WOMEN

Your headshot is designed to present you as confident, credible, and approachable. Clothing plays a crucial role in achieving this, so please review the guidance below when preparing for your session.

Overall Style

Aim for polished, professional, and timeless rather than trend-led. Simple, well-fitted garments photograph far better than anything overly decorative or experimental.

Recommended Clothing Choices

Tailored blazers or structured jackets

These photograph exceptionally well and add authority and shape.

Blouses, fine knit tops, or silk shirts

Choose styles with a clean neckline that frame the face without distracting.

Dresses with structure (if preferred)

Ensure they are not too low-cut and provide good shape at the shoulders.

Sleeves are recommended (¾ or full length if possible) as they create a more refined, professional finish.

Colours That Work Best

Neutral and rich tones photograph beautifully:

Navy, charcoal, soft grey, camel, cream, black, forest green, burgundy, muted blues

Soft jewel tones can be very flattering.

If wearing black, ensure the fabric has texture or structure to avoid it appearing flat.

Colours to Avoid

Very bright or neon colours

Strong patterns, large prints, or logos

High-contrast stripes or busy textures

Stark white close to the face (it can reflect light and dominate the image)

Fit & Fabric

Clothing should be well-fitted but comfortable – nothing too tight or too loose.

Avoid shiny, clingy, or overly textured fabrics.

Ensure items are freshly pressed and free from lint or pet hair.

Necklines & Details

Clean, simple necklines work best:

V-neck, scoop, soft collar, or structured shirt collars

Avoid high necks that feel restrictive or anything that competes with your face.

Minimal detailing is best – the focus should remain on you.

Jewellery & Accessories

Keep jewellery simple and understated.

Small earrings are ideal; avoid anything that moves or catches the light.

Watches are fine if they align with your professional brand.

Avoid large statement necklaces or multiple accessories.

Glasses

If you wear glasses regularly, bring them along.

Clean lenses thoroughly before the session.

Anti-reflective lenses are ideal.

What to Bring

2–3 outfit options if you would like variety

A tailored jacket even if you’re unsure – it often elevates the final image

A lint roller and any personal touch-up items

Final Tip

Choose clothing that feels like you on your best professional day. When you feel comfortable and confident, it will show clearly in your expression and posture.

MEN

“What is your audience?” If you are looking for a job in management, you should consider opting for a jacket in your photo. Whether or not you wear a tie will also depend on your audience.

I recommend staying away from huge patterns in your tie and shirt. Solid shirts with a small patterned tie look very sharp. Make your statement with your colours rather than patterns. Ensure everything looks clean and freshly-pressed, so you look “sharp”.

Newer shirts that aren’t faded and don’t have frayed/curled up edges on the collars are a must. If your wardrobe looks tired, so will you.

For your jacket, medium grey and blue work very well. Black or navy can work, but the detail of the jacket will be very dark in the final photo. Try to coordinate the width of your tie with the width of the lapels. For example, if you are wearing a modern, narrow lapel jacket, go with a narrower tie. If your lapels are more traditional, then do not wear a skinny tie. The best knot for most ties is a Windsor knot. 

A Shirt With No Jacket

If you aren’t wearing a jacket, I recommend wearing a collared, button-up shirt. It draws less attention to the neck and helps frame your face. Dress shirts work better than polo shirts and solid coloured shirts work best when you aren’t wearing a jacket. It’s also best to avoid solid black and solid white. 

Bring three or four options for the shoot. This gives us the ability to coordinate an overall look based on the background options.

How to find me:

My studio is situated at 85 Scatterdells Lane, Chipperfield, Hertfordshire, WD4 9EU.

We have a long hedge lined driveway with large wooden gates at the top. In order to gain access, please press the intercom at the gates and speak clearly so we can let you in.  If you don’t get a response, please call 07834 774605.  Please drive straight to the top of the driveway and park in front of the big barn doors to the studio.

If travelling by train:

Our nearest stations are both Hemel Hempstead or Kings Langley (within approximately 20 minutes from London Euston) and a few minutes taxi ride from either station.