Should I wear glasses for my headshot?

If people usually see you in glasses, you should wear them for your portrait. It is part of your visual identity. To manage reflections, ensure your lenses are perfectly clean. As a photographer, I will adjust the lighting angles to eliminate glare. If you have multiple pairs, bring them along to see which frame suits the lighting and your outfit best during the session.

What colours should I avoid?

Avoid extremely bright, fluorescent colours as they can cast unnatural tints onto your skin. Pure white can sometimes lose detail in highlights, and pure black can occasionally appear flat in photos without careful lighting. Flesh-toned tops like beige or tan can make you look washed out or as if you are not wearing clothes at first glance. Stick to rich, solid mid-tones for the best results.

Can I wear sleeveless tops?

It is generally advised to avoid sleeveless tops in professional headshots. Bare arms can draw attention away from your face and change the balance of the composition. If you prefer a sleeveless look, consider layering it with a cardigan, blazer, or smart jacket. This provides a more structured silhouette and keeps the focus on your expression and eyes, which is the primary goal of the shoot.

How many outfits should I bring?

I recommend bringing at least three distinct outfits. This allows us to capture a range of looks, from formal to casual. Having options also ensures that if one colour or pattern does not work well under the lights, we have immediate alternatives. It is better to have too many choices than too few. Ensure everything is transported on hangers to keep the garments looking sharp and professional.

Headshots: What to Wear

Ross Nixon Photography provides a comprehensive guide on selecting attire for professional headshots. Focus on well-fitted garments, neutral tones, and avoiding distracting patterns to ensure the focus remains on your face.

The clothing you select for a professional headshot acts as the frame for your face. It should support your professional identity without drawing attention away from your features. Operating from Edinburgh, I work with clients across financial, creative, and corporate sectors who require imagery that translates across LinkedIn, company websites, and press releases. The goal is to look like the best version of yourself on a standard working day. Avoid over-complicating the selection process. This guide provides a structured approach to wardrobe selection, focusing on texture, colour theory, and fit to ensure your portraits are effective, professional, and timeless. Whether you are booking a studio session or an environmental shoot on location, these principles apply.

From £195

Wardrobe Selection Principles

1. Prioritize Fit. Clothing that is too large will bunch up when sitting or leaning, making you look larger or unkempt. Conversely, items that are too tight will pull at the buttons and create distracting lines. Ensure all items are tailored or well-fitted. 2. Choose Subdued Colours. Middle-tones like navy, charcoal, burgundy, and forest green are universally flattering. They provide enough contrast without washing out skin tones. Avoid neon colours or extremely bright reds which can reflect unwanted colour onto your jawline. 3. Manage Patterns. Solid colours are preferred. Small, intricate patterns like fine houndstooth or narrow stripes can cause a 'moiré effect' in digital images, resulting in a shimmering, wavy distortion. If you prefer patterns, keep them large and simple. 4. Consider Texture. Heavier fabrics like wool, linen, or high-quality cotton add visual depth to a photograph. Avoid shiny fabrics such as satin or cheap synthetics, as studio lighting will pick up every reflection and highlight. 5. Necklines and Layers. For a formal look, a blazer over a collared shirt is standard. For a more relaxed feel, a V-neck sweater or a simple crew neck works well. Ensure undershirts are not visible.

Preparation and Grooming

Your clothes must be clean and pressed. Camera sensors are high-resolution and will capture every wrinkle, lint speck, or stray hair. Bring your clothes on hangers rather than folded in a bag to prevent fresh creasing. I recommend bringing at least three options to the session: one formal, one smart-casual, and one that is slightly more relaxed. This variety ensures you have the right image for different platforms. Grooming should be kept consistent with your day-to-day appearance. If you are planning a haircut, do it at least a week before the session to allow the hair to settle. For those who wear makeup, aim for a matte finish. Studio lights can accentuate shine on the skin, so having powder or blotting papers on hand is beneficial. Keep jewellery minimal; large, shiny pieces can date a photograph and distract the viewer's eye from your face.

Visual Context in Edinburgh

Context matters for your choice of clothing, especially if we are shooting on location rather than against a plain studio backdrop. If your headshots are being taken in the New Town against the grey sandstone of Queen Street or the architectural lines of Charlotte Square, your colour palette should complement these surroundings. Navy and grey tones work exceptionally well against the Edinburgh cityscape. For creative professionals working in Leith or the biscuit factory, a more relaxed, textured approach—such as high-quality knitwear or a denim shirt—often fits the local industry standard better than a full suit. If we are shooting outdoors, consider the Scottish weather. Your choice should look appropriate for the season; a lightweight linen shirt might look out of place in the middle of a November haar on the Royal Mile. I can advise on which locations suit your specific wardrobe choices to ensure a cohesive professional aesthetic that aligns with your brand and the local environment.

Questions people ask

Should I wear glasses for my headshot?: If people usually see you in glasses, you should wear them for your portrait. It is part of your visual identity. To manage reflections, ensure your lenses are perfectly clean. As a photographer, I will adjust the lighting angles to eliminate glare. If you have multiple pairs, bring them along to see which frame suits the lighting and your outfit best during the session.
What colours should I avoid?: Avoid extremely bright, fluorescent colours as they can cast unnatural tints onto your skin. Pure white can sometimes lose detail in highlights, and pure black can occasionally appear flat in photos without careful lighting. Flesh-toned tops like beige or tan can make you look washed out or as if you are not wearing clothes at first glance. Stick to rich, solid mid-tones for the best results.
Can I wear sleeveless tops?: It is generally advised to avoid sleeveless tops in professional headshots. Bare arms can draw attention away from your face and change the balance of the composition. If you prefer a sleeveless look, consider layering it with a cardigan, blazer, or smart jacket. This provides a more structured silhouette and keeps the focus on your expression and eyes, which is the primary goal of the shoot.
How many outfits should I bring?: I recommend bringing at least three distinct outfits. This allows us to capture a range of looks, from formal to casual. Having options also ensures that if one colour or pattern does not work well under the lights, we have immediate alternatives. It is better to have too many choices than too few. Ensure everything is transported on hangers to keep the garments looking sharp and professional.

Talk to Ross

Four ways to get a reply today. Pick whichever suits — every message lands directly with Ross.

Book a call

See pricing now

Transparent rates for every service — half-day, full-day, plus add-ons. No hidden travel fees.

View pricing & packages →

Free sample gallery

Get a full client gallery (PDF + wallpaper pack) to see what delivery looks like.

Message Ross directly

Quickest route. Usually answered within a couple of hours, seven days.

WhatsApp Ross Call +44 7795 123456