ABCphoto – Portraits For Work
Tips on preparation for your photo shoot:-
I’ve lost count of the number of times I have been asked the same questions - “What should I wear?”, “How should I Look?”, by clients booked for work and professional portrait shoots. I think the list below answers most of the questions but please feel free to contact me for more information
Colours & Clothing
Solid colours photograph best, and most people look good in mid tones (green, blue, brown, etc.). I suggest avoiding extremes - no all-black or all-white ensembles. Deep colours such as navy blue, grey and brown are great jacket choices if applicable. Avoid colours that mimic your flesh tone, shiny fabrics, turtlenecks and low necklines.
For dress shirts avoid bright white if possible, especially if you won’t be wearing a jacket. A little colour or at least an off-white shirt is helpful.
Men, if you'll be wearing a tie it's hard to go wrong with a solid colour or simple striped tie in red or blue. A minimal pattern will always look better than a busy tie.
Patterns Are Bad
Overly busy patters are bad, be it a jacket, shirt or blouse. Bright or busy jackets, shirts or blouses will distract the viewers eye from the face in a finished portrait. Shirts and blouses will sometimes need to be retouched due to a wrinkle in the fabric, and patterns on that fabric will make this next to impossible.
Avoid Short Sleeves
For men and women, it is best not to wear something sleeveless or short sleeves. This may cause you to look heavier, and bright arms will lead the viewer’s eyes to the bottom edges of your image and away from your face.
Fit
Make sure your clothes fit well. This is especially important for men’s collars, sports coats and suit jackets. Men look at your jacket & shirt, watching for gaps at the back of your neck. Conversely, watch that your shirt isn’t too tight, causing your neck to “bulge” over your collar−even a little bulge will look terrible in camera.
Makeup
Wear what you would for a nice evening out. Well done, but not overdone. Avoid glossy or shimmery makeup as it will catch the light and be distracting. If you normally don’t wear makeup, your pictures will look better if you at least wear foundation.
Shaving
Men, if your appointment is in the morning, shave earlier in the day to let any razor burn dissipate and to allow any nicks to heal.
Accessories
Jewellery should not distract from your face. Less is usually more. Necklaces look best when they are shorter and mimic the neckline of your shirt. Think carefully about your choice so that photos do not become dated over time. Eyeglasses and lens glare can be tricky but If you normally wear glasses you can wear them for your picture. If you usually wear eyeglasses but are not wearing them for your photo remember to remove them well before your session so that you do not leave marks on your face/nose that will show up in camera.
Visit the mirror just before you have your photo taken
I’d always advise a quick stop off to check yourself in the mirror before you go to have your head shot done. The chances are I have never met you before, so I don’t know what you look like. So just give yourself the once over to make sure that you’re happy with the way you look. That your hair looks good. Your necklace hasn’t slipped round. Your tie is straight, and the top button isn’t showing. There is no food in your teeth etc.