Sees The Day Photography · Client Preparation Guide
Corporate Headshot
Style Guide
Everything you need to know to arrive confident, camera-ready, and looking your absolute best for your professional portrait session.
Your Session
Understanding Your Three Shot Types
Your session includes up to three distinct portrait formats. Each has a different purpose — and different wardrobe considerations.
Headshot
Collarbone and up. LinkedIn, website bio, and email signature. Every detail of your collar and neckline will be clearly visible.
¾ Body Shot
Waist and up. Showcases your full outfit — jacket, blouse, belt, watch. Ideal for speaking bios, press features, and team pages.
Full Body Shot
Head to toe. Your complete look including trousers, dress or skirt, and footwear. Every element of the outfit matters here.
Backdrop & Colour
Choosing What to Wear for Each Background
Your backdrop colour is one of the most important wardrobe decisions. Confirm your backdrop with me before finalizing your outfit.
White Backdrop
Wear mid-tones and jewel tones — navy, charcoal, burgundy, forest green. Avoid pure white tops. Dark colours create strong, flattering contrast.
Black Backdrop
Mid-tones work beautifully. A white or cream top can look elegant. All-black outfits can blend — add a coloured accent like a tie or scarf.
Grey Backdrop
The most forgiving backdrop. Neutrals, navy, camel, and jewel tones all photograph beautifully. Avoid matching grey tones to the backdrop.
Colour Strategy
Colours That Photograph Beautifully
Stick to the mid-tone to jewel-tone range. These colours are flattering, timeless, and read as polished on camera.
Navy
Classic & powerful
Charcoal
Sophisticated
Burgundy
Confident & warm
Forest Green
Grounded & fresh
Camel / Tan
Warm & approachable
Slate Blue
Calm & trustworthy
Taupe
Timeless neutral
Champagne
Elegant accent
Deep Red
Bold statement
Dark Brown
Use as a layer
Avoid These Colours
Neons · Bright pastels · Yellow-greens · Mint green (reflects onto skin) · Pure white as a top layer
Pro Colour Tip
A bold accent colour in a tie, scarf, or earrings is the safest way to add personality without overwhelming your face.
Wardrobe Guide
What to Wear
Business casual means polished and approachable — tailored, clean, and industry-appropriate.
For Him
The Classic Look
A tailored dark suit jacket or blazer over a crisp dress shirt. French blue, purple, or soft grey shirts paired with a charcoal or navy blazer are universally flattering on camera.
Business Casual Option
A well-fitted button-down shirt with an optional blazer or casual jacket. A collared shirt paired with a V-neck sweater reads as approachable yet professional.
The Tie Question
Bring 2–3 tie options. A solid red or jewel-toned tie draws the eye in small profile photos and adds a polished, “finished” quality. Solid colours or very subtle patterns work best.
Full Body Considerations
Well-pressed trousers in navy or charcoal, a leather belt, and clean polished shoes complete the look for waist-down shots.
For Her
The Blazer Approach
A well-fitted black or navy blazer is the most dependable headshot look. Pair with a neutral blouse or simple camisole. Works on all backdrop colours.
The Sheath Dress
A solid-colour sheath dress in navy, grey, or black is a clean, polished option. Pair with 3/4 or full-length sleeves for the most flattering arm coverage on camera.
Necklines That Work
V-necks and scoop necks frame your face beautifully in the headshot crop. Avoid high crewnecks, which can visually shorten the neck. Avoid sleeveless without a layer.
Layering Strategy
Darker layers over lighter ones. A blazer or structured cardigan should be darker than your blouse. Avoid shoulder pads — they read as boxy and wide on camera.
The Rules
Headshot Do’s & Don’ts
Compiled from professional headshot photographers across North America and the UK — the consensus is clear on these points.
“Your headshot is often the first thing a potential client sees about you online. With 93% of recruiters checking your profile photo first — and making a judgment in just 100 milliseconds — your outfit is not an afterthought. It is your first impression.”
Consensus of professional headshot photographersPreparation
Grooming, Hair & Day-of Prep
The week before and morning of your session can make a significant difference in how you look and feel on camera.
Haircut Timing
Schedule your haircut 1–2 weeks before — not the day before. This allows your cut to settle and gives you time to adjust if needed.
Hydration
Drink extra water in the days leading up to your session. Good hydration visibly improves your skin’s appearance under studio lighting.
Rest Well
Get a full night’s sleep before your session. Fatigue shows in the eyes and skin and is very difficult to correct in editing.
Makeup
Aim for your everyday polished look — even skin tone, defined eyes. Avoid heavy, sparkly, or dramatic makeup as it reads as overpowering on camera.
Shaving & Waxing
Do not wax eyebrows or thread the day of or day prior — redness is difficult to correct. Give it at least 2 days before the session.
Skincare
Avoid new or aggressive skincare treatments the week of your session. Stick to your usual routine. Peeling or redness is not easily fixable in editing.
The Details
Accessories & Final Touches
Accessories should frame and complement your face — not draw attention away from it.
Jewellery
Do:
Small stud or drop earrings, a simple pendant necklace, a classic watch.
Avoid:
Chandelier earrings, chunky statement pieces, or anything that catches light dramatically.
Ties & Scarves
Do:
Solid colours or very subtle texture. A red tie is an excellent attention-grabber for small profile images like LinkedIn.
Avoid:
Bold, busy patterns or novelty prints.
Shoes
Only relevant for full-body shots. Choose clean, polished footwear that completes your outfit. For women, even wearing heels for the session alone can add a confidence that shows on camera.
Your Preparation
Pre-Session Checklist
Use this checklist in the 48 hours before your session. Arriving prepared means more time in front of the camera — and better images.
- Confirm your backdrop colour with me in advance
- Choose 3 outfit options that work with your backdrop — lay them out side by side
- Steam or press every piece of clothing and hang in a garment bag
- Check clothing in bright light to test for sheerness or transparency
- Pack a lint roller and a travel steamer in your kit bag
- Drink 2L of water today and tomorrow — hydration shows in your skin
- Schedule grooming appointments at least 2 days before the session
- Get 7–8 hours of sleep the night before
- Eat a full meal before your session — confidence reads better on a full stomach
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early to settle, change, and relax before we begin
Visual Inspiration
Style Mood Board
Use these visual concepts as a starting point for your outfit planning. The goal is polished, approachable, and authentically you.
For more visual inspiration, search “corporate headshot outfits” or “business casual headshots” on Pinterest.
Industry Standards
Dress to Your Industry
What reads as “professional” varies by sector. When in doubt, lean more formal rather than less.
Finance · Law · Government
Traditional and conservative. Dark suits, ties for men, formal blazers for women. Navy, charcoal, and black are the standards here.
Healthcare · Education · Non-profit
Approachable but polished. Blazers without ties, solid blouses, collared shirts. Warmer tones like camel and burgundy work well.
Tech · Start-up · Creative
More flexibility for personality. A fitted sweater, smart casual shirt, or a bold colour reads authentically in these sectors. Still avoid pure casual.
Real Estate · Consulting · Sales
Trust and confidence are your brand. Sharp business casual — blazers, pressed shirts, tailored pieces. A jewel-tone accent projects authority.
A Final Note
Arrive as You.
The most important thing your headshot can communicate is confidence. Wear clothes you feel wonderful in, prepare well, and trust the process. A polished outfit in a colour you love, tailored to fit — that combination will always outperform the “technically correct” choice you don’t feel yourself in.
If you have any questions before your session — about what to wear, what to bring, or what to expect — please don’t hesitate to reach out. I want you to arrive relaxed, prepared, and ready to shine.