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4th November, 2025
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Your business headshot is more than just a photo. It’s how the outside world perceives and immediately judges you. When potential clients encounter your business, their first question is often “Who is this business?” That’s exactly why headshots of your team are essential tools for building brand trust.
Here’s something interesting: more than any other question, clients consistently ask photographers what they should wear during their portrait sessions. This uncertainty makes perfect sense because the right clothing can enhance your features, complement your brand, and ensure your corporate photoshoot looks polished and professional.
Experienced photographers who have captured nearly a thousand portrait subjects have seen firsthand how being relaxed and confident produces the best headshot photography results. This guide will walk you through exactly what to wear for a corporate photoshoot, helping you make choices that showcase the authentic people behind your business while creating a professional impression that lasts.
Start with What Makes You Comfortable
Comfort forms the foundation of a successful corporate photoshoot. The most photogenic expressions come from people who feel at ease in front of the camera. If you’re uncomfortable in your clothing, that discomfort will show in your photos. Your body language, facial expressions, and overall demeanour change subtly but noticeably whenever you feel restricted or awkward in what you’re wearing.
The goal of your corporate headshot isn’t to transform yourself into someone unrecognisable but rather to present the most authentic version of yourself. You should choose outfits that align with who you are professionally. Haven’t worn a tie since before the pandemic? Suddenly wearing one for your photoshoot might make you feel self-conscious.
Resist the urge to purchase entirely new clothing specifically for your photoshoot unless necessary. Start by considering pieces you already own and feel confident wearing. Authenticity shines through in photos, so outfits that reflect your personal brand and professional identity will yield the best results.
These photos represent you to potential clients and colleagues. Wear clothing consistent with both your business tone and personal identity. As one professional photographer notes, “The goal is to dress in a way that feels like you“. This authenticity helps potential clients connect with the real person behind the business.
Fit is everything when it comes to photoshoot attire. Clothes that don’t fit properly can:
Well-fitted clothing enhances your natural shape without restricting movement. Anything too loose can smother your silhouette, while overly tight clothing creates uncomfortable pressure points that distract you during the shoot. The camera captures these subtle discomforts through tense expressions or awkward positioning.
Feeling uncertain about an outfit choice? Professional photographers recommend bringing multiple options. Often, the combination you believe will photograph best might look different in reality. Don’t second-guess your initial choices—bring them along with backup options.
Layering provides both visual interest and practical comfort. A well-fitted blazer, cardigan, or structured jacket can add depth to your image and give you something to work with if you’re feeling self-conscious. Layers allow for multiple looks without complete outfit changes, maximising your session time.
Remember that comfort translates to confidence in front of the camera. When your clothing feels right, you can focus on projecting your personality rather than adjusting uncomfortable garments. This confidence creates the polished, professional impression that makes corporate headshots truly effective.
Pick Colours That Highlight You, Not Your Clothes
Colours speak before you do in a corporate headshot. The right colour palette draws attention to your face—not your clothing—creating that perfect professional impression.
Solid colours should be your first choice when deciding what to wear for headshots. They keep the viewer’s attention on your face rather than on a distracting outfit. Professional headshots aim to highlight you as the subject, and solid colours accomplish this goal effectively.
Patterns create visual noise in photographs, regardless of how appealing they might seem in person. They often distract the eye and don’t always translate well on camera. Even subtle patterns can compete with your facial features, pulling focus away from where it belongs. Professional photographers note that solids are simpler to match with different backgrounds, making them especially valuable for group photoshoots where consistency matters.
Think of solid colours as creating a clean, timeless look that maintains relevance across industries and years. They also project sophistication and coherence, signalling to your audience that you approach your business with seriousness and attention to detail.
Certain colours and patterns present specific challenges in photography that can undermine your professional image. Pure white, while classic, often causes excessive glare and makes it difficult to see detail in clothing. It can also cause cameras to underexpose the photo, making you appear darker than you are. Off-white or cream serves as a better alternative if you prefer lighter tones.
Neon colours might energise in person but rarely translate well in photos. These vibrant shades can cause an unnatural colour cast on your skin and overwhelm the entire image. Busy prints divide attention and create visual chaos, regardless of how stylish they might be otherwise.
Also,colours avoid wearing colours that closely match your skin tone—this creates a washed-out appearance where it becomes difficult to distinguish where your clothing ends and skin begins. For corporate photoshoots, it’s particularly important to avoid logos, slogans, or extremely trendy pieces that might quickly date your images.
The simple explanation of colour selection for headshot photography is the following: creating a frame that complements and highlights your face. Darker shades around the neckline—such as the lapel of a blazer or the collar of a shirt—help draw focus upward toward your face.
Consider your unique skin tone when selecting colours. Different hues flatter different complexions:
The midtone to jewel tone colour range offers the most universally flattering options. Colours like burgundy, navy, plum, emerald green, and charcoal have proven especially effective for corporate headshots across various skin tones and professional settings.
Colours that complement but don’t match your natural skin tone create the most harmonious visual effect. The contrast between your clothing and complexion helps define your features clearly in the photograph, creating that polished, professional look that makes corporate headshots truly effective.
Use Layers and Texture to Add Interest
Texture elevates your corporate photoshoot from basic to remarkable. Even perfectly colored outfits can fall flat without dimension, leaving your headshot looking one-dimensional or bland. Strategic layering creates visual interest that draws the viewer’s eye exactly where it should go—to your face.
A lightweight blazer instantly adds structure and professionalism to any headshot. Unsure what to wear for a corporate photoshoot? A lightweight blazer or fitted cardigan delivers classic appeal that remains relevant across professional environments. These pieces serve a practical purpose beyond aesthetics: layering creates subtle variations in your look without requiring complete outfit changes.
Cardigans offer a softer alternative to blazers while maintaining that polished appearance. Fine-knit cardigans work particularly well for professionals who want to project approachability alongside competence. Need warmth without excessive formality? A textured scarf adds visual interest while framing your face beautifully.
The art of layering truly shines when you combine different textures. Think about pairing a delicate silk top with a leather bomber jacket for a look that’s both stylish and approachable. This contrast between smooth and textured surfaces creates visual depth that photographs exceptionally well.
Textured sweaters or cardigans are excellent choices for professionals seeking an approachable yet authentic image. This approach moves away from rigid corporate attire while maintaining professionalism. A high-quality knit in neutral tones like cream, gray, or camel adds visual interest without overwhelming your features.
The subtle texture of waffle weaves or fine ribbing prevents outfits from looking flat in photographs. When layering textured pieces, it’s better to layer more textured fabrics over smoother ones to avoid adding unnecessary bulk.
Structured jackets provide a strong frame, especially when paired with patterns or softer pieces beneath. This framing effect helps maintain visual clarity even with more complex outfit combinations. A solid blazer acts as a powerful frame for any pattern beneath, ensuring the look remains clean and structured.
Your outfit should create a balanced proportion between the top and bottom halves. This balance ensures attention stays focused on your face rather than being drawn to disproportionate clothing elements.
Corporate clothes can be adapted into more versatile combinations while maintaining this balance. Take higher refinement items and mix them with slightly more casual pieces. Once you add accessories and assess the outfit as a whole, those corporate pieces integrate seamlessly into a more approachable yet professional look.
Team photoshoots require coordination that creates cohesiveness without appearing overly uniform. Consider subtly incorporating your company’s branding colours into your attire. This thoughtful touch reinforces brand identity while maintaining individual expression—a monochromatic colour scheme featuring different shades of a single colour creates a sophisticated, modern impression.
The goal with texture and layering isn’t complexity but rather adding a subtle dimension that enhances without distracting. These elements provide the finishing touches that transform an ordinary corporate headshot into a polished, memorable representation of your professional identity.
Grooming and Styling Tips That Work for Everyone
Perfect outfit selection is only half the equation. Small grooming details make a substantial difference in your corporate headshots, and these final preparation steps ensure your photos look polished and professional from head to toe.
Facial shine remains one of the most common issues in professional photography. Even people with normal skin often appear shiny when flash photography is used. Translucent powder applied right before your session effectively eliminates unwanted shine without looking like heavy makeup.
For those who prefer avoiding makeup entirely, oil-absorbing sheets serve as an excellent alternative. These sheets quickly remove excess oil without disturbing your appearance. Photographers often keep rice powder and sanitised brushes on hand, but bringing your own shine-control products ensures you feel comfortable throughout the session.
Timing your haircut properly creates a natural, well-groomed appearance in your photos. Schedule your trim 3-5 days before your photoshoot—this sweet spot allows your hair to settle into its new shape while still looking fresh.
This timing applies regardless of hair length or style, giving you enough opportunity to adjust to any styling changes. Avoid making dramatic hairstyle changes immediately before your session. Unfamiliar styles might leave you feeling self-conscious in front of the camera, undermining your natural confidence.
For those with facial hair, ensure your beard or moustache is neatly trimmed with clean edges for a polished appearance.
The classic advice remains true: less is more. Subtle jewellery enhances your professional image without stealing focus from your face. Before heading to your session, consider what accessory items you might eliminate—following Coco Chanel’s principle of removing at least one accessory before leaving home.
Opt for classic pieces that won’t appear dated quickly, ensuring your headshots remain relevant longer. For women, neutral makeup enhances rather than transforms your appearance, focusing attention on your eyes and mouth. Men benefit from careful attention to details like clean nails and well-groomed eyebrows.
These finishing touches create a cohesive, professional impression that makes your corporate headshot truly effective.
What to Avoid for a Clean, Professional Look
Creating a professional image requires as much attention to what you exclude as what you include. Certain elements can undermine even the most carefully planned corporate photoshoot, yet these pitfalls are easily avoided with thoughtful preparation.
Visible logos create immediate visual distractions in professional headshots. Unless they represent your own company, logos draw attention away from your face and create potential brand confusion. Even a small embroidered polo logo can become the focal point of an otherwise perfect image. The single exception might be your own company logo when appropriate for your position.
Slogans function much like logos—they pull focus from what matters most: your professional appearance and expression. Avoid clothing with text, catchphrases, or recognisable characters that might date your headshot or introduce unnecessary complexity.
Highly trendy pieces pose a different challenge. While they might look fashionable today, they can quickly make your headshot appear outdated. Opt for classic, timeless pieces that won’t immediately signal when the photo was taken.
Bare arms rarely work well in corporate photography. Beyond potentially appearing too casual, sleeveless tops direct attention to your arms rather than your face. Professional photographers note that people’s eyes naturally gravitate toward the brightest element in a portrait (often exposed skin) disrupting the visual hierarchy of your image.
Should you prefer short sleeves, consider adding a layer like a well-fitted blazer or cardigan. This approach maintains professionalism while providing structure to your silhouette.
Finding the balance between approachable and professional remains crucial. Items like yoga pants, t-shirts, or overly casual attire generally undermine credibility in a corporate context. Conversely, outfits with excessive sparkle, shimmer, or flash can be equally problematic.
Photographers consistently advise against wearing baggy clothes that add visual bulk or items that appear too tight. Beyond clothing choices, consider makeup approaches as well—avoiding shiny, glowy products containing minerals or sunscreen prevents unwanted reflections. Anything that competes with your face for attention ultimately diminishes the effectiveness of your headshot.
Conclusion
Your corporate headshot serves as a powerful first impression in the professional world. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored how your clothing choices significantly impact the success of your professional images. Comfort remains the foundation of great photos, allowing your authentic self to shine through with confidence.
Solid colours draw attention to your face rather than your clothing, while strategic layering adds dimension that elevates your photos from basic to remarkable. The right grooming practices enhance your overall appearance, creating that polished look that resonates with clients and colleagues.
What you choose to avoid can be equally important. Logos, slogans, trendy pieces, and overly casual attire detract from the professional image you want to project. These seemingly small details make a significant difference in how others perceive you and your brand.
Ready to look your best in your next headshot? Reach out to Lightbulb Studio for professional photography services and expert advice on what to wear for your session. Our team will help you make choices that highlight your best features and create a polished, professional image.
The perfect corporate photoshoot happens when you feel comfortable, look polished, and project confidence. These guidelines provide a framework, but your personal style should always shine through. Choose attire that represents both your professional identity and authentic personality. This balance creates headshots that not only look professional but also connect genuinely with your audience, building the trust essential for business relationships.