What to wear for your headshot shoot can be the subject of anxiety if considered at the wrong point in the preparation process. To jump ahead and think only of what to wear to make yourself look as "hot as possible," or to dress like a specific "actor" you're hoping to be like, is too often the path taken. And I'm not saying that can't work — if you're blessed with, or work hard at, being exceptionally easy on the eyes, and want to just tee that up, all the power to you, good work! But I do believe that with intention, you can hone in on a wardrobe that truly reveals your essence, authenticity, and unique style, without looking like a fashion model or too specifically like, say, a doctor, a lawyer, a WWII pilot, etc.
4 questions to hone your vision:
Sit with these for a bit and your direction will become clear. These answers give you coordinates for choosing your wardrobe.
The 2 main scenarios:
A) If you're already seen by the business the way you want to be seen — fantastic, let's use that as a foundation. Considering the roles you play or go out for most, choose a look or two for each archetype and wear what you'd typically wear to that audition.
B) If you aren't getting called in for roles that fit who you are or your skill set, look at your current headshot and ask why. You've now clarified what you'd like to be going out for, so ask yourself: what about this current headshot isn't representing that for me? Make a list of characters, shows, and genres you'd like to be auditioning for, and build a wardrobe you'd wear to auditions for those types.
Fundamentals
We all have a relationship to what we wear. Have you ever bought a piece of clothing you LOVE but didn't know how to integrate into your wardrobe for months or years? Happens to me all the time. I learn how to wear something over time. The things I wear most are the things I feel most comfortable in psychologically — and those are usually the same clothes I wear to auditions, which makes them my go-to for headshots too. That's why I never buy clothes specifically for a photo session, and I don't recommend it. It's typically a 50/50 shot you'll feel totally comfortable in something you haven't worn much. Can it work? Totally. Is it better to wear things you know, with confidence solidified by time? Always.
Color Seasons
We all have a specific tone and coloring to our skin, eyes, and hair. This fundamentally tells us what colors and tones to lean into and away from. I won't go deep into this here, but I do address it with each client as we plan the shoot — it guides what to wear and what backdrops I photograph you on.
Logos and Patterns
Generally stay away from logos. Anything that distracts from you and your connection to the camera should go. Patterns can work, but I always suggest bringing a simpler option in case the pattern doesn't shine on camera.
I'll wrap up by saying: what we wear for our headshot matters. It's a powerful tool that speaks to the business for us, and an important element in getting our intention to pop off the screen or the page.
All good things,
Logan