Make Sure Clothing Fit is Right

• Clothing should be well-tailored and fitted.
• Avoid baggy or loose clothing, as it will make you look larger in photos.
• Avoid fabrics that are clingy or shiny, especially thin, stretchy polyester or velvet. These fabrics highlight every bump and crease. Do not wear silver or shimmery gold.
• Avoid wearing something that is too tight, as this can lead to bulging.
• Longer shirts are best if you plan to be untucked. They elongate your torso and hide mid-section insecurities.
• Avoid shoulder pads in jackets and suits. Shoulder pads make you look boxy, wide and can convey tension rather than relaxation.

Look Put Together and Tidy

• Arrive with clothing pressed and lint-free. If you are wearing a shirt that wrinkles easily, hang it up and put it on right before photos to avoid it getting wrinkly in the car.
• Wear the right bra for the shirt you will wear. Make sure the color won’t show through. Watch for lines and seams from bras that might show through shirts. If you are going strapless or with a tank top, wear a strapless bra (but again, I generally don’t recommend sleeveless or short sleeves for headshots).
• Avoid logos of any kind, unless they are your company logo.

Makeup for Headshots and Professional Photos

In general, keep makeup natural. Aim for an everyday look, but be strategic about applying it with the following tips.

Protect Your Skin Before Your Session

• Wear sunscreen in the weeks leading up to your shoot! 
• Drink extra water the week prior to your photos.
• Don’t get anything waxed or threaded the day of or the day prior to your photos. Waxing or eyebrow threading can lead to redness. Avoid any major skincare treatment in the same week as your photos.
• Schedule a haircut a couple weeks in advance rather than right before your session, just in case you don’t love it or in case you need a little time to learn to style it.