You have booked your professional photography session and now the biggest question is “what to wear?” First let’s begin with your profession or industry. Are you a business owner, physician, lawyer, real estate agent, nurse, CPA, pharmacist, engineer, financial planner, banker, hotel manager, event coordinator, sales specialist, tax specialist, advertising or marketing executive? If you answered “yes” then the rule of thumb is it’s better to be over dressed than under dressed. For women it is best to wear a u-shaped or v-shaped blouse underneath a suit jacket. The v-shape or u-shape refers to the neckline of the blouse sitting just below your collar bone. Women may also wear a blouse without a suit jacket, but make sure the blouse is 3/4 sleeves or full sleeves. Dresses photograph well for women too, as long as your dress sits just below or at the collar bone and has sleeves. For men it is best to wear a suit with tie and a watch. Also it is important for men to keep their collar comfortable and free of wrinkles.
Now let’s address what color to wear. Men and women follow the same rules when it comes to selecting what color to wear. Stay clear of crazy patterns, bold strips and plaid and wear solid colors. Even pinstripes can be distracting so talk with your photographer ahead of time if you plan to wear pinstripes. When it comes to selecting the color of your attire it is important to wear clothes that contrast with your skin tone. Appropriate colors for all skin tones are: navy blue, black, gray, light gray, dark green, maroon or dark purple. Earth tones, which are muted and flat colors of brown, green, blue and red, work really well in professional head shots too. If you have really fair or light skin stay away from white and any color in the white tonal range. Bright pinks and reds can be distracting so avoid wearing them altogether. Again ask your photography studio if you are unsure about your attire.
Another hint about color is that it can make you look bigger or it can make you look slim. White can add weight while darker shades of color are more flattering and slimming.
Remember to wear a watch on the day of your professional photography session and keep accessories simple. If you’re a guy solid color ties photograph the best. Less is more.
