Tag: blog

What to Wear for a Headshot That Gets Noticed: A Professional Guide

When it comes to making a lasting impression, your headshot speaks volumes before you ever say a word. Whether you are refreshing your company’s leadership page, updating your LinkedIn profile, or preparing marketing materials, the right headshot can enhance your brand’s credibility and approachability. However, achieving a standout headshot doesn’t rely solely on the photographer’s skills — what you wear plays a pivotal role too.

At St Louis Headshot Photographer, we’ve worked with countless professionals, executives, creatives, and teams to create headshots that truly resonate. Here’s our expert advice on how to choose the perfect wardrobe to ensure your headshot gets noticed — for all the right reasons.

1. Keep It Timeless, Not Trendy

Fashion trends come and go, but your headshot may serve you for several years. Choose classic pieces that reflect a professional image without dating your photo quickly. Solid colors, simple cuts, and clean lines are always safe bets. Avoid loud patterns, neon colors, or overly trendy pieces that can distract from your face.

Pro Tip: Navy, gray, black, and earth tones work well for a broad range of industries and skin tones, providing a polished and enduring look.

2. Focus on Fit

Ill-fitting clothing is one of the fastest ways to undermine a professional image. Clothes that are too baggy can make you appear sloppy, while overly tight clothing can look uncomfortable. Your wardrobe should complement your form without overpowering it.

Pro Tip: Before your session, try on your outfits and move around in them. You should feel confident, relaxed, and unrestricted.

3. Mind Your Neckline and Collar

Your face should be the star of your headshot. Avoid overly elaborate necklines, deep plunges, or extremely high collars that can compete for attention.

Men: Stick with well-pressed collared shirts. Depending on your brand, you may choose a jacket and tie or a more relaxed look without a tie.
Women: Choose tops or dresses with modest, structured necklines that frame your face beautifully without overwhelming it.

4. Choose the Right Colors

Color has a powerful psychological effect. Muted tones project professionalism and reliability, while bold colors can convey creativity and energy. Select colors that enhance your skin tone and eye color but avoid overly bright or reflective materials.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, bring a few options. Our experienced photographers at St Louis Headshot Photographer will help guide you on-site for the best choice under our professional lighting.

5. Consider Your Brand Image

Your attire should align with your personal or company brand. A financial consultant may opt for a sharp blazer and tie, while a creative entrepreneur may feel more authentic in smart-casual attire. Think about the message you want to send and dress accordingly.

Pro Tip: Imagine your ideal client or audience — dress the way you would to meet them for the first time.

6. Grooming and Accessories Matter

Small details make a big difference. Well-groomed hair, neat facial hair, and subtle makeup help polish your overall appearance. Keep accessories minimal — small earrings, classic watches, and subtle jewelry are ideal.

Pro Tip: Avoid shiny or reflective accessories that could catch studio lights and distract from your face.

7. Bring Options

We always recommend bringing 2-3 outfit choices to your headshot session. This allows for flexibility depending on lighting, background, and your final image goals.

Pro Tip: Pack your clothes on hangers to avoid wrinkles and have a lint roller on hand for last-minute touch-ups.

Why Trust St Louis Headshot Photographer for Your Professional Headshots?

At St Louis Headshot Photographer, we understand that creating an exceptional headshot is both an art and a science. With decades of experience as a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we have the right equipment, creative expertise, and service-minded approach to ensure successful image acquisition every time.

We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, including expert editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilot services. Our private studio lighting and custom visual setups are perfect for small productions and interview scenes, with a spacious studio environment that can accommodate props and customized sets.

We’re also deeply experienced in repurposing your photography and video branding to give your marketing efforts more traction across platforms. Well-versed in all file types, styles of media, and accompanying software, we stay ahead by using the latest in Artificial Intelligence technologies to enhance our photography and video services.

Whether you need a private custom interview studio setup, professional sound and camera operators, specialized indoor drone services, or complete production equipment, we have everything you need to make your next photography or video production perfect.

Since 1982, St Louis Headshot Photographer has been trusted by businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies across the St. Louis area to deliver outstanding visual content that drives results. Let us help you create a headshot that doesn’t just get noticed — it makes a statement.

314-913-5626 Mike Haller

saintlouisbusinessportraits@gmail.com

What Should You Wear? Picking Clothes for Your Headshot

When it comes to professional headshots, what you wear plays a critical role in shaping the impression you leave on clients, colleagues, and potential employers. A great headshot conveys professionalism, approachability, and confidence. For businesses and organizations using headshots in their marketing, branding, or internal communications, ensuring consistency and visual harmony is key. In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose the perfect attire for your headshot to create a polished, cohesive, and professional look.

Layering can add depth to your look. A blazer, structured cardigan, or well-fitted jacket can create a refined appearance.

1. Dress for the Industry and Role

Your choice of clothing should align with the industry you work in. A corporate executive’s attire will differ from that of a creative professional or a startup founder. Consider the following:

  • Corporate & Finance: Dark, solid-colored suits with a classic white or light-colored shirt work best. Keep ties simple and elegant.
  • Creative & Marketing: Business casual attire works well. Consider adding a pop of color or a unique texture for personality.
  • Medical & Healthcare: A lab coat over a professional outfit or solid scrubs can help communicate your profession clearly.
  • Technology & Startups: A fitted, solid-colored shirt or blazer can strike the right balance between professional and approachable.

2. Choose Solid Colors Over Patterns

Solid colors photograph better than busy patterns, which can distract from your face. Neutral colors such as navy, gray, white, and beige work well. If you want to incorporate color, choose deeper tones like burgundy, emerald green, or royal blue, which complement most skin tones. Avoid neon or extremely bright colors that can cast reflections onto your face.

3. Avoid Distracting Logos and Graphics

Unless your headshot is for a branded corporate shoot, it’s best to avoid clothing with visible logos, text, or graphics. These can divert attention away from your face and make the image feel less timeless and professional.

4. Layering for Depth and Dimension

Layering can add depth to your look. A blazer, structured cardigan, or well-fitted jacket can create a refined appearance. If layering, ensure the outer layer is tailored to avoid looking bulky in the final shot.

5. Keep Accessories Minimal

Jewelry and accessories should be subtle and not overpowering. Simple stud earrings, a delicate necklace, or a classic watch can enhance your look without stealing focus. Large, shiny, or overly intricate jewelry can create unwanted reflections and distractions.

6. Grooming and Final Touches

  • Hair: Well-groomed and styled neatly. If you have longer hair, decide whether you want it down or pulled back for a more structured appearance.
  • Makeup: Keep it natural and professional. Avoid heavy foundation or overly shiny products that may cause glare under studio lighting.
  • Facial Hair: Trim and shape beards or mustaches for a clean, polished look.

7. Matching Team or Company Branding

For businesses seeking a cohesive look for their team, consider coordinating colors and styles. A uniform dress code ensures consistency across all headshots, whether for a website, marketing materials, or corporate profiles.

8. What to Avoid

  • Wrinkled or ill-fitting clothing – Ensure everything is pressed and fits well.
  • Trendy or overly casual wear – A headshot is meant to last; timeless styles work best.
  • Heavy patterns or stripes – These can cause distortion in photos.
  • Shiny or reflective fabrics – They can create unwanted glare in studio lighting.

St Louis Headshot Photographer: Your Professional Partner for High-Quality Headshots

At St Louis Headshot Photographer, we understand the impact of a high-quality headshot on your professional presence. Our full-service commercial photography and video production company is equipped with top-tier equipment and an expert creative team to ensure successful image acquisition. Whether you need studio or location photography, we provide editing, post-production, and even licensed drone pilots for unique aerial shots.

Our team specializes in customizing productions to meet diverse media needs. We help repurpose photography and video branding to enhance visibility and engagement. Our studio features private lighting and visual setups, perfect for interview scenes and small productions. Additionally, our spacious studio allows for incorporating props to enrich your set design.

From private, custom interview studio setups to sound and camera operators, we provide everything necessary to make your production seamless. We even have the capability to fly specialized drones indoors, offering creative and dynamic perspectives for your content. As a full-service video and photography production company, we have been serving businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies in the St. Louis area since 1982.

Contact us today to schedule your professional headshot session and ensure you put your best face forward!

314-913-5626 Mike Haller

saintlouisbusinessportraits@gmail.com

Unveiling the Art of Product Photography: Strategies for Success

In the digital age, where visual content reigns supreme, the importance of high-quality product photography cannot be overstated. Whether you’re selling a physical product, showcasing your services, or simply building your brand’s image, captivating imagery plays a pivotal role in grabbing attention and driving engagement. As decision-makers in the realm of photography and video production services for businesses and organizations, it’s crucial to understand the strategies that underpin successful product photography. Let’s delve into the art and science behind creating imagery that captivates, engages, and ultimately converts.

Experiment with various angles and perspectives to showcase your products from unique vantage points, offering viewers a comprehensive understanding of their features and benefits.

Understanding Your Audience and Brand Identity

Before embarking on any photography endeavor, it’s imperative to understand your target audience and brand identity. What aesthetic appeals to them? What emotions do you want to evoke? Aligning your visual content with your brand’s values and the preferences of your audience is paramount for resonating with them effectively.

Lighting: The Key to Stunning Product Imagery

Lighting is arguably the most critical aspect of product photography. Whether you opt for natural light or artificial lighting setups, mastering light manipulation is essential for highlighting the features and textures of your products. Experimenting with different lighting angles, diffusers, and reflectors can dramatically alter the mood and visual impact of your photographs.

Composition and Framing

Composition is the art of arranging elements within a frame to create visually appealing images. When photographing products, pay attention to composition principles such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, and negative space. Experiment with various angles and perspectives to showcase your products from unique vantage points, offering viewers a comprehensive understanding of their features and benefits.

Consistency is Key

Consistency in style, lighting, and composition across your product photography portfolio is crucial for building brand recognition and trust. Establishing a cohesive visual identity not only strengthens your brand image but also enhances the overall browsing experience for your audience.

Editing and Post-Production

Post-processing plays a vital role in refining your product images to perfection. Whether it’s adjusting exposure, enhancing colors, or removing imperfections, skillful editing can elevate your photographs to professional standards. However, it’s essential to strike a balance between enhancement and authenticity, ensuring that your images accurately represent your products.

Repurposing Content for Maximum Impact

Once you’ve captured stunning product imagery, don’t let it go to waste. Repurposing your photographs across various marketing channels and platforms can amplify their reach and impact. From social media posts and website banners to email newsletters and print materials, leverage your visual assets to create a cohesive brand narrative and drive engagement.

In conclusion, mastering the art of product photography requires a blend of creativity, technical expertise, and strategic thinking. By understanding your audience, harnessing the power of lighting, refining your composition, maintaining consistency, and leveraging post-production techniques, you can create compelling imagery that captivates your audience and drives business success.

As a full-service video and photography production company, St Louis Headshot Photographer has worked with many businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area for their corporate photography and video. If you’re looking to elevate your brand’s visual presence and drive engagement through stunning imagery, contact us today to discuss how we can tailor our services to meet your unique needs.

Contact St Louis Headshot Photographer for all your commercial photography and video production needs. Let us bring your vision to life with our expertise and creativity.

314-913-5626 Mike Haller

saintlouisbusinessportraits@gmail.com