Scott Lawrence Scott Lawrence

What to Wear to Your Professional Headshot Session in 2023

Is a new headshot on your list this year? Deciding what to wear is sometimes more stressful than the actual session (and neither are worth stressing about!).

Is a new headshot on your list this year? Deciding what to wear is sometimes more stressful than the actual session (and neither are worth stressing about!).

To help your decision, I’ve compiled a few highlight images from the past year or so from my Detroit headshot studio.

These images are all great of examples of what works and why. But first a quick recap of key clothing tips:

  1. Fit is key! Everything should fit you properly. When in doubt, opt for a fitted look over an oversize garment (even if it’s a little tight).

  2. Solids over patterns — keep it simple. Patterns can create unneeded distractions. So if you’re only wearing one outfit, stick to a solid color. Light patterns can make for a good second look.

  3. Keep the jewelry to a minimum.

Best Men’s Looks

First, we have Mike, wearing a classic navy sport coat over a light blue open collared shirt. His jacket fit is great and his shirt is properly fitted with the collar falling nicely under the jacket lapel. Only the top button is open, which is my suggestion for a professional look.

Then we have Howard with a suit and tie. Again, perfectly fitted shirt (proper neck size) and jacket. For a casual look, he opted for more color, which is great for variety.

Best Women’s Looks

I just love Nikki’s purple dress here. Simple, clean and flattering. The asymmetrical neckline adds a bit of a modern feel without being distraction. As a local realtor, Nikki chose purple to align with her branding.

Then we have Connie in a classic black dress with small pearl earrings. It doesn’t get any more timeless than this.

Last we have Jeanne in a cozy soft blue sweater and Bobbi in subtle patterned jacket (I wouldn’t go with any heavier pattern than this) over a black shirt. You can’t go wrong with blue!

Final Thoughts

So if you do feel the need to do some shopping prior to your session, I hope these examples give you some inspiration. If you’re still struggling to decide, reach out and we can discuss before you come in. Bringing a second option, just in case, never hurts either!

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Scott Lawrence Scott Lawrence

How Many Headshots Do You Need?

Do you need one headshot or a bunch? The answer depends, of course.

Do you need one headshot or a bunch? The answer depends, of course. So here’s how I approach the question with my portrait clients here in Detroit.

What’s the Goal of Your Headshot?

What does your headshot need to do for you? Are you trying to find a new job, perhaps in a completely different industry or different job culture? Or, are you trying to attract applicants to your organization? 

Are you working a social media campaign on LinkedIn to broaden your reach as an expert in your field? 

Are you publishing a book? 

Are you applying to a super competitive theater program? 

These just a few of actual client needs. Some of these cases might just require one great image, others, a few more. For example, if you’re dusting off your LinkedIn profile for a new corporate job — one image is the goal. And be sure to follow my friend and LinkedIn coach, Brenda Meller, for all the latest LinkedIn tips.

Who’s Your Audience?

If you can easily come up with multiple audiences, then you likely want an image for each one. For example, an orthodontist is going to want one image to appeal to parents and teens (prospective patients) and another look for professional peers.

Image Format

Some clients need a tight square crop and full length vertical image in different places throughout their marketing. Technically, a single image can be cropped down, but it doesn’t always look the best. Or perhaps your image must have a couple different backgrounds?

Wardrobe

As you start thinking about these questions, you may realize that different outfits are best to meet the needs I’ve just mentioned. A suit for your peers, a relaxed casual look for your clients or patients. For examples some dentists like their patient facing images to be in scrubs while they wear a suit for professional appearances.

As an actor, a different outfit helps get you in a particular mindset for a look. Even if you’re not an actor, your outfit will help drive your mood. A casual outfit will help you relax and vice versa.

Just Because

Sometimes it’s just nice to celebrate yourself and enjoy some variety. You partner may really enjoy a particular look while your kids might appreciate something else, while you might love a particular angle.

This is why I like to remind clients that a the studio is where we capture as much as possible. We’ll edit later. If you try to edit your smiles (because you’re trying to hide that tooth you hate) in front of the camera you’ll get a bunch of forced looks. But if you let your guard down a bit, you might get some some amazing looks. And we can fix your tooth in photoshop!

So as you can see, the answer depends on a range of factors. My goal here is to get you thinking about the possibilities and questions that will come up during your session.

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Scott Lawrence Scott Lawrence

Men's Business Casual Headshot Clothing Tips

The men’s business casual look is very popular for a professional headshot. It’s perfect for LinkedIn, a website and social media. A button down shirt with a jacket dresses things up just enough without forcing a suit and tie. Neck ties aren’t that common these days. And even clients who do come with with a suit and tie are quick to rip off the tie as soon as we’re done with the photo session.

The men’s business casual look is very popular for a professional headshot. It’s perfect for LinkedIn, a website and social media. A button down shirt with a jacket dresses things up just enough without forcing a suit and tie. Neck ties aren’t that common these days. And even clients who do come with with a suit and tie are quick to rip off the tie as soon as we’re done with the photo session.

Clothing Fit is Key

So while business casual look appears straight forward, fit couldn’t me more important. Your jacket should be sized and properly tailored. And you need a dress shirt with the proper neck size. Otherwise, you won’t look as polished.

How to Wreck Your Look

Even more important though is your choice of undershirt! That’s right, if you wear a shirt under your button down shirt, it’s gotta be a V-neck! All the clothing details are amplified from your chest up. And a stark white t-shirt peaking through will really bring down the whole look. Check out this video for a little more background and explanation.

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Scott Lawrence Scott Lawrence

How to Tether Canon Cameras to Lightroom Classic with Canon's EOS Utility

Tethering allows clients to see the results before they leave. This adds client reassurance and allows for some tweaks, if needed.

Tethered shooting is an important offering in headshot photography. My corporate photography clients employ very busy professionals. They are running into my studio or a conference room at their office for a quick session, and then are off to their next appointment.

Tethering allows clients to see the results before they leave. This adds client reassurance and allows for some tweaks, if needed.

A mix of options are available to get set up. CaptureOne is of course a popular option. But I’ve been very happy with my current workflow of using the Canon EOS Utility along with Lightroom Classic. Regardless of your software choice, I highly recommend the Tether Tools cables and hardware — it’s rock solid.

This video will highlight the gear I use and walk you through my system of using Lightroom’s hot folder feature.

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Scott Lawrence Scott Lawrence

Best Camera for Headshot Photography - Canon R6 Review

As a full time headshot photographer here in Detroit, I wanted to share my thoughts on possibly the best camera for headshot photography at the moment, the Canon R6.

As a full time headshot photographer here in Detroit, I wanted to share my thoughts on possibly the best camera for headshot photography at the moment, the Canon R6.

I don’t need endless resolution (big hard drives still aren’t that cheap), but I do need very reliable auto focus in a solid compact package.

I’m actually a recent Canon convert having used Nikons for my entire career. So check out this video to learn why I switched and if I have any lingering regrets.

Photographer holding Canon R6 Camera
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