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What should I wear for my headshot?

How do you decide what to wear for your professional head shot? This is a question that I get ALL the time. I usually answer it with another question or two…

First, what do you do and who is your market?

Professional business head shots are first and foremost to sell your services to the customer. You want to appear confident, approachable, professional and trustworthy. That said, achieving that will look different for different markets. If you are an artist or author or stylist, you will have a different look than a financial advisor or lawyer.

So first tell me what you do and then tell me who your market is. If your business clientele consists mostly of conservative 50 to 70 year olds you will dress differently than if you cater to 20 to 30 year olds.

What colors look great on you?

What to wear for your professional head shot may be dictated by corporate guidelines. Some companies want you to stay within their branded logo colors. In other words, it may be a black suit, white shirt and red tie. Please do check with the marketing people or your boss and take a look at the current company website. You will want to coordinate with the images of associates that you see there.

If there are no corporate guidelines that you need to follow regarding colors or style, you will want to wear something that you feel comfortable in and that makes you shine for your professional head shot. Stick to solid colors and pay attention to the neckline. Most headshots will be realistically from the shoulders up. Stay with a clean look near the neckline.

Jewelry, yes or no?

If you wear jewelry often, then of course wear it for your headshot session. Be aware that you will perhaps be using this image for several years and try to stay away from trendy items so as to not date your headshot image too soon.

Really, do consider your market. First impressions count.

Consider this example. Joe came in about a year ago and had his first professional headshot done for his new job as a realtor. I praised him on his bold use of color and style. The look fit his personality and it was definitely professional.

But it did not connect with his target conservative market.

Interestingly, he came in a little while ago and changed everything up. Even though this new image is not really his personal style, he recognized that his clientele were more conservative and he needed a new look just for them.

He looks good in both, but most importantly, they are quite different for different markets. He knew he needed to change his online image to attract online clients. The image of him that really showed his personality did not bring in the clientele that he needed for where he was in his marketing.

Two very different looks on the same man. Both professional. One more conservative and one more trendy. What he wore for his professional head shot makes a world of difference in first impressions. Pay close attention to the market that you want to attract and the clients that you will be working with.

What to wear for your professional head shot. Two different looks, both professional, but distinctly different.

Strong headshots to convey a business message.

Each type of business needs a slightly different type of headshot to convey the message of the business.

This particular business shows individuals and companies the best way to protect themselves and their companies. So they definitely needed strong headshots to show strength and confidence when promoting their company. Without an in-your-face military vibe. They both are ex-military and showed that through the way they carried themselves.

I thought of them recently as Pearl Harbor Day approaches this weekend.

As we sat down to review the images on the in studio monitor, the one guy said, “what about my scar?” I said, “what scar?”

Assessing facial features for headshots

You see, when a person comes into be photographed, I always assess facial features, body movements and make sure to catch any odd blemish that may have come up at the last minute. (only happens when you are doing something important, right?) So, when a person has a scar, I notice it, then dismiss it. It is part of the person. Unless they cut themselves shaving that morning, I never really notice it again, because it is usually something that is just a part of that person.

Retouching headshots is an option.

So after he asked, I showed him what we could do with retouching, and yes, we could remove it completely, but I suggested not to do that. If someone saw the scar when meeting him and had not seen it on the images on the website, it would immediately be a topic of conversation, like he had just gotten it.

But it is in reality a battle scar.

And he told me the story.

He was in the …ahem…porta-potty, when a missile strike came in. His helmet was off as he came out and he couldn’t put it on fast enough. You see, apparently, when a mortar comes in, by the time you hear it, it’s too late. It hit right near him and a piece of shrapnel partially sheared off his scalp.

His buddies later said it was as if he had been scalped like in an old western. With blood dripping down his face, he went to the medics and they slapped the flap back on and did a real quick wrapping of his head to keep it in place. They checked his ears to see if they were leaking fluid – this signals a concussion? and no fluid.

So he slapped back on his helmet over the wound and ran to the truck with his buddies and took his position. He heard someone saying “all the wounded get down”, and when he didn’t respond, they told him “that’s you!”. After getting out of the thick of things, and getting to where he could get real medical attention, they stapled the skin back on!

Since I have never been in the military and not having any real close friends or family that had been in the military seeing action, (my dad served in the Army for two years stateside and my uncle served in the Navy during peacetime) it was a real eye opener for me.

I have nothing but respect for the young men and women who literally sacrifice their lives, their time and all the comforts of home to give me and those around me the freedom to live as I do.

So, today, I say thank you.

I cannot say it enough or with enough energy to convey my gratitude. So…thank you.

Whether you have visible scars or invisible scars, thank you for making the sacrifice. Thank you for enduring the mud, and the dirt, and the heat and the cold and the hours of boredom and the hours of battle. I cannot comprehend what a toll this takes. Thank you.

High School Senior Photos…Kathleen Hall Photography

Prom is coming up FAST and we thought about all the things that go into prom and thought we would do a little video for you! Prom is great, but the whole preparation thing is very cool too! You get to pick out a dress, figure out a hair style, plan on makeup and where you are going to get it done and a whole bunch of other things!

Julie is one of our spokesmodels and she volunteered to let us come along while she had a trial run with her hair and makeup at Salon Bella Flora and went dress shopping at Nikki’s Glitz and Glam Boutique. Well, we went a little farther and had her pose for photographs in her three top choice gowns and three different hair styles! You, yes YOU, are going to help her decide! We will post on Facebook the three different hair styles and the three different dresses and you get to vote! ( I have my favorite, but I’m not telling!) Take a look at the video below to see the whole process!
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Now Julie’s top three choices were these three: The first one was designed by La Femme in aquamarine blue with a beautifully beaded bodice and an open back. This looked amazing on Julie and even though it is quite elegant, it gave a softer look to Julie. Kathleen Hall Photography

The second one is a white strapless design with a sweetheart neckline. The bodice is adorned with gold lace and beads. It has an open back with a beautiful flowing skirt, great to dance in! The designer on this one is Night Moves. Kathleen Hall Photography

And lastly, there is the beautiful gray (who knew gray could be so elegant!), formal with a sweetheart neckline and mermaid style with tulle at the bottom. Just gorgeous!!It has gold sequins with gun metal and aura borealis stones mixed in. This one give a whole new meaning to elegance! This is designed by Alyce, in their Black Label line. All of these can be found at Nikki’s Glitz and Glam Boutique in Palm Harbor. Kathleen Hall Photography

And then there is a hair style to decide on. True, the gown somewhat dictates the hair style but Julie experimented with three, with the help of Flora, Tina and Katherine at Salon Bella Flora.

She has a choice of a very elegant and fashion forward bun, designed by Tina; a beautiful “messy” updo, styled by Flora, or long soft curls by Katherine She looks great in all three, but which will she choose?!

I had a great time working with everyone last week! Check on my Facebook page for the opportunity to place your vote and help Julie decide!

Tarpon Springs High School Senior…Kathleen Hall Photography

Working with Christina on her full senior session was a breeze! That’s when I asked her if she wanted to be a spokesmodel for the studio for 2014. She did the Valentine session with me several weeks ago and I wanted to highlight her full personal senior photo session today.

This is what she had to say about her first experience with me, “I was a little nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. I had a lot of fun! The best part was switching poses and outfits. I decided on my outfits because they were my favorite ones and they were very elegant. Kathleen was amazing to work with! She made it so fun!” Tarpon Springs High School Senior 2014

Let me tell you a little about Christina. She’s 17, loves shopping and being with her friends. I can just tell by her personality that she would be a very good friend to have. Her favorite color is gold, (that’s a first for me!), her favorite TV show is Pretty Little Liars, and the theme song to her life is XO-Beyonce. Her favorite reading materials is …mysteries! (mine too!)

When asked about the one thing she couldn’t live without, she responded immediately with “my family”. And the role model question was answered with, “my mom 🙂“! What a nice response! Favorite place to shop was bebe, and her snack food of choice is Pringles/M&M’s. (Now is that together? or just couldn’t decide between the two?…hmmmm)

Clothing choices say so much about a person. Sometimes I coach a client to get a certain look if we are doing a styled concept shoot, like we did for Valentines Day. But when a senior comes to get her full session, I always encourage them to wear clothes and jewelry that is important to them. I want to make sure that there personality comes out in their final portraits. (I just love the gold jewelry she has on with her dress! Very classy!)

When asked about her clothing choices today she said,” One of my outfits was my Tarpon High shirt to represent my school. The other was a black lace dress from bebe, with gold jewelry. Lastly, I wore a black shirt with pants that were black in the back and white in the front. The whole outfit was purchased from bebe!

Beauty from within…and a little help from our stylists! Palm Harbor Senior Photographer

The beautiful Kelsey went to my favorite salon, Salon Bella Flora, last week to have her hair and makeup professionally done by the stylists there. You saw her images on the last post, but here is one more just to refresh.

High School Senior Photos by Kathleen Hall Photography — Tarpon Springs High School Senior Valentine photo session with Kathleen Hall Photography

It is so important for my high school seniors to take advantage of a team of professional stylists and makeup artists to enhance and finish off their look. The look and polish that they can give is important to the final images and anytime that you are having a special occasion. Not to mention, it makes you feel like a princess!!

I wanted to highlight the stylists and makeup artist at my favorite salon, Salon Bella Flora. They work with me frequently and provide just the right looks to polish up the photos I create.

“Hi, my name is Corban and I am absolutely passionate about anything that has to do with beauty! I love sun bathing, playing sports, and I have a slight addiction for coffee creamer!

As a young girl, I was religiously caught covered in my mother’s makeup and now, as a woman, not much has changed ! There is nothing more rewarding to me than transforming a woman’s opinion of herself . My number one rule and motto is that beauty comes from within .

My beauty tip : For a daily quick, easy, and beautiful you 1) tinted moisturizer 2)mascara 3) lip gloss 4) studded earrings and ta da! You’re gorgeous & out the door ! “

Next is Ali. Ali is getting married soon! Big changes coming in her life!

Ali says: “In preparation for my wedding day I’m trying to grow out my “Miley Cyrus” Hair cut. ( btw I did it first… lol) Going for more of the spring look with soft colors and long layers. (I think that will be gorgeous for a spring wedding!) Its also important to me to research all the latest trends such as airbrush makeup. Its something I think it’s amazing. Stays on great and lasts all day. Perfect for that special occasion.

Soft romantic curls are very popular right now. In order to get that special look make sure to pre-set your hair with light hold hair spray, wand tight curls then after spraying those with strong hold spray, comb through gently. Apply a thick winged eye with TiGi blackest black eyeliner for a finished look that really pops.”

Katherine has worked with me most frequently and is an absolute delight!

“The most important thing in my life is my family. I am a total homebody who loves to spend time with my husband just hangin around the house. if i had to describe myself it would be total goofball 🙂 One thing I don’t like to admit (it’s kind of embarrassing) i am addicted to reality TV.

I love my job! It is a Great way to get really creative! I have always loved art and the best part about this career is we get to be artists everyday!

Soft waves (what I like to call mermaid hair) is a great look for Spring. To achieve this style, first you need a smaller curling wand then the waves you desire. Next take medium size sections of hair, spray lightly with hairspray, then wrap the hair around the wand. Once you have finished with all of your hair take a brush and completely brush through it. The end results will be beautiful, effortless looking soft waves.”

Salon Bella Flora is now using all the TIGI products, which are salon only cosmetics. I (Kathleen) personally have the blush brush and it is such a treat to use it on my face! Feels like no other blush brush I have ever had!! I almost want to put on blush just to have it touch my face…hahaha

Any way you look at it, stylists and makeup artists are a real treat to work with. I know I feel great when they work with me and my clients all love them. Professional hair and makeup just put the finishing touches on your portraits.