What to Wear for Your Headshot: Business, Actor and Model
By Julian Buitrago, BLINK Photo Co. · Updated · 5 min read
A blazer over a plain top works for most business headshots.
Wardrobe is the easiest part of a headshot to get right and the most common thing people get wrong. The rule is simple: the photo is about your face, so clothes should support it, not compete with it.
Short answerWear solid colors that contrast with the backdrop, with a good fit and a neckline that frames your face. Avoid logos, busy patterns, very bright white alone and anything wrinkled. Business: a jacket or blazer over a plain top. Actors: wardrobe that fits your casting type. Models: fitted plain basics for digitals. Bring a second option.
Key takeaways
Solid colors, good fit, no logos or busy patterns.
A jacket or blazer adds structure for business headshots.
Glasses: wear them if you wear them daily.
Bring two or three options and decide on set.
What are the basics for any headshot?
Solid colors. Mid-tones and jewel tones work on almost everyone. Patterns and stripes can flicker on camera.
Contrast with the backdrop. On our dark gray backdrop, lighter or brighter tops stand out; on light gray, darker tops do.
Fit. Shoulders that fit and a collar that sits flat matter more than brand.
Neckline. V-necks and open collars lengthen the neck; crew necks look casual.
Pressed. Wrinkles show at high resolution.
Solid colors keep attention on the face.
What should you wear for a business headshot?
A jacket or blazer over a plain top fits most industries in LA and Orange County. Tech and creative teams can go without the jacket; finance and law usually keep it. For team days, agree on one dress level so the team page matches (see how to plan an office headshot day).
Glasses, jewelry and makeup?
Glasses: wear them if you wear them every day. We light around reflections.
Jewelry: simple pieces. Large statement pieces only if they are part of your look.
Makeup: matte and natural; shine reads as sweat on camera.
Hair: styled the way you wear it to work, a few days after a cut, not the same morning.
Layers add depth without stealing focus.
What should actors wear?
Dress for your casting type and bring options for each look (theatrical and commercial). Details in actor headshots in LA.
Prices as of October 29, 2026. Individual studio session at our Marina del Rey studio: $375 (one look, one fully retouched photo, private gallery with LinkedIn crops); additional retouched photos $50 each. On-site team headshots, priced in blocks: first 10 people $225 each, people 11 to 24 $175, 25 to 49 $125, 50 to 99 $75, 100 and up $55; $1,200 minimum per day.
Julian Buitrago is the founder and lead photographer of BLINK Photo Co., based in Los Angeles. BLINK runs on-site event headshot stations nationwide and photographs office teams, actors and models across LA and Orange County.
Frequently asked questions
What colors are best for a headshot?
Solid mid-tones and jewel tones that contrast with the backdrop. Avoid busy patterns, logos and stripes.
Should I wear glasses in my headshot?
Yes, if you wear them every day. The photographer will light around reflections.
What should I wear for a corporate headshot?
A jacket or blazer over a plain, solid-color top fits most industries.
Should I bring more than one outfit?
Yes. Bring two or three options and decide with the photographer.
Book a headshot in Los Angeles or Orange County
Studio in Marina del Rey, or we come to your office. We reply within one business day.
