Tempe, AZ Brand Photographer: What to Wear (and How to Feel Confident) For Your Headshots

Let’s get one thing straight: great headshots are not about being a model or knowing how to pose like a pro. They’re about feeling comfortable, confident, and like yourself—just on your very best day.

What you wear and how you show up emotionally both play a huge role in how your photos turn out. The good news? A little preparation goes a long way. Here’s exactly how to set yourself up for headshots you actually love.

5 Confidence Tips for In Front of the Camera

Even the most camera-shy people can look confident with a few simple mindset and posing tweaks.

1. Experiment With Sides and Angles

We all have a “good side” (yes, even you). Most people have a “side” of their face that they prefer - no one has a perfectly symmetrical face, so there always tends to be one angle that looks a bit more even than the other. Try taking some selfies to compare your face from the front, left, & right - the right angle can make a huge difference. During your session, try slight turns of your face and body. Tiny adjustments make a big difference—and I’ll help guide you through it.

2. Lean Forward Toward Your Photographer

This one feels weird but works like magic. Leaning slightly forward creates better posture, defines your jawline, and makes you look more engaged. Think “interested in the conversation,” not “leaning over a table.”

3. Exude Confidence (Even If You’re Faking It at First)

It’s scary, having a camera in your face. It can cause even the most confident & poised among us to freeze up, stutter, & feel a little insecure. Confidence reads instantly on camera. Take a breath, drop your shoulders, and remind yourself why you’re doing this. You belong in these photos. Fake it until it becomes real—it usually takes about three clicks.

4. Pick Outfits According to Your Industry

What kind of wardrobe guidelines (if any) did your employer provide you with? Your headshot should visually match what you do. If you work in corporate, simple, professional pieces are best. A real estate agent, creative entrepreneur, attorney, and wellness coach all have different vibes—and that’s a good thing. Dress like the version of yourself your clients expect to see.

5. Prepare in Advance

Trying on outfits the morning of your shoot is a recipe for stress. Plan ahead, try everything on, and make sure it fits and feels good. Be sure to steam or iron your outfit so that it will be wrinkle-free on the day of your session. Also, if you can, give yourself a little buffer time before your session to relax & recenter - try not to rush into your session straight from a stressful meeting or appointment!

What to Wear for Headshots (Actual Wardrobe Advice)

When in doubt, keep it classic, intentional, and comfortable.

1. Wear Clothing That Fits Your Form

Well-fitted clothing photographs beautifully. Avoid anything too tight or too baggy—both can be distracting on camera. Look for clothes that fit well but that aren’t too clingy - try to avoid blousy or boxy tops as they will make you look bigger on camera. If you choose to wear a blazer, be aware that shoulder pads can make you look wider than you actually are - bring a basic cardigan along as well as a different layering option so that you can have some variety to choose from.

2. Bring a Variety of Colors

Here’s a good formula: something light (ivory, white, pastel), something dark (black, charcoal gray, navy), something with a pop of color. Try to avoid bringing only brightly colored or patterned outfit options, as these can sometimes end up looking distracting in a Headshot. Neutral-colored tops are always a great, simple choice! If you are wearing a light-colored top, be sure to wear nude undergarments underneath so that colors/patterns/textures do not show through. Simple accessories (necklaces, earrings, etc.) are great to bring along for a personal touch. Remember, neutrals are always safe, but don’t be afraid of color if it aligns with your brand. Bringing a few options gives flexibility and variety in your final gallery.

3. Consider ¾-Length or Full-Length Sleeves

Sleeves tend to photograph more cleanly and keep the focus on your face. 3/4 length and long sleeves are universally flattering and slimming. A long sleeve knit top or henley is always a great choice & is easy to layer - you can wear a form-fitting jacket or blazer on top to create a visually slimming look.

4. Men: Button-Up or Collared Shirt + Suit Jacket

You truly can’t go wrong with a white shirt and a dark, fitted jacket . A well-fitted button-up with a blazer instantly elevates your look and gives you versatility without overthinking it. Go without a tie for a more relaxed look, or add a tie for a more professional look.

5. Skip Computer, Blue Light, or Transition Glasses

These often reflect light or darken unpredictably, which can be distracting and create odd color tints over your eyes that cannot be retouched or edited out. If you wear glasses daily, bring a non-reflective pair if possible—or be open to shooting a few without them.

Hair, Makeup & Grooming Tips

The goal here is polished—not unrecognizable.

1. Aim for a Natural Makeup Look

Be sure you pick a hairstyle & makeup look that makes you feel confident - imagine you are getting ready for a party where you want to look your best, or for an important business meeting where you want to appear professional and polished. Makeup should enhance your features, not compete with them. Think even skin tone, defined eyes, and a lip color close to what you normally wear.

2. Avoid Extreme Beauty Regimens Before Your Shoot

No brand-new skincare products, aggressive facials, or experimental treatments right before your session. This is not the time for surprises. Also, try to stay out of the sun during the few days leading up to your shoot as well - dry, sunburned skin can be very challenging to retouch.

3. Men: Clean Up Facial Hair

Whether you’re clean-shaven or rocking a beard, make sure everything is trimmed and intentional. Fresh grooming goes a long way on camera. Try to shave right before you leave for a shoot to avoid a 5 o'clock shadow. Take note that it’s not advised to completely shave off existing facial hair that you’ve worn for a long time right before your session as this can create a difference in skin tone. The skin underneath a freshly shaved beard or mustache will often appear substantially lighter than the rest of your face due to not having had as much sun exposure.

4. Wear Your Hair in a Way That Makes You Feel Confident

If you always wear it down, don’t suddenly pull it back “just to try something different.” Confidence shows when you feel like yourself. Flyaways can be touched up in post edit, editing a new hairstyle onto your head cannot.

5. Take Care of Your Hair in Advance

If you need a haircut, color refresh, or trim—schedule it a week or so before your shoot. Fresh, but settled, is the sweet spot. Having your hair freshly touched up can really help you to enter your Headshot session looking & feeling your best.

Final Thoughts

The best headshots happen when preparation meets confidence—and a photographer (that’s ME) who knows how to guide you through it all. You don’t need to know how to pose, where to stand, or what to do with your hands (because let’s be honest… hands are weird).

Show up prepared, trust the process, and let yourself enjoy it. You might even have fun—don’t worry, I won’t tell 😉

If you want help choosing outfits or planning your session, I’m always happy to walk you through it. Your headshots should feel like you, on your best day. ✨

Tempe Headshot Photographer | Shannon Ly Photography

Click on this link to see my brand and headshot gallery.