Should I wear bright colours or neutrals?

Neutrals and solid mid-tones are generally the safest and most effective choice. Avoid bright neon colours or stark white, as these can wash out skin tones or cause issues with light reflection. Instead, opt for navy, grey, forest green, or burgundy. These colours provide enough depth to create a professional look without being distracting.

Are patterns and prints acceptable?

Small, tight patterns like pinstripes or thin checks can cause a visual distortion known as moiré in digital images. Large, busy prints can be distracting. It is best to stick to solid colours or very subtle textures. If you must wear a pattern, ensure it is low-contrast and bring a solid backup option to the session.

Can I bring more than one outfit?

Yes, I encourage clients to bring a variety of options. Usually, a mix of formal and business-casual works best. For example, a blazer and shirt for one look, and a high-quality knit or polo shirt for a more relaxed alternative. This provides a range of images that can be used across different platforms depending on the context.

How should I handle glasses and glare?

If you wear glasses daily, you should wear them in your headshot. I am experienced in positioning studio lights to minimise glare on the lenses. However, if your lenses have a strong blue-light coating or are transition lenses that darken in light, please let me know in advance so we can adjust the lighting setup accordingly.

Do I need to get professional hair and makeup done?

While not mandatory, professional styling can help you feel more confident under studio lights. If you are doing your own, keep it natural and avoid heavy products that might cause shine. I recommend bringing a small kit for touch-ups, including a hairbrush and powder or blotting papers to manage any moisture, especially during the warmer months.

What should I wear to a headshot session?

For a professional headshot with Ross Nixon Photography, wear well-fitted clothing in solid, mid-tone colours that reflect your industry. Favour classic necklines and natural fabrics over busy patterns or loose materials to ensure a timeless, high-quality result.

The primary objective of a professional headshot is to present a clean, competent version of yourself that aligns with your specific industry standards. In my Edinburgh studio or on location, I advise clients to prioritise fit and fabric over trends. Your clothing should support your face, not distract from it. This means avoiding bold, high-contrast patterns or oversized logos that draw the eye away from your expression. A basic rule of thumb is to choose garments you feel confident in, ensuring they are pressed and free of lint. Whether you are a creative professional in Leith or a legal expert in the New Town, the standard remains the same: simplicity usually yields the most effective results for editorial-style portraiture.

From £195

What's included

When you book a session with Ross Nixon Photography, the focus is on creating a versatile portfolio of images. This is not just a quick snap; it is a structured session designed to give you several distinct looks. Each package includes an initial consultation to discuss your wardrobe choices and the specific tone you want to project. During the shoot, we work through multiple outfit changes to ensure you have options for LinkedIn, press releases, or company websites. Professional post-production is included as standard. I handle all colour grading and subtle retouching personally to maintain a natural, editorial finish. Clients receive a secure online gallery where they can select their final high-resolution files. For those needing specific crops for social media or print, I provide those at no extra cost. The goal is to provide a complete set of assets that are ready for immediate use across all professional platforms, ensuring your visual identity is consistent and high-quality.

How it works

The process begins with a clear plan. Once the date is secured, I provide a guide on preparing your clothing so everything is ready for the lens. On the day, we start by reviewing your selected garments to determine which order we should shoot them in, typically moving from more formal to casual attire. I use high-end lighting setups that can be adjusted to suit the texture of your clothes and your skin tone. Feedback is provided throughout the session, showing you the back of the camera so we can refine your posture and collar placement. This collaborative approach removes the guesswork. After the shoot, you will receive your proofing gallery within 48 hours. Once you make your final selections, the polished images are delivered digitally in both high-resolution and web-optimised formats, ready for your website or corporate profile.

Local detail

Edinburgh offers a unique backdrop for headshots, from the professional atmosphere of the West End to the industrial aesthetic of the Shore in Leith. If we are shooting on location rather than in the studio, weather becomes a factor for your wardrobe. I often suggest layering for outdoor sessions near the Royal Mile or the University of Edinburgh buildings. This allows us to handle the unpredictable Scottish wind while giving you different looks without a full wardrobe change. For corporate clients based in the St Andrew Square area, I typically provide on-site setups that mimic a studio environment directly in your office boardrooms. This saves your team time while maintaining a consistent aesthetic across the company. I am familiar with the light quality across the city, from the bright, open spaces of the Scottish Parliament area to the more shadowed, moody streets of the Old Town, and I tailor my equipment and your clothing advice to match the specific environment we choose for your session.

Questions people ask

Should I wear bright colours or neutrals?: Neutrals and solid mid-tones are generally the safest and most effective choice. Avoid bright neon colours or stark white, as these can wash out skin tones or cause issues with light reflection. Instead, opt for navy, grey, forest green, or burgundy. These colours provide enough depth to create a professional look without being distracting.
Are patterns and prints acceptable?: Small, tight patterns like pinstripes or thin checks can cause a visual distortion known as moiré in digital images. Large, busy prints can be distracting. It is best to stick to solid colours or very subtle textures. If you must wear a pattern, ensure it is low-contrast and bring a solid backup option to the session.
Can I bring more than one outfit?: Yes, I encourage clients to bring a variety of options. Usually, a mix of formal and business-casual works best. For example, a blazer and shirt for one look, and a high-quality knit or polo shirt for a more relaxed alternative. This provides a range of images that can be used across different platforms depending on the context.
How should I handle glasses and glare?: If you wear glasses daily, you should wear them in your headshot. I am experienced in positioning studio lights to minimise glare on the lenses. However, if your lenses have a strong blue-light coating or are transition lenses that darken in light, please let me know in advance so we can adjust the lighting setup accordingly.
Do I need to get professional hair and makeup done?: While not mandatory, professional styling can help you feel more confident under studio lights. If you are doing your own, keep it natural and avoid heavy products that might cause shine. I recommend bringing a small kit for touch-ups, including a hairbrush and powder or blotting papers to manage any moisture, especially during the warmer months.

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