What to wear for a corporate headshot
Solid colours, well-fitted necklines, the patterns that actually photograph well — and the ones that don't.
The single most-asked question in our pre-shoot prep calls. Here's the short version.
Solid colours always win
Block colours photograph cleanly and let your face be the focus. Navy, charcoal, dove grey, deep green, burgundy and ivory all work beautifully. Black and pure white are technically harder — black absorbs detail, white blows out — but a skilled photographer handles both fine.
Patterns and textures
Avoid tight stripes, small checks, and herringbone. They cause moiré (a wavy interference pattern) on digital sensors. Larger patterns are usually safe, but the simpler the garment, the more your face does the work.
Fit matters more than brand
A well-fitted R600 shirt photographs better than an ill-fitting designer one. If you're between sizes, size down for the shoulders.
Neckline and grooming
Crew necks crop strangely from the chest up. V-necks and collared shirts photograph cleaner. Get a haircut 5–7 days before the shoot — never the day before.
Bring options
Two or three tops. We'll look at them on the screen and pick what works.
We send a one-page wardrobe PDF after booking that covers all of this. No homework on shoot day.