Headshot portrait sessions are about more than just taking a good photo to share online. Headshots should share your style, personality, and should be a reflection of who you really are. When you start to select outfits for your headshot portrait session, there’s a few things to consider. Remember to choose outfits that make you feel confident and amazing - and spark joy. Today, I’m sharing my top tips for what to wear for your headshot session!

woman holds coffee cup leaning on marble ledge during headshots photographed by Saratoga Springs NY branding photographer Nicole Starr Photography

A few general guidelines to keep in mind when selecting outfits for your headshot session:

Bring a few different looks, and we can narrow them down at the studio. I’d rather you have more to choose from than feel insecure about something you wear. So, here’s some of my favorite outfit ideas…

Opt for form-fitting outfits for a slimmer look!

Avoid chunky knits, boxy tops, or loose blouses that will make you appear wider on camera than you really are. Choosing form-fitting outfits will help you appear slimmer on camera.

Textures are your best friend!

Lace, ruching, and interesting fabric details all photograph beautifully. They provide a little more of an interesting factor to your portraits, so don’t be afraid to lean into them!

Choose longer sleeves if they make you comfortable!

Consider long sleeves or 3/4 sleeves, and avoid cap sleeves and sleeveless styles if you're not 100% confident with your arms. Remember, the goal of these portraits is to capture images you love and want to share to promote your business online!

Bring tops with flattering necklines.

Scoop, v-neck, cowl neck all photograph beautifully. I love when my clients bring outfits that really play with their outfits like this.

Add layers to switch up your look!

A form-fitting cardigan or a blazer can change the look of your outfit instantly. It’s also a way to incorporate parts of your typical outfit - like a jacket or lab coat - into your portraits.

woman poses in white lab coat during headshots with Nicole Starr Photography in Saratoga Springs studio

Plan for a variety of colors.

Many clients opt for something light, something dark, and something bold. See what I mean about bringing lots of options? There’s a better chance for final images that you’ll love!

Schedule your headshots here!

Save it for later:

I recently had the pleasure of working with Leah Margolis Design, an extremely talented interior designer in Saratoga Springs who truly lives in color.

Leah was looking for portraits that reflected her personality & style, while showing clients and potential clients what they can expect when working with her. We wanted her portraits to be relaxed and approachable, engaging and unexpected, and of course filled with color and quirky patterns.

During our planning meeting Leah told me all about the PROCESS that she takes with each of her clients, and how important it is for her to have tangible items to bring together to show fabrics, metals, and textures. I loved incorporating this into her session, taking everything off of the computer screen and putting it in her hands instead, just like she does with her clients.

We captured a variety of detail shots, action shots, and relaxed head shots for Leah to use on her website and social media, and I’m thrilled to share them all with you today!

We made sure to tell many different “stories” in her session, from styling a table to picking out swatches, working at her computer, and scrolling on her phone. Business owners wear many hats, and it’s important to be authentic with your online presence and show that in your portraits!

You can follow Leah Margolis Design at:
https://www.facebook.com/leahmdesign/
https://instagram.com/leahmdesign/
https://leahmargolisdesign.com/

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About Nicole Starr Photography

Nicole Starr specializes in newborn, baby & family photography and has been serving families in New York and Massachusetts since 2012. She has a portrait studio in Saratoga Springs, NY for families in the Capital Region, and she also works with families at her Attleboro, MA studio and on location in Boston and on Cape Cod.

Nicole also loves working with small business owners to help them redefine their online presence and showcase the heart behind their brand or blog. Thinking about revamping your website or social media with more than a boring old headshot? Get in touch!