The Do’s and Don’ts of Picking Out Wardrobe for a Business Headshot vs. Actor’s Headshot Session

When you’re preparing for a headshot session, whether for business or acting, the wardrobe you choose can have a significant impact on the final image. Both business headshots and actor’s headshots serve different purposes and should reflect distinct professional or personal qualities. However, the way you dress for these two types of headshots is not the same. Understanding the nuances of what works for each can help you look your best and communicate the right message.

At LPJ Photography, we meet for a planning session before we ever pick up the camera. We send you helpful tips and check lists like the reccomendations in this blog to make your shoot day run smoothly, all so that we can be sure your headshots meet and exceed your goals.

Let’s look at Molly and Dahlia’s looks to see the similarities and differences. They are of similar age, but Molly is a realtor with Coldwell Banker Advantage and Dahlia is a stage actor and singer.

Do’s for Business Headshots:

1. Choose Solid, Neutral Colors: Neutral tones like navy, gray, black, and white are timeless and professional. These colors exude confidence and authority without drawing too much attention to your clothes. Subtle blues, earth tones, or muted tones also work well, depending on your industry.
2. Wear Tailored, Well-Fitting Clothing: Your outfit should be neat and structured. Avoid anything too loose or overly tight. A tailored blazer, button-up shirt, or professional blouse will help you look polished and put-together.
3. Keep Jewelry Simple: When it comes to accessories, less is more. A simple pair of stud earrings or a classic watch can elevate your look without distracting from your face. Avoid flashy or oversized jewelry.
4. Consider the Industry: If you’re in a more creative or casual field, such as tech or marketing, you can opt for a slightly relaxed look (e.g., a well-fitted shirt or sweater). For corporate or finance roles, go for a more traditional, formal look with a suit or a blouse and blazer combo.
5. Mind Your Grooming: Ensure that your hair is neat and your makeup (if applicable) is subtle. Your appearance should reflect your typical work style, so avoid going for anything too extreme.

Don’ts for Business Headshots:

1. Avoid Busy Patterns or Logos: Patterns such as stripes, polka dots, or checks can distract from your face and create visual noise. Logos or graphic prints can also be a turn-off, as they can make your headshot look too casual or dated.
2. Don’t Overdo Bright Colors: While some bright colors can work, neon hues or overly vibrant colors might take attention away from your face. You want the focus to remain on you, not your clothing.
3. Skip Casual Clothing: Avoid wearing clothing that feels too relaxed, like t-shirts, hoodies, or anything that might make you appear less professional.
4. Don’t Neglect the Details: Wrinkled clothes, an untidy hairstyle, or smudged makeup will make you look unprepared. These small details can have a big impact on the professionalism of your image.

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Actor’s Headshots: Showing Personality and Range

Actor headshots are a bit different. They need to convey a sense of personality and versatility while still maintaining professionalism. Casting agents and directors want to see not only how you look but also the potential characters you can embody.

Dahlia chose two contrasting looks, one less dramatic than the other, to give her variety depending on the role she is seeking.

Do’s for Actor Headshots:

1. Opt for Simple, Clean Lines: Much like business headshots, simplicity works best for actor headshots. You want to wear clothing that complements your body without overpowering your face. T-shirts, simple sweaters, and basic tops in solid colors tend to work well.
2. Choose Colors that Complement Your Skin Tone: Wear colors that flatter your natural complexion. Warm tones might work well for some, while others may look best in cooler shades. Pay attention to how colors reflect on your skin to avoid anything that might make you appear washed out.
3. Select Outfits that Reflect Your Type: Think about the roles you’re aiming for. If you’re going for an edgy or dramatic look, opt for darker colors or leather jackets. For a friendly, relatable persona, choose lighter colors like soft blues or greens. Make sure your clothing choice feels natural to your personality and potential roles.
4. Keep Makeup Natural but Enhance Features: For actor headshots, subtle makeup to enhance your features is important, but it should still look like you. Avoid heavy makeup unless you’re specifically auditioning for characters with strong looks (e.g., dramatic, fantasy, or villain roles).
5. Show Off Versatility: Actor headshots should showcase your range. Having a few different looks in your wardrobe can help communicate the different characters you could portray. Consider bringing a few options that vary in tone (e.g., from a casual look to a more formal or quirky look) to show off your range.

Don’ts for Actor Headshots:

1. Avoid Too Much Clothing or Accessories: Unlike a business headshot, where you want to appear professional, in actor headshots, it’s essential that the focus remains on your face. Avoid excessive jewelry or overly complicated outfits. A simple shirt or blouse should suffice.
2. Don’t Overwhelm with Bold Patterns or Logos: While it’s okay to experiment a bit with color or texture in actor headshots, large patterns or clothing with logos will distract from your face and emotion. Your face needs to be the focal point.
3. Don’t Wear Distracting Hairstyles or Hairstyles You’re Uncomfortable With: Your hairstyle should be something you feel natural in. Wild, unkempt, or over-styled hair can detract from the overall image you’re trying to project. You want to look approachable and authentic.
4. Avoid High Fashion Looks: While fashion-forward outfits might be great for runway shows, they often aren’t ideal for actor headshots. A simple, well-fitting outfit that doesn’t scream “fashion” will keep the focus on your ability to portray a character.

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Conclusion

The key difference between choosing a wardrobe for business headshots versus actor headshots lies in the intent behind the photo. Business headshots focus on projecting professionalism, reliability, and approachability. They require a clean, polished look that fits within the corporate world. On the other hand, actor headshots are about versatility and personality, showcasing your potential to embody different roles. Both types of headshots benefit from simplicity, but the specific tone of your clothing should match your intended message. With these guidelines, you’ll be prepared to select the right wardrobe for your next headshot session and make a lasting impression.