Getting Ready for your Headshot?

Select clothing that fits well and makes you feel good. Professional images help establish your professional identity; therefore, clothing choices should be deliberate and send the message that you take your work seriously, are reliable, credible and knowledgeable. In regard to level of dress, aim for business professional rather than business casual unless you are an employee in an industry where casual work attire is widely accepted. It is always better to dress for the job you want, rather than the job you have; think sports jacket with button-down shirt or blazer with blouse or a dress. Avoid outfits that looks seasonal. Instead, choose something that is more of a timeless staple. Lean toward solid colors avoiding busy patterns or strips. Choose long sleeve shirts and consider the addition of a jacket or blazer especially if you plan to wear a solid white shirt; layering adds dimension and white shirts can appear too bright in an image. Take time to try on the outfit several days in advance so you have the opportunity to make an alternative selection if you discover the clothing no longer fits quite right, has a stain or hole in it. Press out wrinkles and remove loose threads, lint, hair clippings, dander or pet hair. Prepare as if you were going to a job interview.