I will have specific recommendations for what to wear depending on the location you choose. However, I want you to wear clothing that showcases your personality. The more time you invest in selecting a wardrobe for your photo shoot, the happier you will be with the results. Don’t hesitate to consult me for tips on colors and accessories!
Wardrobe Guide
Dress
I recommend bringing 1 top, 1 blazer or jacket, slacks or jeans, and heels or wedges to your headshot session. For portraits, I recommend bringing 1-2 outfits (jeans with a blouse and wedges or a dress). I suggest putting together an ensemble that’s timeless and chic. Whether you need images for business, want to keep things casual, are aiming for something a touch dressy and ladylike - think about which outfit best represents your wants.
Colors
For something with lighter colors, wear something in a soft shade of blush, gray, nude, cream, or white. For darker colors, wear black, chocolate, charcoal, or in dark, rich jewel tones.
Tips
Fitten clothing which shows your shape works best for photographs. This applies to any body type. Outfits should hug your curves, especially along your top half. (Loose flowing skirts or wide-leg pants are fabulous as long as your bodice or top is snug.) Skip the kimono sleeves and dolman style tops, and always choose tailored over loose or boxy.
FLATTER YOUR ARMS
Pass on anything with cap sleeves which emphasize the widest part of the arm. Bring one outfit with long sleeves.
ACCESSORIZE
Bring jewelry, hair accessories, scarves, or wraps to complete each outfit. Choose timeless over trendy.
Don’t worry about your feet. We’ll be taking pictures waist-up unless you would like a full-body shot (in which case, bring an amazing pair of shoes).
Makeup Guide
Looking good on camera doesn’t require a makeup artist, but tips help! Even if you are wanting a natural look, the camera will exaggerate flaws and create artificial ones. Frustrating, right? These makeup tips will help enhance, rather than detract from your looks.
Skin
Match the color of your foundation to the natural color of your skin in neck/chest area. Some people often choose a shade darker than the skin tone (that is for social events only!) In photography, always match your foundation to the rest of your skin. The best type of foundation is liquid.
For headshots, oil-free (water or alcohol-based) is best. Oil-free matte finish foundation is most common for headshots, but some find it a bit difficult to apply as they dry quickly and make a cakey look if applied too thickly. Avoid “sheer” or glowy or dewy types as they give excessive shine in pictures. A finishing powder on top of your foundation does wonders.
Lips
The color of lips should be one notch darker than the best look in-person. Mulberry and dark pink do wonders.
Eyes
Fill in your brows. Make sure your eyebrows are clear and dark enough when viewed in soft natural window light.
Mascara is also appropriate for headshots and portraits. Black is usually the best choice. You can wear false lashes if you prefer, but make sure they look as natural as possible.
There is no need to use heavy eye makeup at all. Some light eyeshadow works great. Remember, your eyes are where you will get the most attention.
Blush
Use blush on both cheeks and spread in wide circles. You can always add more if needed, but don’t apply too much.
Powder
Don’t be afraid to use a lot more powder than usual. You will probably want as little shine as possible.
I look forward to seeing you at a session soon!
