Headshot Clothing Tips for 2024
As we step into 2024, the question of what to wear for a headshot session remains as prevalent as ever. It's a topic I discuss repeatedly, given its importance, but it's crucial to remember that while your outfit plays a significant role, it shouldn't overshadow you.
As we step into 2024, the question of what to wear for a headshot session remains as prevalent as ever. It's a topic I discuss repeatedly, given its importance, but it's crucial to remember that while your outfit plays a significant role, it shouldn't overshadow you. After all, you're not marketing the clothes. Achieving a wardrobe baseline where your attire fits well and aligns with your professional image is key. Beyond this, the focus shifts to capturing your essence through expressions.
Remember, people rarely recall the specifics of what you wore in a headshot; they remember if you looked like you (not from twenty years ago).
The Importance of Fit
Fit is paramount. Opt for clothes that hug your body comfortably rather than those that are too loose. Men, ensure your shirt's neck size is correct, especially if you're wearing a tie. A well-fitting outfit not only looks sharper but allows for photographic techniques that can slim your appearance. An oversized garment, on the contrary, can add unwanted bulk.
Color and Pattern
Solid colors tend to work better than busy patterns. They draw attention to your face and expression, which should be the focal point of a headshot.
Dressing Appropriately
The degree of formality in your attire should mirror your daily professional wear. If suits are your go-to, then choose your favorite one for the session. If your ties don’t see much action these days, a smart sport coat with an open collar might be best.
Little Details Matter
Men's undershirts should be V-neck or absent to avoid distractions. Full attire is recommended, even for headshots, to accommodate different framing options. Shoes might not be visible, but they can enhance your confidence. Always bring multiple outfits to the session for variety and to ensure the best photographic outcome.
Attention Healthcare Professionals
For those in healthcare, modern fitted scrubs can look excellent on camera. White coats, though traditional, can be challenging to photograph due to their fit and color; scrubs often offer a more flattering alternative.
Style Trends and Accessories
Fashion trends come and go, but headshots are long-lasting. Sticking to classic, timeless pieces is advisable, though recent trends like oversized shoulders in women's attire may not translate well in headshots. Watches and jewelry should complement your look without overpowering it; simplicity usually wins out.
Final Thoughts
Your headshot session is about capturing the real you. Therefore, while clothing is important, it's essential not to overthink it. Choose outfits that represent you authentically and make you feel comfortable and confident. Remember, the right fit is crucial, especially for more formal looks. And sometimes, breaking the rules can work in your favor, provided it aligns with your personal style and the image you wish to convey.
In summary, your headshot should reflect your professional persona, not distract from it. By focusing on fit, appropriateness, and a touch of personal flair, you'll be well on your way to creating a memorable and impactful headshot for 2024.
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Your Corporate Headshot and Retouching — What to Expect
You wouldn’t believe the range of expectations I see when it comes to retouching and your professional headshot. Many of my clients and I are on the same page, but some do require some coaxing back to reality.
You wouldn’t believe the range of expectations I see when it comes to retouching and your professional headshot. Many of my Detroit area clients and I are on the same page, but some do require some coaxing back to reality.
This video covers my retouching philosophy along with a practical take on what we can and can’t correct in Photoshop, after the fact.
I also touch AI retouching and where it makes the most sense to use.
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My Quick Take of the Canon RF 100-300mm f2.8
The Canon RF 100-300mm f 2.8 is quite the lens. It is certainly overkill for headshots, but I’ve really been enjoying it for photographing my son’s soccer games and my daughter’s dance team half time shows. They are no longer the eager models they used to be at home.
The Canon RF 100-300mm f 2.8 is quite the lens. It is certainly overkill for headshots, but I’ve really been enjoying it for photographing my son’s soccer games and my daughter’s dance team half time shows. They are no longer the eager models they used to be at home.
The extra 100 mm of reach makes a big difference. And the build quality and refinements are at a whole new level relative to the current 70-200 2.8.
A sample from the Canon RF 100-300 2.8, under the stadium lights at a halftime show in the rain!
Check out the video for all my thoughts and observations on this amazing lens.
In short, this lens lives up to its hype, and then some.
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Can AI Add Pants to your Headshot or Personal Branding Photo?
By now, it’s no secret that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is nudging its way into every nook and cranny of the professional world. It’s reshaping the way we operate, yet I stand firm in my belief that it’s not ready to steal the spotlight just yet, especially not in the nuanced field of people photography. Let me share a snippet of my experience with AI in the studio.
By now, it’s no secret that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is nudging its way into every nook and cranny of the professional world. It’s reshaping the way we operate, yet I stand firm in my belief that it’s not ready to steal the spotlight just yet, especially not in the nuanced field of people photography. Let me share a snippet of my experience with AI in the studio.
The Headshot Studio Surprise
A client strolled in for a corporate headshot, wearing a sharp shirt, tie, and suit jacket, and shorts… He was under the impression that a 'headshot' was all we needed. However, the firm’s specs called for a 3/4 vertical portrait, actually quite common.
You see, the term ‘headshot’ has become a bit of a catch-all phrase. Depending on marketing needs, it might entail a waist-up portrait rather than the traditional close-up.
The Suit Pants Saga
So after a laugh, it was time to improvise. A reshoot was not ideal. So, I decided to try my luck with AI. With a full-length image shot, I turned to Photoshop’s new AI generative fill features to conjure up a pair of matching suit pants. Sounds straightforward, right?
The Results
The AI’s performance was, to put it mildly, less than stellar. Beginning with a well-lit, static portrait, the AI embarked on an odd journey of its own. It juggled around with the pose, added phantom accessories, and even concocted some new fashion trends.
A Fail, A Lesson Learned
This experiment was an eye-opener, showcasing AI’s shortcomings in a practical scenario. Perhaps there’s a way to better guide AI to desired results, but that discussion is for another day. The essence is, my clients seek a polished, consistent set of images. They invest in the assurance of quality and consistency, something that AI, is far from providing.
A Word to the Wise
So, the next time you’re heading in for a headshot session, save us both a laugh and some precious time - come dressed in matching attire from head to toe.
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How to Rename Headshot Files by Subject Name with HeadshotTools.com
As a headshot photographer, the idea of renaming your files to match your subject name seems simple enough, right? Well, it turns out that only until recently is it pretty easy to do. HeadshotTools.com is a new service that makes it incredibly easy to rename files by your subject names.
As a headshot photographer, the idea of renaming your files to match your subject name seems simple enough, right? Well, it turns out that only until recently is it pretty easy to do. HeadshotTools.com is a new service that makes it incredibly easy to rename files by your subject names.
I’ve been using HeadshotTools for a few months now and wanted to make a quick video on this topic.
Benefits of Headshot File Naming by Subject Name
It saves a lot of time after your session sorting out who’s who.
Even in a small organization, the person who hired you might not know everyone. So having the files named accordingly saves a lot of awkward questions back at the office.
And, when a headshot has your name in it, Google will start to show it when someone searches your name. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather have Google show a professional headshot of me than anything else!
Try HeadshotTools
Check out HeadshotTools for yourself and let me know what you think. They have a great set of tutorial videos to get you up and running.
Learn more about corporate headshot options.
Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.
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