of water the week before your photos. Don't get any waxing or threading done on the day of or the day before your shoot, as it can cause redness. Avoid any major skincare treatments during the week of your photos.
Foundation
Avoid shiny makeup that has minerals or sunscreen. Use a matte foundation that matches your skin tone and blends with your neck and chest. Apply foundation lightly to avoid caking and highlighting wrinkles. For mature skin, choose a thin liquid foundation instead of thick liquid or powder, as heavy makeup can settle into lines and make you look older. Opt for a light foundation with some moisture, and use translucent powder to reduce shine. If your makeup has shine, add a loose, matte finishing powder. Use concealer generously to cover blemishes, but blend it well.
Natural Lipstick with Slight Shimmer
Avoid very bold or dark lipstick. Choose a shade just darker than your natural color that matches your color palette. Dark tones can make lips look thinner. Opt for lipstick with a bit of shimmer or gloss, as matte finishes can also make lips appear thinner. Stay within your natural lip lines to avoid harsh outlines, which can look odd on camera.
Neutral Eye Makeup
Use neutral eyeshadow colors. Apply a matte ivory or white shade under the brow to open up your eyes. Concealer can help, too. Do not apply eyeliner on the lower lash line; it makes your eyes look smaller and older. Avoid long fake lashes as they can create shadows and shrink your eyes. Skip shimmery eyeshadow, as it emphasizes creases. Use black mascara since brown is too light for photos.
Jewelry Should Be Tasteful and Minimal
Choose simple jewelry that doesn’t draw attention away from your face. Avoid flashy or shiny pieces that could reflect light and distract.
Keep Hair Shiny and Natural
Schedule your haircut a few weeks early, so you have time to adjust if needed. Use products that add shine and avoid mattifying ones, like dry shampoos. Style your hair as you usually do (don’t try anything new for the photo). Avoid buns or ponytails, as they can make your hair appear thin or create uneven shapes. Bring a comb or brush and hairspray.