Professional Headshot Guidance

Each headshot session will take up to 10 minutes per person and will result in multiple photo options to choose from.

To help the day run smoothly, team members should plan the order in which they will have their headshots taken in advance. The order can be adjusted during the photo day as needed if meetings, client needs, or other scheduling issues come up.

What to Wear

Dress in professional business attire that reflects a polished, trustworthy, and approachable image.

Men

Dress in professional business attire that reflects a polished, trustworthy, and approachable image.

• Navy, charcoal, medium gray, or black suit jacket
• White, light blue, or another subtle dress shirt
• Conservative tie with a solid color or subtle pattern
• Tie optional depending on the preferred final look
• Avoid loud patterns, bright colors, shiny fabrics, or novelty ties

Women

Dress in professional business attire that reflects a polished, trustworthy, and approachable image.

• Blazer with a blouse or simple professional top underneath
• Cardigan with a professional blouse
• Tailored blouse without a jacket
• Professional sweater or knit top
• Simple dress with a modest neckline
• Structured top in a solid color
• Business-casual jacket or soft blazer
• Button-down shirt in a professional color or subtle pattern

Colors

The best clothing colors for this headshot style are professional, neutral, or understated tones, including:

• Navy
• Charcoal
• Black
• Medium gray
• Deep green
• Burgundy
• Muted blue
• Cream
• Soft white
• Light blue
• Other understated solid colors

Avoid

Clothing or accessories that may distract from a clean, professional headshot should be avoided, including:

• Busy patterns
• Neon colors
• Very low necklines
• Sheer fabrics
• Shiny or reflective materials
• Sleeveless tops unless worn under a jacket or cardigan
• Clothing that closely matches the light gray background
• Loud patterns, bright colors, shiny fabrics, or novelty ties
• Jewelry or accessories that are overly large, reflective, or distracting

Clothing Tips

The goal is to choose clothing that looks clean, fits comfortably while seated, and keeps the focus on your face rather than your outfit.

• Solid colors usually photograph best.
• Avoid very small patterns, which can create visual distortion on camera.
• Make sure clothing fits well when seated, not just standing.
• Jackets, cardigans, blouses, shirts, and sweaters should lay cleanly without pulling or bunching.
• Dark clothing should be lint-free.
  • Bring a lint roller if wearing black, navy, or charcoal.
• If unsure, bring one backup jacket, cardigan, blouse, tie, or top option.

Grooming & Preparation

Come photo-ready, but keep the look natural and professional.

• Get haircuts or color touch-ups several days before the shoot, not the same day.
• Avoid trying a new hairstyle, makeup style, or grooming change right before the photos.
• Use light, natural makeup where applicable; avoid heavy shine.
• Shave or trim facial hair neatly.
• Use lip balm if needed.
• Get enough sleep the night before.
• Avoid excessive salt or alcohol the day before to reduce puffiness.
• Remove anything from pockets that could affect how clothing lays while seated.

Glasses

If you normally wear glasses, wear them for the photo. They are part of your professional appearance.

• Clean lenses thoroughly before the shoot.

Positioning

All headshots will be taken while seated on a height-adjustable stool. Additional positioning guidance will be provided the day of the photo session to help each person look natural, confident, and consistent with the overall headshot style.

The goal is to look confident, approachable, and professional — not stiff.

Recommended posture:

• Sit toward the front half of the stool.
• Keep your back straight without looking rigid.
• Relax your shoulders.
• Angle your body slightly rather than facing the camera completely straight-on.
• Turn your face back toward the camera.
• Keep your chin level or slightly down.
• Avoid leaning backward.
• Avoid slouching or collapsing the shoulders.
• Keep hands relaxed and out of frame unless directed by the photographer.
• Keep both feet positioned comfortably to help maintain good posture.

Expression:

• Use a natural, approachable smile.
• Avoid overly serious or stern expressions.
• Think “confident and welcoming,” not overly stiff or severe.

Final Look

The preferred final style should be:

Professional, consistent, approachable, and polished — with light gray backgrounds, business-appropriate attire, natural expressions, and similar cropping across all team members.

Consistency is important. The photos should feel like they belong to the same organization, not like they were taken at different times for unrelated purposes.