By Bonnie
Photography
Senior Photo Session
Style Guide
Colors:
I personally recommend neutral colors.
Example: whites, black, beiges, tans, grays, periwinkle, sage green and light blush.
Patterns:
Solids, small to medium florals or polka dots.
Jewelry:
Thin jewelry chains are okay but can get lost in photos. Thick or multi-strand necklaces tend to work better for headshots. However only wear jewelry if that's you and wear what represents you.
What not to wear:
Avoid blouses and jackets that are loose or hang. If fabric fills the area between your arms and torso, your body will appear larger than it actually is, especially with dark clothes.
Avoid necklines that don't show any skin or that show a lot of skin or are too low. Since headshots are cropped below or at your shoulders if you wear too open or low of a neckline it can create an unintentional ‘implied nude’ situation lol. We want to avoid that!
Unless it's your logo don't wear logos, (logos are hard to capture on clothing in photographs) words, shiny or metallic material, No mixed patterns (example: stripes w/ florals) or very bright bold colors.
Other:
Remember to just be mindful of things like the weather, temperature, and photo session location. We don't want any overheating, freezing or tripping!
Womens Guide
What to Wear:
Pick something you feel comfortable and confident in. Something clean and that fits your personality, your job, and that is timeless over trendy.
Suits are common for most headshots, but I am not about what is most common! I am about photographing you! If you don't wear a suit for your daily work attire, I don't recommend wearing one. However, bringing a suit jacket with you to thrown on for just a few photos can be a good idea. Same is true for sweaters. If you bring one with you, it becomes an easy wardrobe change!
Ideas: Suit jacket with button-up shirt, button-up shirt alone, suit jacket with solid shirt, cardigan over shirt, blouse alone, suit jacket with professional dress, cardigan with dress, dress alone, or work uniform.
Necklines:
Scoop necks and v-necks typically work best for women. Necklines that are clear cut, straight sitting and smooth work best. Too many ruffles or wrinkled clothing distract from the face.
Undergarments:
Well-fitting undergarments are important!
Undergarments that are too tight will give your body unwanted bumps, and lines.
If too loose they tend to slip around and can be seen.
Undergarment's color should not be seen through your clothing choice.
Shoes:
Shoes are not the focus, so it's up to you, just make sure you can walk in them.
Jackets:
Think simple and solid. I recommend a jacket that buttons because it will create a flattering 'V' shape.
Hats: If you want to wear a hat, please bring it with you rather than wearing it to the session. This way we can do some photos before any hat hair happens.
Hair & Make-up:
Simple makeup photographs best. But please do yourself up in a way that makes you feel good.
Mens Guide
What to Wear:
Pick something you feel comfortable and confident in. Something clean and that fits your personality, your job, and that is timeless over trendy.
Suits are common for most headshots, but I am not about what is most common! I am about photographing you! If you don't wear a suit for your daily work attire, I don't recommend wearing one. However, bringing a suit jacket with you to thrown on for just a few photos can be a good idea so you have one more formal headshot if you ever need one.
Ideas: Suit with tie, suit without tie, dress shirt with tie, dress shirt without tie, sport coat with dress shirt, v-neck sweater, suit jacket with with solid t-shirt, solid t-shirt, polo S=shirt or work uniform.
Necklines:
Ironed collared shirts, v-necks and rounded necklines work best. I recommend a clean shirt under a dress shirt if you want it unbuttoned at the top at all.
Shoes:
Shoes are not the focus, so it's up to you, just make sure you can walk in them.
Hats:
If you want to wear a hat, please bring it with you rather than wearing it to the session.
This way we can do some photos before any hat hair happens.
Jackets:
Think simple and solid patterns, example a suit, sport, jean or leather jacket.
What not to wear:
Unless it's your logo don't wear logos, words, shiny or metallic material, mixed patterns, or very bright bold colors.
Hair:
Style your hair as you normally would. For a more natural look have any haircuts done about a week before your scheduled photo session.
Facial Hair:
Any facial hair should be trimmed up and styled as normal. Again, no major trimming right before the photo session for a more natural look.
Colors:
I personally recommend neutral colors.
Example: whites, beiges, tans, grays, navy, and black.
Patterns:
Solids, textures, (Example: denims) small to medium patterns.
Other:
Remember to just be mindful of things like the weather, temperature, and photo session location. We don't want any overheating, freezing or tripping!
What Can I Add
Suggestions of What to Bring:
Anything that represents you and your brand!
Ideas: Stethoscopes, art supplies, pens, fruits and vegetables, flowers, work gloves, safe tools, paint cans...
Don't feel like you have to bring something, it is just an option. If you bring something keep it simple, less is more.
What not to Bring:
No Guns or weapons or any kind