What to Wear Womens Headshots & Personal Branding

Rest! Get plenty of sleep – especially the night before. Take time to wind down before turning in.
Salon visit. Getting a refresh before your shoot can be a great confidence boost!
Go through your makeup kit. Make sure whatever you’re bringing/using isn’t separated, old, cakey, or out of date.
Skin treatments. If you’re thinking a spa or esthetician visit – schedule at least 1-2 weeks beforehand to give your skin time to recooperate.
Manicure. Your hands and nails will show in some of your photos. No polish is better than chips or trendy colors.
Moisturizer – face and hair! Be sure to condition your skin and hair – especially in winter time. Tame that frizz 🙂
Have your jewelry, and glasses if you wear them, cleaned and adjusted.
Put together a favorites playlist with upbeat tunes – the ones you love to sing along with! We’ll crank them up for your shoot.
Enlist your BFF! Bring a supportive BFF with you! Who better to help you rock out your shoot, and even join in a few shots! Also great for that shopping excursion, no?
Give yourself grace! No stress zone. We’ve got you! You won’t need to worry about what you look like – we’ll help every step of the way. Take a breath and let us do what we do best! Relax, have fun.

V neck or wrap tops – not too low cut. Solid colors.
Well-fitting is critical. Fitted is WAY more flattering than flowy.
Keep pattern simple. Your face is the 1st thing we want to see in your photos.
Vertical stripes, if any. Vertical lines elongate.
Avoid copyright or trademarked logos, characters, emblems on pieces
Same color head to toe makes you look taller.
Do bring favorite color tops, and tops color to match/enhance your eye color.
Dry clean or iron clothing for a wrinkle free look. Allow time for pickup/delivery.
Let’s take a spin through your closet together – zoom or facetime, or schedule a try-on before your photo shoot. That way we have time to fill in any gaps that can come up.
If shopping beforehand, we’re happy to help with suggestions to flatter you best. Be sure to allow plenty of time for shipping.

Simple, natural, classic transcend time
No bottom eyeliner – it makes your eyes look smaller in photos.
Moisturize. Flaky is the worst! Often the best ‘foundation’ is a tinted moisturizer.
Avoid orange, yellow! Match natural tone on your neck as closely as possible
Blend jawline & neck area extra well
Avoid contour. Studio Lighting tends to increase contrast.
Avoid sparkly eyes and highlighter – it shows up as white spots in photos
DO add shine to lips. Matte looks really flat and odd
Start with less / more natural. We can add more drama and build on your look with outfit changes.
If you’re having hair & makeup at the studio, arrive with CLEAN hair with no product, and simple moisturizer if any makeup. Feel free to bring your favorite tools/products.

white blouse/shirt/button down – freshly ironed and well fitting especially around shoulders and collar
Black or navy blazer. Single or double breasted.
Personality pieces! A few trendy favorite items from your closet to add spice to your photo shoot
Classic Black or navy slacks freshly pressed
Simple jewelry & accessories – simple stud earrings, plain chain necklace. Use care when packing so you don’t end up with a tangled pile.
Your favorite glam look! Even if we’re just doing headshots, it’s fun to dress up!
Simple camisole in nude, white, black
Both Light AND dark foundation garments. A Strapless option is also a good idea if you have it.
Be sure to share allergy information!
BFF! Bring your best cheerleader!

The Hartongs Photojournalists with decades of real news experience plus studio, portrait and commercial work. Photo + video.

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