When preparing for professional headshots, what you wear can make all the difference. Your outfit should not only reflect your personality but also complement the backdrop and lighting. The right attire will help you appear confident and polished while ensuring that you are the focal point of the image. If you’re booking a session with Shawn Keller Photography, here’s a comprehensive guide on what to wear for headshots based on popular backdrop colors like blue, maroon, black, and gray.
General Tips for Headshot Attire:
Before diving into color choices, here are a few general guidelines to keep in mind:
- Simplicity is key: Avoid overly busy patterns or graphics that might distract from your face.
- Fit matters: Choose clothing that fits well and flatters your shape. Avoid overly baggy or too-tight clothes.
- Stick to solid colors: Solid colors tend to photograph better and won’t compete for attention.
- Layers can add depth: A blazer, jacket, or well-tailored sweater can add a professional touch without overwhelming the photo.
- Avoid excessive accessories: Keep jewelry minimal and understated to ensure it doesn’t steal the spotlight from your face.
What Colors to Wear Based on Your Backdrop
1. Blue Backdrop
A blue backdrop is calming and professional, often used for corporate or formal headshots. When choosing what to wear against a blue background:
- Best Colors:
- Light or medium shades of blue, which create a cohesive look.
- Neutral tones like beige, ivory, white, and soft grays can also help you stand out while blending well with the backdrop.
- Warm tones like rust, burgundy, and mustard offer a nice contrast without being too harsh.
- Avoid: Darker shades of blue, as they can make you blend into the background.
2. Maroon Backdrop
A maroon backdrop provides a rich, warm feel, making it perfect for creative or formal portraits.
- Best Colors:
- Cool tones like navy blue, teal, and soft gray work well to create contrast with the maroon.
- Lighter tones like pale pink, blush, or cream can offer a softer look, allowing your face to take center stage.
- Earthy tones like brown or tan also complement maroon beautifully.
- Avoid: Wearing red or maroon can make you blend into the backdrop, losing definition in the photo.
3. Black Backdrop
A black backdrop is classic and dramatic, but it requires careful planning to make sure you don’t disappear into the background.
- Best Colors:
- Light colors such as white, cream, beige, and soft pastels create a strong contrast and keep the focus on your face.
- Jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and royal purple can add depth and richness without overwhelming the photo.
- Bright colors like red or yellow can also stand out effectively against black.
- Avoid: Black, dark brown, or charcoal can blend in with the backdrop, creating a flat look.
4. Gray Backdrop
A gray backdrop offers versatility and works well for both corporate and creative headshots.
- Best Colors:
- Bold colors like royal blue, forest green, or deep red provide a nice pop of color against gray.
- Pastels like pale blue, lavender, or soft pink work wonderfully to give a softer, approachable look.
- White and light gray offer a clean, classic feel when paired with a gray backdrop.
- Avoid: Dark gray or charcoal, as these colors can cause you to blend into the background, making the photo feel monotone.
Other Considerations:
- Skin Tone: Consider your skin tone when choosing colors. Warmer skin tones may benefit from earth tones like browns, olives, and deep reds, while cooler skin tones may suit blues, grays, and jewel tones.
- Company Branding: If these headshots are for professional use, you might want to match your company’s branding colors or choose colors that align with your industry’s image.
- Comfort: Ultimately, choose clothing that you feel comfortable and confident in. When you’re at ease, it shows in the photos.
Final Thoughts:
Your outfit can significantly impact the overall look of your professional headshots, so it’s worth taking the time to make thoughtful choices. At Shawn Keller Photography, we work with you to ensure your attire, backdrop, and overall look align perfectly to create stunning, professional images. If you’re unsure about what to wear, feel free to bring a few outfit options to your session, and we’ll help guide you.
Ready to book your headshot session? Contact Shawn Keller Photography today to schedule a consultation and get tips on how to look your best in front of the camera. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile or preparing for a corporate shoot, we’ve got you covered!
