I shoot corporate headshots for teams across San Francisco and the Bay Area, and the question I get more than any other, usually the day before a shoot, is simple: what should I wear?
It matters more than people think. The right outfit makes you look sharp and current. The wrong one dates the photo or pulls attention away from your face. Here is exactly what I tell my clients.
Start with solid colors
Solid colors almost always beat patterns. Busy stripes, small checks, and tight patterns can create a distracting shimmer on camera and pull the eye away from where it should be, which is your face. If you love a pattern, keep it large and subtle rather than tight and busy.
The colors that photograph best
Navy, charcoal, deep gray, and classic black are safe and they read as professional across almost any industry. Deeper, richer tones tend to look more expensive on camera than bright or washed-out ones. The one thing worth actually thinking about is your own coloring: pick a color that contrasts with your skin tone and hair so you stand out from the background instead of blending into it.
Bring two or three outfits, not ten
You do not need a suitcase. Two strong looks beat a pile of maybes, and fewer options keeps shoot day calm and quick. I usually suggest one more formal look and one that reflects how you actually show up at work, plus a backup top in case something wrinkles. Long or three-quarter sleeves almost always look more polished than short sleeves.
What to avoid
- Logos and slogans. They date the photo and compete with your face.
- Busy patterns and tight stripes.
- Bright neon or pure white as your main color. White can blow out under lighting.
- Chunky or shiny jewelry. Simple wins. Big necklaces, earrings, and scarves distract.
- Wrinkles. High-resolution cameras magnify every crease, so press your clothes the night before.
If you are booking a shoot for your whole team
Consistency is what makes a team page look intentional instead of thrown together. The easiest path is a simple wardrobe guideline sent to everyone ahead of time: solid colors, a shared tone like navy and gray, no logos. When I photograph a team, I help you set that up so everyone matches without looking like a uniform. If you are planning a team shoot, my free headshot day planner maps out timing, outfits, and logistics before the day.
The bottom line
Keep it simple. Solid colors, two or three outfits, nothing with a logo, everything pressed. Do that and the wardrobe takes care of itself, so the shoot is about you, not your shirt.
I photograph corporate headshots across San Francisco and the Bay Area for teams of any size. If you have a shoot coming up and want help getting it right, get in touch.