
For Men – Grooming, Color and Clothing tips for a headshot session
Grooming Tips for Men’s Headshot Session
- Make sure that on the day of your photo session, you get a very close shave.
- Do not use moisturizer with SPF.
- A week before the headshot session get a haircut so it looks its best.
- Trim your eyebrows, ensure no stray hairs (don’t forget between the eyebrows)
- Trim ear and nose hair
- Trim and clean fingernails.
- Bring a comb or hairbrush for touch-ups during your session.
What type of clothes should I wear?
This image will be used to represent you so you need to dress accordingly.
You’ll want to wear attire that is classic and timeless so you can use your photos for an extended time.
Bring 3 different looks;
- Bring a nice casual shirt or sweater.
- Bring a sports jacket for a different look.
- Bring a suit jacket, dress shirt, and tie.
Bring 5 different shirts that are clean and pressed that you have tried on and they fit you well.
The Men’s Wearhouse is very helpful if you don’t know what color you should wear they can answer all of those questions regarding the right fit and colors for men.
These are just a guideline
It is best to wear long sleeve shirts for your headshot/portrait, without an undershirt.
You also want to be somewhat comfortable in what you’re wearing or your picture will look stiff and unnatural.
Clothing that wrinkles easily will look sloppy and unflattering.
Men wear your nicest fitted shirt. If your shirt is baggy it is unflattering and the camera will only make it look worse.
Also if it is too tight it is not attractive. Invest in a tailored shirt if you can.
What colors photograph best/worst?
Solid colors photograph best, and most people look good in mid-tones (green, blue, medium grey, etc.). You want to wear a color that enhances your skin tone and brings out the color of your eyes.
A crisp white shirt under a suit jacket with a tie will look great, on a medium to dark complexion man. If you are pale-skinned and have light-colored hair go for a crisp beige or light blue shirt.
Avoid wearing clothing with patterns or accessories that distract from your face.
Avoid bright reds, yellows, and oranges as they can be distracting.
Keep this in mind when considering which ties you bring to your session. Again they shouldn’t be too bold or demand too much attention.
I love a royal blue or charcoal grey suit jacket with a crisp white shirt, they are flattering for the majority of men. Men shouldn’t shy away from pinks and mauves if they have a dark complexion or grey hair.
If you are fair-skinned and haired and have blue or hazel eyes, I would recommend, a light grey or navy blue suit with a pale blue shirt. The tie can have a subtle pattern with both colors in it.