HEADSHOT TIPS FOR MEN
As professional headshot photographers we want to make sure people we photograph always look the best in their headshot. We previously wrote our headshot tips for women guide which has become really popular and many women prepared better from their headshot.
The goal of this article is to help all men to prepare for their headshot and look sharp and awesome! This is based on our experience photographing over 10,000 people in the last 4 years.
Our headshot photography tips are grouped into categories for an easier read. If you have questions about any of the items below do not hesitate to contact us through our contact form.
The tips below are meant to help men top prepare better for their headshot sessions. We bring to the table our signature lighting set up, posing and facial expression guidance and high end editing.
Combining the below tips with our expertise will make sure your headshot is the best one you've ever had!
If you would like headshots for more people please see our Corporate Headshots page for additional information and custom quote.
WARDROBE & CLOTHES
We often get asked "what to wear for professional headshots?".
For men there are few three main options: business casual, casual and business attire.
Luckily you don't have to make a decision which of these three options to choose. We offer any number of outfits for our headshot sessions so you can bring all three options. We will review all the options when you come and see which one will work for the best for you.
With either of the options, the most important thing is that the clothes fit you well! There is really not much we can do if the clothes do not fit you properly.
Our clothes recommendations are:
solid color - whether it's your shirt, polo, or jacket use solid colors only. Avoid stripes or small patterns. Those small design pattern can create a phenomenon called Moire. It's not so important what this phenomenon is or what causes it, what's important is how to avoid it. So bring solid colors clothes to your session.
well fitted shirt - if you don't wear casual or more formal shirt on a regular basis, try it on 2-3 days before the session. Our bodies change over the years and sometime we gain some weight and sometime we loose it. It's critical that your shirt fits you really well especially around your neck. We recommending going to a store such as Nordstrom and ask their associates to check your measures and recommend the specific shirt size.
white shirt only with a jacket - white shirt is not our top choice. White color reflects the most light and your white shirt will easily become the brightest part of your headshot. Your face though should be the brightest part in your portrait. When we look at photos, our eyes automatically go to the brightest part. Of course your shirt should not be the center of attention. So white shirt we recommend wearing a darker jacket.
Undershirt - Even though undershirt are great for every day use, for headshot we advise against them. They often can be visible from under the shirt, through the shirt or create lines on your chest and shoulders. So for headshots never wear undershirt.
HAIRSTYLES FOR HEADSHOTS
Whether you have plenty of hair (jealous!) or you have not that much hair (guilty!), hair is an important part of your headshot! For men we normally do not recommend adding a hair stylist to your session but of course you can do it which will help styling your photos to their best.
Over the years of photographing headshots we've developed the following hair tips for men's headshots:
hair cut lead time: do NOT get your headshot the day before your session. We recommend getting your headshot about a week before your session. Within those days your hair will grow a bit and look more natural without strong cut lines.
Shaved Hair - if you shave your hair daily then of course continue your routine the day of the session. If you do it every few days or every couple of weeks, give 1-2 days of time before the session
Hair Wash - if you wash your hair every day then you don't have to change anything. We recommend your hair should not be more than 1-2 days without a wash before your session.
FACIAL HAIR
If you shave every day then you can easily skip this section. For all other men either grow a beard or shave less frequently here are our top facial hair tips:
bring your shaving items - if you shave every few days or every couple of weeks and would like both looks then bring your shaving kit to the session. We can take half of the photos with your beard and the other half after you shave in our studio restroom.
nose and ear hair - pay attention to those stubborn hair in your nose and ear. We recommend trimming those hair before the session. We can retouch some minor ones but it's always better to take care of them before the session
razor burn - we recommend using shaving creams and after shave that are right for your skin. If for some reason your skin decides not too cooperate with your session, don't stress too much about it. Our professional detail photo retouching will be able to take care of your razor burn.
SKINCARE
These skin and beauty tips are very important especially the week of your headshot. Since a headshot is all about the face real-estate, it's important to get rest, take care of your skin and stay hydrated leading up to your headshot appointment!
no sunscreen - do not use any sun screen on your skin the day of your session
take it easy with sun - few days before the session, try to stay away from spending too much time in the sun. Fresh sunburn, skin redness will not look good in your headshots.
stay hydrated - drink plenty we mean PLENTY of water the week of your headshot. You will be nicely surprised how much better your skin will look line! Skin keeps our body and skin happy and hydrated. Try to avoid sugary or pop drinks.
rest - you want to look rested, confident and energized in your headshot. Try to go to bed earlier the day before your headshot to make sure you at least get your 8 hours of sleep.
Preparing for your headshot could feel like a lot of work. We try to be as thorough as possible and provide you all the beauty information to get the best female business headshots. If you want to look your best, contact us to schedule your headshot session with WASIO faces.