How to dress for headshots and portraits depends largely on how the images will be used. Accordingly, most people already know how to be dressed. That said, try to dress comfortably, if you can. Since headshots focus primarily on the head and shoulders region, you can get away with wearing shorts or blue jeans. The pictures will never know the difference. Feeling relaxed and comfortable, during your sitting, can yield better facial results.

COLORS: My clients often want to know what colors they should wear. It depends on the look you are going for. I do not like to tell people what colors to wear, because there are always exceptions to every rule. I also do not want to take away from your individuality. That said, here are a few tips that may be of help. For business headshots the safest bet is to go with solid colors, over shirts and blazers that have designs or patterns to them. The latter is fine if you are an artist, an actor or somebody that wants to show character, but in the corporate and general business world stick with solid colors. Whenever I have photographed somebody both ways, they usually always agree the solid colors worked out better.

I caution against the use of bright colors which can divert attention away from the face. I love black, but for women with dark hair it may not be the best choice, as it can blend into the black making it less discernable. Again, these are just things to consider. What works for some people, may work for others. When it doubt, bring a second shirt or set of clothes. We can divide the shoot up, one for each new look.

For men, another reason I recommend a solid colored shirt is that I can usually smooth or iron them out with Photoshop, during the editing process. If there are stripes or a pattern to your shirt, it will be very difficult to correct. Read more about the types of editing included with your headshots.

For businessmen, collars without buttons generally photograph better than those with buttons. That said, if you only have buttoned collars, will make it work.

Seat belts are the law of the land and, in my opinion, that is a good thing. However, they can crease your shirt. Consider wearing a different shirt, during you drive over. Then change into the another shirt upon your arrival.

For most headshots, it is not necessary to tuck your shirt in. In fact, I discourage it. When you are sitting with your shirt tucked in, it can create bulges at the top that will show up. Most headshots are taken from chest up. So, the camera will never know the difference.

For women, sleeveless blouses can sometimes be an issue. I say this because I had customers who regretted that choice. Remember, even though we are taking headshots, part of the upper arms will still show. As a result, the upper arms can stand out and appear more promiment then you would like. We can try it if you like, but bring clothes change just in case. Blouses with short or long sleeves generally work out better.

A bathroom, with a large mirror, is available adjacent to the photo room. This room will be yours, exclusively, for the duration of your stay. If you would like to try more than one look, by all means bring a change of clothes.

Come as you are or bring make-up if you like. If you are fortunate enough to have hair on your head, be sure to bring a brush or comb. As immaculate as it may be, I often have to make adjustments to it, as we go along.

Get the red out. If you suffer from allergies or tired looking eyes, consider using eye drops before you arrive for your shoot. That said, I can simply edit the red out too, using what I like to call digital visine. I simply select the whites of your eyes in Photo Shop and remove the red.

There are two types of eye glasses, the ones that are glare-free and the ones that are not. Unfortunately, if you have the ones that are not glare-free, your photo shoot may be limited to a few rigid poses. To combat this, consider bringing a set of glassless frames if you have them, or unscrew the lenses from a spare set.

FOR GUYS: If your appointment is in the afternoon and you want that whisker clean look, you may want to bring a shaving kit, or shave before you get here. As a photographer, who has used Photo Shop for almost twenty years, I can work wonders. However, getting rid of that shadow is not one of them.

If your interest if more of the portrait variety, you are welcome to bring props: guitar, crochet needles, batons, whatever coordinates with the image you want to project.