What to Wear for Your Corporate Headshot

What to Wear for Your Corporate Headshot?

Are you laughing as you sit there in your pajama bottoms?

Well, we can all use a quick giggle. But despite the pandemic, WFH, and less restrictive work rules, what you wear for your corporate headshot is especially important these days.

Why Having a Great Corporate Headshot is Important Now

Are you gainfully employed?

Did you answer yes? Then during the pandemic, you’ve likely increased your presence on LinkedIn, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Teams, social media, etc.? (Expert tip: If you haven’t, DO.) And perhaps you’ve amped up your online marketing by posting more frequently, writing LinkedIn articles, sending out newsletters? (Expert tip: If you haven’t, DO.)

Which means that your headshot needs to be fresh, friendly, and professional. You can bet that if you’ve reduced your in-person presence overall, your clients, prospects and followers are making up for it by checking out your “About” page, your bio and/or your profile – and often more than once. Let’s do a quick reality check on that statement … please hold.

Thank you for your patience. Over the last few weeks, over 600 people have viewed my LinkedIn profile. That’s not because I’m job-hunting, because I’m not. No, it’s because they’re curious about the person behind the content. Just like your customers and prospects are curious about the faces and personalities behind the services and pro

ducts they purchase … or even more critically for you and your company, are considering purchasing.

The headshots on your business’s website can be even more important. Whoever has landed on your website is already seeking out your services or products (okay, maybe they’re checking out their competition). In any case, your headshots afford you the opportunity to make an impression and start building a relationship very early in the sales process. How you and your team appear in your headshots can convey personality, professionalism, authenticity and relevancy. That is, if you’re feeling, looking and dressing the part.

Or perhaps you’re seeking new employment?

Then your headshot is even more crucial. Along with your resume, it’s your first introduction, a chance to begin impressing a prospective employer or recruiter.

In fact, Concetta Raz, Founder/CEO of Upward On, a leading NYC executive search firm, says that when reviewing a candidate’s profile, one of the first things she does is “look at their headshot. I’m looking for a clear photograph that shows the applicant’s posture and level of professionalism.”  Her advice to job-seekers or people trying to move up the ladder? “Your headshot is your calling card along with your resume. This is your opportunity to stand out.”

Raz is not alone among recruiters in thinking this. According to an article published by Forbes last month, “80% of recruiters said a LinkedIn photo was an important ranking factor … and agreed a candidate’s LinkedIn profile picture was used as a way to get to know the person better.”

Let’s face it. While you shouldn’t necessarily judge a book by its cover, the Forbes article states that job seekers get rejected for their LinkedIn profile pic as much as 70% of the time.

Convinced yet? Oh, wait … I hear what you’re thinking …

But Isn’t It Just a Head Shot?

Au contraire. The definition of “headshot” has broadened significantly over the last few years.

In yesteryear, “headshot” meant precisely what it says. As in, a photographic shot of one’s head. And in some places that definition still holds mostly true – websites for large professional corporations (think law firms and financial services companies). In 2019-2020, I would have said LinkedIn. But that’s rapidly changing.

Actors started using horizontal shots in the aughts, in addition to the traditional 8.5 x 11” that has been pro forma since the mid-1900s. And they began going color, ditching black-and-white for everything except stage drama. Jump forward a few years to social influencers. You might see a product beside their head, or a cat wrapped around their shoulders, or … their headshots and portraits are often more like ads and lifestyle photos. But somewhere in between the traditional and the cutting edge reside we corporate laggards. We’ve finally joined the revolution by sometimes pushing headshots more in the direction of portraits to present our personalities and to start telling a story.

How do we know this?

Because as corporate photographers, it’s our business to know it. We now photograph our clients in a multitude of ways that still fall generally under the headline of “headshot.” We shoot some clients in motion, some from the waist up, some full-body. Stronger angles are used more. Lighting can be serious or playful, indoor or outdoor. The days of the studio 8.5×11” are not over, but now they’re only part of the repertoire.

And before we ever get to the headshot session, we consult with clients to understand what they’re truly shooting for (pun intended). We want to understand what aspect of their personality they’re looking to portray. How and where their headshots (or portraits) will be used. What their favorite features are (and aren’t).

Because that affects how 

we light and position them, the aspect in which we photograph them, what we chat about with them during the shoot.

And, importantly, what they wear for their corporate headshot.

Whoops, did I bury the lead?

No!

Now that we’re on common ground about the importance and definition of “headshot,” I’m just coming back full circle to our original question.

So, What to Wear for Your Corporate Headshot?

Before you choose your outfit(s), remember that the number one priority is that your headshot be authentic. It should capture you – what is unique and defining and compelling about you –on your best day.

For instance, starting with the bare necessities, think about the expression you’ll “wear.” If you’re shy, pasting on a big, gregarious fake grin is going to look fake. If you’re lively and outgoing, standing ramrod straight with a solemn expression that you think telegraphs professionalism will look stiff and unnatural.

Do a quick session or two in front of your mirror. You’ll see and feel when your expression tilts toward fake, and when it’s most authentic.

Don’t try to be what you are not.

Why pouf up your hair if it’s usually pulled back and blown straight? Don’t color your hair blonde when you’ve been brunette all your life. And put the razor down — don’t shave the beard you’ve sported for the last ten years. Finally, whatever you do, do NOT get a makeover the week before, showing up for your photo shoot feeling like an alien in your own skin.

Which brings us to what you’ll be wearing on that skin.

We firmly believe that clothes do NOT make the man or the woman. They express the individual. That should be your guiding mantra.

If you always wear black, don’t break out the glittery green top that has been hanging in the back of your closet. Sure, you bought it because it’s a statement piece. But it just happens to be someone else’s statement, which is why you should sell it or take it to Goodwill.

If you always wear black, wear black.

What I’m saying here is…

You be YOU.

We usually advise clients not to wear something that is potentially distracting, like busy patterns or giant jewelry. But if you’ve been doing that for so long that it truly is a part of your self-expression, wear it and flaunt it!

For example, here’s our client Purely Patricia. Do you think we’re ever going to advise her to tone it down?

You guessed correctly.

But let’s face it: most of us are NOT Purely Patricia. Which is why we’re turning to personal stylist and image consultant Cassandra Sethi, founder and CEO of Next Level Wardrobe. When you visit her website, take a close look at her images – she’s the very picture of someone who is comfortable in her own skin and stylishly translates that vibe through her wardrobe choices.

Sethi styles professionals in NYC and Los Angeles to look amazing every day while still looking like themselves. She works with her clients to take the frustration and time out of getting dressed every day. Including for your headshot photo shoot.

So I chatted with Sethi to find out what advice she gives to professionals about what to wear for their corporate headshots.

Here are her top pointers:

1. Throw on a blazer or a great jacket depending on your company dress code

Cassandra says, “A great blazer enhances your professional brand by conveying confidence and professionalism.” If you’re a woman in search of a great blazer for your headshot, she recommends this tailored blazer from Adolfo Dominguez.

2. Keep it simple and wear neutral colors 

Echoing our previous sentiment, Cassandra says, “The focus should be on you, not what you’re wearing.” Simple pieces in neutral colors will help the focus remain on you. She recommends this classic t-shirt from Totême.

3. Avoid poorly fitted clothes, short-sleeve shirts and logos

Cassandra states that clothes that fit poorly, have short sleeves, or have logos are unflattering, show a lack of attention to detail, and are distracting. She recommends making sure your corporate headshot outfit is tailored (here are her tips for men’s clothing alterations).

 

Yessss! What’s not to love here? You’ve got the look, you’ve got the attitude, and you now know what to wear for your corporate headshot.

Ready for your corporate headshots and portraits?

Call us at 212.810.2148 or email us at [email protected]. We’re ready to help you show your best self to the world.