What Should I Wear For My Headshots?
- Joseph Finn
- Apr 6
- 3 min read
What Should I Wear For My Headshots?
Note: These are just my opinions — based on a lot of experience and research — but still, opinions! There are no hard and fast rules, and if there were, there’d always be exceptions.
Start With You
First and foremost: wear something you feel good in. Confidence shines through in photos, so go with clothes that reflect who you are and make you feel comfortable, confident, and authentic.
Once you’ve got that down, consider your casting type. What roles are you most likely to be called in for? Think of your wardrobe as a way to subtly nod to those roles — without going into full costume. For example, a clean, smart shirt might suggest a professional type, while a hoodie could hint at a more casual or youthful role. A full suit and tie? Probably too much for a standard headshot session, but a blazer over a tee could hit the right balance.
As an actor myself, I’m not wild about the idea of being boxed into casting types — one of the best things about acting is the variety of roles we get to play. But headshots are a marketing tool. Casting professionals need to make quick decisions, and a strong headshot that gives them a sense of both you and the kind of roles you’re right for can make a difference.
The key is this: your essence should come through, no matter what you’re wearing.
Accessories & Style Tips
Jewellery? Totally fine — if you wear it day to day. Keep it simple and true to your style.
Glasses? No problem! Just no sunglasses — we want to see your eyes.
Logos? Avoid large or noticeable logos. They distract from you and can date the photo over time.
Options? Bring as many outfits as you’d like. We may not use everything, but it’s always better to have more to choose from.
Colour
There’s no “right” colour — only what works for you.
Some actors gravitate toward neutral, muted tones. Others love bright, vibrant hues. The best colours for you will depend on your skin tone, hair colour, and even the backdrop we choose — all of which we’ll work with during the session to make you look your best.
If you're unsure, you can explore things like personal colour analysis or seasonal colour theory. It’s not an exact science — and definitely not something to stress over — but it can be fun to look into.
What I find more helpful is colour theory — the study of how colours influence perception and emotion. It’s subtle, but it can help guide the mood and feeling your headshot conveys.
Take blue, for example. It’s often associated with:
Trust and reliability
Calmness and serenity
Intelligence and wisdom
Professionalism and authority
It’s not that someone will consciously notice the colour and make a judgment — but it may have a subconscious influence, especially when combined with your facial expression and body language.
We’ll have a variety of backdrops available, and I’m happy to switch things up throughout the session to find what looks best for you.
A Quick Note on Make-up
Disclaimer: I’m not a make-up expert! But from a photographer’s perspective, lighter, more natural make-up usually works best on camera.
If you wear make-up, aim for something that enhances rather than transforms — think “everyday” rather than “evening glam.” When make-up is rushed or applied heavily, it can sometimes create texture on the skin that shows up more clearly in photos.
Final Thoughts
Your headshot is all about you — your energy, your presence, your story. Clothes, colours, make-up… these are just tools to help bring that out. So relax, bring options, and let’s create something that really captures you.
If you have any questions before your shoot, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Comments