professional headshot vet

What To Wear For Professional Headshots

Headshots are essential for creating an immediate connection with your audience; showing your dedication in providing a processional service, no matter what your occupation may be. Remember- your headshot is your personal branding tool and your wardrobe choice should reflect that. In a previous blog post, we spoke about general headshot wardrobe tips, but today we will delve a little deeper about the specific outfit advice based on your profession. 

The area of your specialization will help determine what to add to your outfit for relevance. For a doctor, a white lab coat or a set of scrubs would play into the branding your role- this what people expect of you. Perhaps add a stethoscope around your neck or a clipboard with patient notes will add authenticity to your shoot. Keep jewellery and other accessories simple and understated. For a nurse- depending on your specialty, a plain pair of scrubs would work perfectly. However, if you’re in paediatrics, you can opt for something a bit more vibrant and colourful. 

For the setting, many healthcare professionals would opt for an on-site photoshoot at their clinic rather than using a plain backdrop. Providing context for a professional headshot is important in defining your brand based on your industry. 

Dancer

As a dancer, your headshot is about showcasing your elegance. Generally dancers have a well-defined physical shape, so choose clothing that accentuates this, but ensure it’s not overly revealing. A black leotard or partially sheer top would work perfectly for your headshot, ensuring that it shows the definition in your arms and shoulders. Depending on the style of dancing, many opt for a tight bun and a soft glam makeup look to accentuate the overall look. 

what to wear for headshots dancer

Actor

Headshots are key to breaking into the acting industry. An actor’s headshot is their professional calling card—and the best ones do more than just catch a casting director’s attention in the moment. A great headshot is also memorable enough to pop back into the director’s mind the next time a role suited for your type crosses their desk.  Choose your outfit based in the type of character you are branding yourself for. 

You can see Jennifer Lawrence wears a simple black turtleneck which is elegant yet subtle, allowing your attention to be drawn to her unique facial features. Her makeup is soft but her hair is slightly messy, which allows her to be casted for characters that are feminine, but slightly quirky. Idris Elba on the other hand, plays into a more masculine ‘street ghetto’ style character. The plain white singlet seamlessly shows his muscular arms with their tattoos, along with the more threatening pose, giving an edgy feel to the headshot. 

what to wear for headshot actor
headshot for actors

Solicitor

As a solicitor, it’s important that you present yourself as a professional and successful legal person. So, a well-tailored suit in a neutral colour like navy, black, or charcoal grey is the safest choice. Only use clothes that fit you well, ill-fitting outfits make you appear sloppy and this doesn’t represent your brand well. Research your firm’s dress code to gain a sense of its corporate style. You can opt for a slightly more modern take on the classics if that aligns with your firm’s culture. As a male solicitor with your suit use a conservative tie with a subtle pattern or solid colour. Avoid loud colours or distracting patterns. As a female solicitor perhaps wear a blouse in a similar colour palette as the suit or a tasteful pantsuit can work well.

headshots for lawyers

Teacher

Depending on the degree of formality for your school it will be important that you choose clothing that is professional and appropriate for your school. For a college or senior school teacher, you could slightly more formal with a tailored suit, blouse or a professional dress. For a primary school teacher, I’d opt for a more relaxed style. We think that minimal accessories will enhance your outfit, but we would suggest that you avoid anything too flashy as it will be distracting. Also, when you choose the setting for your shoot, it is important that the background for your head shot complements you, so choose colours that will contrast nicely with it and avoid wearing colours that might blend into the backgroundYou can see the teacher below has chosen neutral tones for her headshot that complements the wooden decor behind her. 

professional headshot for teacher

Veterinarian

As a vet, you are working with people’s beloved pets and you want an outfit that shows you are professional, but also that you care. A clean and ironed set of scrubs is a classic and universally recognized choice and opt for solid colours such as navy blue, teal, or dark green which tend to create feelings of trust. We want to present you in your practice as approachable, competent, and trustworthy, and so patients feel comfortable bringing their furry friends to you for care. 

professional headshot vet

Model

As a professional model, your headshot serves a different purpose than most professional headshots. you might want to bring multiple outfits to your headshot session. This allows you to showcase your range and cater to different agencies or projects. Depending on your modelling style, you can choose outfits that highlight your strengths. For example, a fitted tank top for a fitness model or a sleek dress for a fashion model. Perhaps choose classic and timeless outfits that won’t distract from your face or the overall image. Also, perhaps adding a touch of personality with versatile accessories however choose accessories that complement your outfit without overpowering it. Also, always a good idea to choose outfits that show off your figure without being too revealing. It is also important to make sure that your hair and makeup are professionally done to really accentuate your unique features.

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