CAPTURETIME

What should I wear for a professional headshot?

Ross Nixon Photography recommends wearing well-fitted, solid-coloured clothing with a focus on comfortable necklines and minimal patterns. Avoid distractions to ensure the focus remains on your face and professional character.

The standard approach for professional headshots is to wear attire that reflects your industry while ensuring the fit is precise. As an Edinburgh photographer, I advise clients to focus on muted or solid tones rather than busy patterns which distract the human eye and digital sensors alike. Your clothing should be pressed and free of lint, as high-resolution cameras capture every stray thread or wrinkle. For corporate roles, a suit or blazer remains the benchmark, whereas creative professionals often opt for smart-casual layers. The goal is to present a version of yourself that is polished yet authentic. Avoid neon colours and heavy branding, as these date quickly and divert attention from your expression and eyes, which are the focal points of the image.

From £195

What's included

When booking a headshot session with Ross Nixon Photography, you receive a consultation on clothing choices before we begin. I assess how different fabrics interact with studio lighting or natural Edinburgh light, ensuring your chosen palette complements your skin tone and the intended backdrop. The session includes time for one or two outfit changes to provide variety for LinkedIn, your company website, or press releases. I provide a private online gallery where you can select your preferred images for professional retouching. Retouching is handled with a light touch; I remove temporary blemishes and stray hairs while maintaining your natural look. Each final image is delivered in high resolution for print and web-optimised formats for social media. I also provide advice on posture and expression throughout the shoot to ensure the clothes sit correctly. A poorly fitted jacket can ruin a shot, so I monitor the drape of your clothing during every frame to ensure the final result is sharp and professional.

How it works

The process starts with a discussion about your brand or corporate identity. If you are a lawyer in the New Town, your requirements differ from a tech founder in CodeBase. Once we establish the tone, you bring your selected outfits to the studio or location. We start with the most formal option and move to more relaxed attire. I look for clean lines around the shoulders and neck. If you are wearing a tie, it must be knotted tightly; if you are going open-collared, the shirt must have enough structure to stand up under a jacket. I use professional lighting to accentuate the texture of the fabric without creating harsh shadows. After the shoot, you receive a proofing gallery within 48 hours. Once you select your images, the final retouched files are typically delivered via a secure download link within five working days.

Local detail

Edinburgh offers a range of environments for headshots, from the professional atmosphere of Charlotte Square to the modern aesthetic of the Quartermile. For outdoor sessions, the Scottish weather necessitates specific clothing choices. If we are shooting in the Grassmarket or along George Street, I recommend bringing a heavy overcoat or trench coat that complements your outfit; we can use it as a prop or remove it quickly between shots. The light in Edinburgh can be quite cool, so I often suggest warmer tones or layers like wool and cashmere which add depth and texture to the photograph. If you need professional hair and makeup, I can recommend local specialists near Dundas Street or Stockbridge who understand the requirements of studio flash. I also accommodate office-based sessions for teams in locations like Leith or the Gyle, where I bring a portable studio setup to your premises to minimise downtime for your staff while maintaining a consistent aesthetic across all employee portraits.

Questions people ask

Should I wear glasses in my headshot?
If you wear glasses daily, you should wear them in your headshot for consistency. I use specific lighting angles and polarising filters to eliminate glare and reflections on the lenses. Ensure your glasses are thoroughly cleaned and the frames sit straight. If your lenses have a heavy tint or strong blue-light coating, let me know in advance so I can adjust the lighting setup.
Are bold patterns a good idea?
Generally, no. Small, intricate patterns like pinstripes or tight ginghams can cause a distracting visual effect known as moiré in digital images. Bold, large patterns often draw the eye away from your face. Stick to solid colours or very subtle textures. This ensures the viewer’s focus stays on your eyes and expression rather than being hijacked by your shirt or dress design.
What colours work best for headshots?
Mid-tones such as blue, grey, green, or burgundy are typically the most flattering. Avoid wearing skin-tone colours like beige or tan, as they can make you look washed out. True white can be difficult under studio lights, so an off-white or light blue shirt is often better. If we are using a dark background, avoid wearing a solid black top unless you want a very moody, high-contrast look.
How many outfits should I bring?
For a standard session, I recommend bringing three options. This usually consists of a formal choice, a smart-casual choice, and one alternative with a different neckline or colour. Having options allows us to see what works best with the lighting and background on the day. It also provides you with a library of images you can use for different platforms, from formal annual reports to casual social posts.
Does fit matter more than style?
Yes. A well-fitted, cheaper suit will always look better on camera than an expensive one that is too large. Camera angles can exaggerate loose fabric, making you look larger or untidy. Ensure your clothes are tailored or fit snugly in the shoulders and chest. If a garment is slightly loose, I can sometimes use clips in the back to pin the fabric for the shot, but proper fit is always preferable.

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