What should I wear for my headshot or portrait session?

The most important thing is to wear something that makes you feel confident—not just comfortable, but like you’re ready to walk into a room and make an impression.

For individual sessions in the studio

If you’re coming to my studio for a session, feel free to bring multiple outfit options, and I can help you decide what works best. Just make sure everything is ironed and ready to wear. If your session is 30 minutes or longer, different clothing options can help create images for different audiences—formal and casual, bold and neutral, or simply different aspects of your personality.

For corporate headshot sessions

For workplace headshot sessions, where each person is photographed in a short time frame, it’s best to arrive dressed and ready to go. Most people opt for a single outfit, but if your budget and timings allow for multiple looks, consider bringing a second option.

What works well

Solid or bold colours – Colours that complement your skin tone or eye colour can add vibrancy to your photo.
Structured clothing – Clean lines and well-fitted pieces create a polished look. Avoid anything overly loose or fussy.
Textures and layering – A subtle texture, like a herringbone shirt, adds depth without distraction. Layering different fabrics (e.g., a knit with a shirt) can work well.
Contrast – A strong contrast can add definition, such as a black jacket with a white shirt, or pairing smooth and textured fabrics like tweed with cotton.

What to avoid

Busy patterns – Fine stripes, intricate patterns, or anything too visually complex can be distracting or cause issues on camera.
Washed-out colours – Very pale shades that blend into your skin tone can make you look less defined in photos.
Un-ironed clothing – Wrinkles will show, so make sure your outfit is pressed and ready.
Floppy collars or fussy details – Crisp, structured collars work better than loose or oversized ones.
Excessive jewellery – Large, reflective, or heavy pieces can be distracting. If statement jewellery is part of your personality, keep it tasteful and intentional.