What Should I Wear for a Professional Headshot in Salem, Oregon?

There are a lot of things to consider when selecting clothing for a professional headshot, whether it is in Salem, Oregon or anywhere else, for that matter. 

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that I get from people scheduling a professional headshot at Haugen's Galleri.

Should I dress like myself or dress professionally?

I like to think of your professional headshot like going to an interview.  The rule of thumb is to dress up a little more than you might on a day to day basis. 

I know that Salem (and all of Oregon, for that matter) is pretty laid back but you want to step it up a notch for your headshot.  If jeans and a t-shirt are the norm for you on a day to day basis, you might consider khakis and a collared shirt for the guys or a nicely tailored blouse and well fitting slacks for the women. This will vary depending on your profession, of course. Even in Oregon, male lawyers always wear a tie!

Should I wear patterns or solid colors in headshots?

Solid colors are preferred. A small pattern is fine. Your tie (if you wear one) is going to be a small part of the image so don’t worry about some pattern there. There are exceptions to the solid colors “rule”. Maybe you want your clothing to make a statement or fit your brand so going bold is the right move.

Do I have to worry about my pants? They won’t show, will they?

Be prepared for them to show. I like to include some ¾ length images in my professional headshot sessions so I will ask you to wear appropriate pants or skirt for your outfit. You may only be thinking about your LinkedIn profile picture or what is needed for the company website but there are so many other possibilities of how your portraits could be used and having more image to work with opens up so many more possibilities:

Social media posts

Book cover (you are going to write one, right?)

Billboards

What colors work best for professional headshots?

Blue evokes feelings of trust.

Black suggests confidence and authority.

Dark gray offers a neutral, sophisticated option.

These are great things to think about in a corporate setting and are safe choices for just about everyone, but what if you own a flower shop? Maybe you want something more colorful.

What are your brand colors? Would it work for you to include those? What colors make you feel good every time you wear them? I like to match the clothing to the background. White or light colors are great with a light, airy background.

What neckline looks best in a professional headshot?

Different necklines work best with different people so you might want to try out different possibilities in the mirror or with a trusted friend ahead of time but here are my go-to necklines:

V necks are great to bring attention to the face but nothing plunging, ladies. There may be exceptions, but avoid cleavage, if you can.

Mock turtle necks are simple and great for most people, men and women alike.

Jewel necklines are great on many women. Modest and understated.

Men look great in a collared shirt with the top button open for a casual, approachable look. Pair it with a jacket or without.

I hope this was helpful. Still have questions? I would be happy to chat with you because putting your best image out there is so important!