WARDROBE TIPS FOR YOUR HEADSHOT SESSION IN LOS ANGELES

For an actor / actress, keep it simple, bring wardrobe options to the photo shoot that best represent you and feels like you. Your wardrobe can vary depending on your needs, real casual, upscale casual, edgy, sexy, business like, formal, etc…

Here are some examples / options for both MEN, WOMEN & KIDS

WOMEN

CASUAL: Jeans (any color), khakis, summer tops ( t-shirts, tank tops, cropped tops… ), summer dresses, solid or plaid summer shirts ( cotton, linen, silk, denim, etc.. ), denim jacket (any color), sweaters, hoodies, athletic, dance, yoga, etc…

UPSCALE: Dress, sexy, classy, ( Special event, business meeting, you’re on a date, red carpet, etc… )

BUSINESS: Suit, dress, sport jacket, whatever you feel comfortable wearing underneath, bring options…

IMPORTANT: Generally, form fitting, body conscious clothing is ideal for photo shoots. Are there exceptions? Of course, if you have a piece of wardrobe that is not form fitting but you feel is a nice option for your headshots, bring it to the photo shoot.

MEN

CASUAL: Jeans, khakis, t-shirts, tank tops, solid and plaid shirts, hoodies, sweaters, jackets ( denim, outdoor vibe, athletic, etc… ).

UPSCALE & BUSINESS: Suit, sport jacket, dress shirts, ties, cashmere sweaters, etc…

KIDS

Typically solid and bold colors work well, if there’s patterns in the wardrobe, it could also be fine, bold prints are not ideal but do not limit yourself when you bring wardrobe, bring all your options, I will help you to sort it out…

BOYS & GIRLS: Jeans, khakis, t-shirts, tank tops, hoodies, sweaters, jackets (Denim, and other options), summer dresses, accessories for hair (head bands, clips, hats, etc…). Keep the wardrobe young and youthful as the industry likes young talent to look their age or younger…

Ideally your headshot photographer should have a really strong sense of style. If a photographer tells you your headshots are not about the wardrobe, I would be concerned… Obviously when it’s an actors’ headshot session, it isn’t a fashion shoot but what you wear in your headshots does convey who this type is… And I believe it is important to be specific, what you wear, to a great extent defines who you are and more specifically what type of individual he or she is even in a close-up…

I always encourage the actors / actresses to show up to the photo session with a lot of wardrobe options. I am very clear about putting wardrobe together, I consider myself a stylist as well as a photographer. When you walk in to your photo session, you would lay out all of your options. I will guide you with the specific types you wish to convey… With all my years of experience as a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I can tell you that my clients find it very helpful to have this guidance.

If you know what you would like to wear in your photo session, that’s perfectly fine or perhaps your agent / manager has asked you to wear something specific in your headshots, so of course you want to follow their directions.

When it comes to corporate headshots, the same approach usually works well, but in my experience people tend to come in with what they want to wear for their photo shoot and that is of course perfectly fine.

SHOUD I CONSIDER BOOKING A WARDROBE STYLIST FOR MY HEADSHOT PHOTO SESSION?

In my experience, if you’re an actor / actress, it is not necessary. I recommend you bring a variety of your own wardrobe, even if it’s limited…

MODELS FOR COMMERCIAL PRINT / FASHION

If you’re a model, I feel the same way, however if it’s in your budget to hire a wardrobe stylist, that may be an option, especially if you know someone in the fashion industry and you feel they can help you and it would be indispensable for them to bring you wardrobe you are considering essential for what you are specifically trying to accomplish, then by all means, go for it.

Ultimately, in preparation, you should discuss with your photographer what would make sense to bring to your photo shoot. Those details are important to discuss prior to showing up for your photo session. The photographer you select to work with should have the knowledge and experience to guide you so you come in to your photo shoot well prepared.