What to wear for headshots | Houston Headshot Photographer

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots and can help with what to wear for headshots!  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

What to wear for headshots

Aside from scheduling a date with your headshot photographer, this may be the next hardest thing to do in preparation for your headshot session.  Choosing what to wear for headshots!  Wardrobe is so important, though, because it lends itself to certain backgrounds and the feel of the headshot.  Take some time to consider what you’ll wear for the headshot.

Here are a few tips to help!

  1. Consider your position, industry, and where you’re going!  They say that you should dress for your next promotion.  Dress like you want the person’s job who’s above you.  Your headshot wardrobe should reflect the type of work that you do.
  2. Decide on formal versus a casual look.  It’s probably a good idea to have both so that you can tailor your headshot to suit the marketing material.
  3. Choose solid colors.  Too much pattern can be distracting in a headshot.  Layers and texture are good but not pattern.
  4. Choose wardrobe pieces for their neckline (either a strong neckline or a soft neckline paired with a jacket).
  5. Jewelry is great in a headshot.  Just make sure it’s not too large or distracting.  The main focus should be on your face.
  6. Make sure nails are manicured in case they show in the image.

If you’re unsure about a piece of clothing or what to wear, bring options to your session and chat with your photographer.  She will be able to guide you when you both can discuss the clothing and session.

Recent Headshots

Here are a few recent headshot sessions.  And a few general rules that I use to coordinate wardrobe with background choices.  If you choose dark colors like black or navy, I like to use a neutral grey or darker grey background.  This makes the clothing and background blend well so that the focus lies on the face.  If you bring a top with bold color like red, royal blue, pink, or green, I like to photograph on a clean white background.  The pop of color on the white background looks really great!  If you have an off-white top, I also like the medium grey to set off that color.

what to wear for headshotsmodern environmental headshotcontemporary professional headshotwhat to wear for headshotsprofessional woman's headshot with black jacket and pink shirtwhat to wear for headshotswhat to wear for headshots

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

- INSTAGRAM -

@taraflanneryphotography

Mid-session. Camera in hand. Client in front of me…
and suddenly my camera starts throwing error codes.

I turn it off. Pull the battery. Take the card out.
Put everything back in and hope it works again.

And then it happens again.

Three memory cards failed on me during that shoot.

After that, I switched to Sony Tough cards—and haven’t had an issue since.

It’s one of those things you don’t think about… until you’re in a high-pressure moment and your gear has to perform.

📥 If you’re a photographer and want a breakdown of the gear I actually use and trust, I’ve put together a guide—link in bio.

👇🏼 But I'm curious, what cards have been working for you?
It’s never just pressing a button.

It’s reading the room.
Adjusting in real time.
Knowing how to bring out confidence—even when someone feels uncomfortable in front of the camera.

The technical side matters.
But the connection, the instinct, and the ability to see what others don’t… that’s what turns it into something more.

📩 If you’re ready for photos that feel like you, you can book through the link in my bio.
Come along with me as I set up for a headshot + branding session 👇🏻

When you’re just getting started, it’s easy to think you need all the gear before you can take on client work.

You don’t.

For in-office headshots, a solid setup really comes down to a few essentials:
✅ reliable lighting
✅ a strong lens
✅ a backdrop
✅ reflectors to help control light and keep skin tones consistent

That’s how I’m able to create clean, professional headshots—without being in a studio.

And for branding? That’s where I shift.

Instead of a backdrop, I’m using the client’s space—capturing environmental images that feel more natural, personal, and aligned with their business.

Same session, two different approaches—both intentional.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about having more gear…
it’s about knowing how to use what you have.

📥 If you’re a newer photographer, I’ve put together resources to help with gear, lighting, and posing—click the link in my bio to check them out!

- STAY IN TOUCH -

Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area

tara@taraflannery.com

713-412-5437

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Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers of America PPA.
Tara is a Certified Professional Photographer.
Tara is a member of TPPA Texas Professional Photographer's Association.
Tara has earned her Master of Photography degree.
Tara has earned her Photographic Craftsman certification.
Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston PPGH.