Top 5 clothing options for women to bring to a headshot session.
The potential options for what you can bring to a headshot session may seem endless. If you consider what exactly we’re trying to accomplish with your photo and how a headshot is composed, the decision on what to bring is a little more obvious . Of course, all body types are different and not every look will necessarily work for every woman, but there is definitely something here for everyone.
Things to consider (this is similar advice I gave the guys but I thing it’s pertinent to everyone):
in general we are photographing from the waist up, or more likely the chest up, so neckline/ collar are things to pay special attention to.
VARIETY of colours and tones are great! Start with basics like black, white, grey, earth tones, even navy and go from there. Bright vibrant colours can work too for a fun look, but the basics help to make sure we’re keeping the focus on you.
Patterns can be Ok, but the simpler the better. Anything too “loud” and it distracts from your face.
Remember that these are all just suggestions. It can’t hurt to bring something you love but aren’t sure if it’ll make for a good headshot. There’s no harm in trying!
1. V-neck or U-Neck // T-shirt or Sweater
V- necks or U-necks are universally flattering because they visually elongate the upper body. Your neck looks longer, and generally vertical lines help to make you feel taller. Personally though, I would avoid a deep V , it can draw attention away from your face and down towards your chest . EYES UP HERE MICHAEL! *
*that one’s for the Arrested Development fans out there.
Vivienne in a basic black U-Neck. All of the attention is drawn directly to her face.
Jennifer in a simple white fitted V-neck sweater. There’s a lot of white going on in this photo and the V helps to show more or Jennifer and balance the image.
2. Soft Fitted Sweater
This is about TEXTURE! It can be crew neck or any kind of scoop neck, just something that texturally feels very soft and inviting. Something that fits well is great too, you don’t want anything that swallows you up and makes you look thicker. As you can see, I love solid colours, it really makes for an opportunity to get simple, understated, yet striking headshots.
Carolyne in soft blue fitted sweater. The blue is a great compliment to the background and her warmer skin tones.
Maria’s burgundy sweater creates a flattering silhouette, feeling stylish without being the focus of the image.
3. Tanks Top/Spaghetti Strap Top
If you feel like you want to show off a little shoulder and collar bone, tanks and spaghetti strap tops are the way to go. Keeping it casual here we can walk that line between sexy yet approachable.
Tommie Amber doing her best Gap model impression.
Jenna here in a white spaghetti strap tank on a white backdrop, the image feels totally fresh and youthful,
4. Denim Jackets
I love creating a “look” through layering and denim jackets are one of my favourite ways to do that. A denim jacket is one of things that never go out of style, so your shots can last longer and feel more timeless. You can pair a denim jacket with so many different kinds of shirts underneath, from button down to rocker tee, the combinations are virtually endless.
Annie feeling like herself in this graphic tee and denim jacket
Stephanie feels totally put together here without it feeling stuffy or forced.
5. Turtlenecks
It seems turtlenecks have made a bit of a comeback lately, and i think they’re a super fun way to feel a little retro while keeping the focus on you. For me this works best with more dramatic lighting and/or with a tighter crop, using the turtleneck and your hair to frame your face and draw focus to that.
Tone on tone works super well here with grey turtleneck on a grey background, using elements of Veronika’s wardrobe and the monotone colour palette to make sure she’s the focal point of this image.
A classic camel turtleneck, combined with her bangs and darker background/lighting helps to really draw the eye to Somerville’s face.