MEN’S PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS HEADSHOTS EXAMPLES, POSES & TIPS

Startups have helped this trend trying to escape stiff corporate culture for something more edgy, relaxed and approachable. It’s now a tool used for recruitment to lure potential employees that are looking beyond a paycheck.

There are a number of factors that can affect what you should wear for your headshot, so here are some tips to get the most out of your photos.  (see Men’s Headshot examples)

What To Wear Men’s Professional Headshots, Outfit Ideas For Men, Tips

Below are some general guidelines to consider when planning your next business headshot. Be sure to provide your photographer with context and details, so he/she can guide you on specific recommendations for your industry, method of photo placement etc.

For women’s headshot tips, read this: https://eddie-hernandez.com/womens-headshot-wardrobe-tips/

If you are preparing to get your headshot for LinkedIn, be sure to also read this piece to understand photo dimensions, sizes, resolution, cropping, spacing and other best practices and etiquette.

How Should Men Dress For A Professional Business Headshot

Unless you work in investment banking, real estate, sales or other similar field, business suits and ties are no longer necessary in headshots. Executives in start-ups and other technology fields are opting for the blazer and shirt (no tie) or ditching the jacket altogether.

If your profession or industry demands a tie, stick with solid colors (shades of red, blue or black). You can also try other colors as well like mustard yellow, royal purple or soft rose.

Many technology companies these days are having a hard time competing for talent that they can no longer force employees to dress up as rigidly as they have before.

Executives should set the tone in their attire for what they want to convey to potential candidates. Come as too stiff and you might scare away folks. Dress up too casual and you might come off as immature or self-absorbed.

Depending on location, style and budget, look at Zara, Massimo Dutti, Hugo Boss, Klein Epstein & Parker, J. Crew, Charles Tyrwhitt, Bonobos, Uniqlo for your blazer needs.

Men’s Professional Headshot Tips – Men’s Clothing: Best Color Shirts

Dress shirts are still a go-to for most men taking headshots but depending on your industry and seniority, you can opt out of the blazer. Regardless, your dress shirt should be clean and pressed and your collars should be sharp. Invest in some collar stays (plastic ones that come with the shirt is fine but after-market metal one are great).

There is nothing that ruins a photo quite like wrinkles, stains, and bent collars. Be sure to plan around your headshot so you don’t spill anything nor get it too wrinkled. If you do decide to opt for a dress shirt only headshot, avoid all white shirt as it can reflect a little too much light.

Grooming: Beards, Mustaches & Nose Hair, Professional Headshot Hairstyles

There are many opinions with facial hair but a light stubble or a clean shave is usually recommended. Most men never get unbiased feedback on their appearance and grooming habits so those details often times go unchecked.

If you do opt for the mustache or beard look, keep it cleanly trim so that stray hairs are not visible.

Give yourself plenty of time to shave so that you don’t cut yourself when you are rushing over to meet your photographer for photos (you should also be aware of any skin irritation you may experience if you shave too close to your headshot appointment). Always use shaving cream and use new blades – dull ones can cause irritation and ingrown hairs.

Consider the timing of your headshot – long days, stress or wind can cause your look to change by the time you are ready for your headshot. Invest in nose clippers or trimmers. Many men ignore this subtle yet obvious detail in their grooming regime and it shows in photos.

Wardrobe Attire For Work Photos: Best Colors, Patterns To Wear For Headshots

The general rule of thumb is to avoid colors that clash with skin tone and backgrounds. You don’t want colors either similar to your skin tone nor similar to your background.

Avoid loud colors (i.e. neon, those with a lot of shine, reflective colors) unless you are in a creative field outside more conservative business fields.

Most headshot advice articles out there cater to more conservative fields so take everything with a grain of salt and seek out photographers that specialize in more creative headshots.

I am a big fan of black, gray, jewel tones and white if layered with a blazer. Avoid loud patterns when possible. Single tone tops, or simple/subtle patterns work well too.

Haircuts for Professional Headshots, Hairstyle For Professional Headshots

Not much to say here other than don’t schedule your haircut on the day of your photoshoot especially with a new barber or stylist. Every so often someone will get a haircut that they are not happy with. Give yourself time to get a look you like and are confident in.

What To Wear For Headshots: Eyeglasses vs. Contact Lenses, Glare

If you wear glasses great, bring them. Make sure they are clean, free of dirt and scratches and are not damaged, crooked. You want your glasses pressed up against your face and not slide down too far down your nose

Let your photographer know you wear eyeglasses, so he/she can prepare ahead of time or let you know if they are unable to accommodate requests for glare removal.

Looking Dapper For Professional Headshots: Clean, Pressed Suits & Outfit

Always make sure your outfit is clean, pressed for photos. If you schedule a photo shoot after work, be careful not to spill anything on yourself or get wrinkled shirts.

If you decide to change into your outfit, be sure it doesn’t get wrinkled in your bag or worn when sitting down or driving to/from work or the photoshoot.