What to Wear for Your Headshot or Brand Portrait Session: A Style Guide for Northwest Ohio Professionals By Brian Bushong Photography
Standing in front of your closet the morning of your session is not the time to figure this out. So let's do it now, while there's no pressure.
Whether you're coming in for a classic headshot or a full brand portrait session, getting dressed is not about finding the most professional outfit you own. It's about finding the one that makes you feel like yourself on a good day. That combination of polished and comfortable is exactly what shows up in the photos.
Here's what actually works.
Standing in front of your closet the morning of your session is not the time to figure this out. So let's do it now, while there's no pressure.
Whether you're coming in for a classic headshot or a full brand portrait session, getting dressed is not about finding the most professional outfit you own. It's about finding the one that makes you feel like yourself on a good day. That combination of polished and comfortable is exactly what shows up in the photos.
Here's what actually works.
for the women i work with
Solid, neutral tones are your friend. A crisp white or light blue oxford, a navy or charcoal dress shirt, or a button-up in a subtle texture all work well. Loud patterns and bright colors compete with your face. You don't want that.
A jacket does more than you think. A well-fitted blazer defines your shoulders and makes a simple outfit look intentional. You don't have to wear a full suit. A sport coat works just as well.
Grooming shows up in high resolution. A fresh shave or a clean beard line, moisturized skin, and styled hair make a real difference. Bring ChapStick. Seriously.
A jacket does more than you think. A well-fitted blazer defines your shoulders and makes a simple outfit look intentional. You don't have to wear a full suit. A sport coat works just as well.
Grooming shows up in high resolution. A fresh shave or a clean beard line, moisturized skin, and styled hair make a real difference. Bring ChapStick. Seriously.
a note that applies to everyone
Most of my clients are professionals in northwest Ohio. Real estate agents in Perrysburg. Business owners in Bowling Green. Healthcare leaders in Toledo. Nonprofit directors in Sylvania. This section is written with you in mind.
Start with solid colors. Solid colors almost always win on camera. Navy, forest green, burgundy, and warm neutrals tend to look the best. They keep the focus on your face, which is the whole point. Busy patterns and trendy prints pull attention and date quickly.
This goes double if you're doing a brand portrait session. When we're creating a full set of images for your website, LinkedIn, or marketing, you'll want two or three outfits that each feel like you but show different sides of how you work and who you are. Think of it less as picking one perfect outfit and more as building a small visual wardrobe for your brand.
Pay attention to your neckline. V-necks, scoop necks, and structured crew necks all photograph well. A soft draped top works too. Avoid anything that crowds your jawline or feels like it's competing with your face for attention.
Bring a layer. A blazer, jacket, or cardigan adds structure and gives you options. Even if you only wear it for a few shots, having that option in your session is worth it.
Keep jewelry simple. If it's the first thing you notice in the mirror, it's going to be the first thing the camera notices too. Stud earrings, small hoops, a simple pendant if you wear one daily. Skip anything oversized or reflective.
Go for your real work face, not your special occasion face. Matte over shiny. Neutral tones over bold. A little extra mascara never hurts. Think about how you look on a day when you feel really good at work and aim for that. Not a night out, not a Tuesday morning.
Start with solid colors. Solid colors almost always win on camera. Navy, forest green, burgundy, and warm neutrals tend to look the best. They keep the focus on your face, which is the whole point. Busy patterns and trendy prints pull attention and date quickly.
This goes double if you're doing a brand portrait session. When we're creating a full set of images for your website, LinkedIn, or marketing, you'll want two or three outfits that each feel like you but show different sides of how you work and who you are. Think of it less as picking one perfect outfit and more as building a small visual wardrobe for your brand.
Pay attention to your neckline. V-necks, scoop necks, and structured crew necks all photograph well. A soft draped top works too. Avoid anything that crowds your jawline or feels like it's competing with your face for attention.
Bring a layer. A blazer, jacket, or cardigan adds structure and gives you options. Even if you only wear it for a few shots, having that option in your session is worth it.
Keep jewelry simple. If it's the first thing you notice in the mirror, it's going to be the first thing the camera notices too. Stud earrings, small hoops, a simple pendant if you wear one daily. Skip anything oversized or reflective.
Go for your real work face, not your special occasion face. Matte over shiny. Neutral tones over bold. A little extra mascara never hurts. Think about how you look on a day when you feel really good at work and aim for that. Not a night out, not a Tuesday morning.
For the men
Dress for the role you have and the one you're heading toward. Your headshot sets an expectation before you ever say a word. Whether you're in Toledo, Perrysburg, Bowling Green, or Sylvania, the way you show up visually is part of how people decide to trust you.
what to bring to your session
- 2 to 3 tops
- One jacket or layering piece
- A lint roller
- Lip balm
- A brush or comb
You don't need to have every detail figured out before you arrive. Part of my job is helping you look your best once you're here. For brand portrait sessions especially, having a few outfit options gives us room to create images that work across your whole business presence, not just one great photo.
If you're still not sure what to bring, just ask. That's what the pre-session consultation is for.
