What to Wear for Corporate Headshots and Branding Photography

Preparing for a corporate headshot or branding photography session?  What you wear plays a huge role in how professional, confident, and approachable you look in your images.

Whether you’re booking corporate headshots, branding photography, or business portraits, the aim is always the same: to create polished, timeless images where you are the focus — not distracting clothing.

Over the years, I’ve put together these practical tips to help clients feel confident and prepared on the day of their photoshoot.

Prepare the Outfit for your Corporate Headshots and Branding Photography

Start with the basics.

Make sure all clothing is freshly ironed and free from marks, spills, or lint.  Double-check buttons, zips, and seams — small details really do show in professional photography.

Check shirt tucks and sheerness.

If you’re tucking a top into pants or a skirt, ensure the fabric underneath isn’t visible through lighter-coloured clothing. Thin fabrics can easily become see-through under studio lighting.

Choose the right undergarments.

For ladies, ensure bra straps or outlines won’t show through your top (a smooth, nude-toned bra usually works best).For men, a clean undershirt can work well - if it stays hidden and doesn’t peek out around the neckline.

Colours, Patterns, and Fit

Avoid extremes of black or white for studio shots.

Against a plain background, white clothing can blend in and lose detail, while solid black can appear heavy and cast shadows on the face.  Mid-tone colours generally photograph best in studio.  If black or white is essential to your brand, we may consider office or outdoor locations instead.

Stick to solid, neutral tones.

Busy patterns, stripes, or very bright colours can distract from your face.  Neutral and softer tones keep the focus where it should be — on you.If your brand includes a signature colour (such as a bold blazer), it can absolutely be incorporated — just use bright colours thoughtfully.

Wear fitted clothing.

Very loose or baggy clothing often looks untidy on camera. Well-fitted tops, dresses, shirts, or blazers tend to photograph far more flattering and professional.

Coordinate tops and bottoms.

If your session includes half-body or full-body images (not just close-up headshots), make sure your outfit works together as a whole. Complementary colours and styles create a more cohesive, polished look.

Keep accessories minimal.

Large jewellery, chunky headbands, or statement pieces can easily dominate an image. Unless wearing large accessories is your signature look, opt for simple earrings or a modest necklace instead.

Think about glasses.

Glasses can add personality but may cause glare from studio lights. Decide ahead of time if you’d like images with or without glasses. If glasses are worn, they’re usually photographed first so lighting can be adjusted to minimise reflections.

Hair, Makeup, and Grooming

Keep makeup natural.

The goal is to look like the best version of yourself — not overly made up.  Choose a foundation or tinted moisturiser that matches your skin tone and blends seamlessly with your neck, arms, and hands.  A good under-eye corrector is often more effective than heavy foundation.  Avoid shimmer or glitter products for camera work.

Be prepared for flyaways.

Hair can frizz or lift, especially for outdoor or location shoots. Bring a small amount of hairspray, gel, or mousse for quick touch-ups. These little adjustments can make a big difference and reduce the need for digital retouching later.

Men’s grooming matters.

A clean-shaven face or a neatly trimmed beard always looks more professional. If you have facial hair, make sure the neckline is tidy and well-defined on the day of the shoot.

Optional professional hair and makeup.

If you’d like an extra level of polish, I can organise a professional hair and makeup artist for your session.

·       Makeup only: approx. $200 per person

·       Hair and makeup: approx. $330 per person (includes call-out fee)

She specialises in natural, camera-ready looks and is trained for TV, video, and photoshoots. As she’s in high demand, bookings need to be made in advance.

Comfort and Confidence

Above all, wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. If you feel good in what you’re wearing, it will absolutely show in your images.  Choose clothing that reflects your personality and brand while following these guidelines.

Sometimes, the most important thing you can wear is confidence — and a genuine smile.

Final Thoughts

By following these tips on clothing and grooming, you’ll ensure your corporate headshots, branding portraits, and business portraits look polished and professional.  Thoughtful wardrobe choices help create timeless images that truly represent you and your business.

If you’re unsure about what to wear or would like personalised advice before your shoot, just get in touch — I’m always happy to help you look and feel your best in front of the camera.

I look forward to capturing stunning portraits of you!

To view more examples of my branding portraits and business headshots, please visit my 'People Portfolio Page'.

My blog article 'Corporate Photography Tips' gives further information on how to best plan and prepare for your corporate photoshoot.