Headshots Prep Guide for Men | What to Wear and How to Prepare
Preparing for headshots doesn’t need to be complicated.
Most men just want to know what to wear, how formal to go, and whether there’s anything small they should think about before the session.
This guide keeps it simple, so you can arrive feeling prepared without overthinking it.
Step 1: Start with what feels like you
You don’t need to buy anything new.
Start with clothes you already wear in your work or day-to-day life. Something that feels comfortable, familiar, and like you.
That might be:
a simple shirt
a knit or jumper
a jacket or blazer
a clean T-shirt under a jacket
If it feels right in real life, it will usually look right in your photos.
Step 2: Keep colours and patterns simple
Headshots work best when nothing distracts from your face.
Simple colours, clean shapes, and minimal details tend to photograph well.
Try to avoid:
very bold patterns
large logos
anything too tight or uncomfortable
clothes that crease easily
You don’t usually need to look overly formal. Simple and put together is enough.
Step 3: Think about how formal you need to be
This depends on your work and how you want to come across.
You don’t need to dress more formally than you normally would for your clients or audience.
A blazer can look polished.
A shirt can feel professional but relaxed.
A knit can feel warm and approachable.
The best choice is usually the one that feels natural for your work.
Step 4: Bring a small selection
You don’t need lots of options.
For shorter headshot sessions, one or two outfits is usually enough.
For longer sessions, you can bring a few more changes if you’d like more variety.
We can make small adjustments during the shoot, and often the simplest option ends up being the strongest.
Step 5: Pay attention to small details
Because headshots are simple and quite close-up, small details can stand out.
Hands are often visible in relaxed poses, so it’s worth making sure nails are clean and tidy.
If your skin tends to get shiny, bring a tissue or blotting paper with you. It’s a small thing, but it can help keep everything looking fresh and natural during the session.
No fuss — just small details that help you feel more put together.
Step 6: Don’t worry about posing
You don’t need to know what to do in front of the camera.
That’s my job to guide you.
I’ll help with small adjustments, where to look, what to do with your hands, and how to stand or sit so it feels natural rather than stiff.
The aim is not to look perfect.
It’s to look like yourself, at ease.
Step 7: Keep it simple on the day
Before your session, try to give yourself a little bit of space.
Arrive in good time, avoid rushing, and wear something you feel comfortable in.
You don’t need to come with a big plan. A few thoughtful choices are enough.
A good headshot doesn’t need to feel formal, awkward, or overdone.
With simple clothes, a few small details, and gentle guidance during the session, you can have images that feel professional and still feel like you.
If you’d like to see how my headshot sessions work, you can take a look here:
