questions, answered.

I frame headshots from about the collarbone up, so put your effort into what shows: a good jacket, collared shirt or blouse matters far more than pants or shoes. Solid, neutral tones photograph best: cream, navy, charcoal, black, burgundy, or deep jewel tones. They keep the attention on your face. Match your industry — executives tend toward tailored jackets and collared shirts, while creative professionals can embrace smart casual. Avoid bright pastels, neons, busy patterns, and all-white.

Yes — fit matters more than price. A well-fitting $50 shirt photographs better than an ill-fitting $500 blazer. Proper fit keeps the focus on your face and prevents distracting creases or bulges. Your shoulders should sit naturally, buttons should close comfortably, and there shouldn't be any tugging or gaping.

It's worth getting right, especially for men's collared shirts. A collar that sits too loose or stands away from your neck is highly visible on camera and undermines an otherwise polished look. The collar should lie flat and close to your neck without feeling tight. If your current shirt collar doesn't fit right, it's worth bringing one that does — having it professionally pressed at a dry cleaner beforehand also helps.

Come in pressed, lint-free clothes. Studio light shows everything: lint, pilling, wrinkles, pet hair. Steam or press everything the night before, or take it to the dry cleaner if you can. If wearing dark clothing, lint-roll carefully and bring it in a garment bag.

Keep it simple. Small earrings — studs or small hoops — work beautifully and keep the focus on your face without distraction. Skip necklaces or chains, as they can create unnecessary shadows and lines that pull attention away from your face. A watch is fine if you normally wear one. The goal is to let your face be the star.

Bring at least 3 outfit options. What looks best at home doesn't always translate to camera, so having options lets us find what works best on you. Unsure about something? Bring it, and I'll tell you what I think in the studio.

Arrive with your hair styled the way you normally wear it — the goal is for you to look like yourself, just polished. If you're planning a haircut, get it a few days before the session so it looks natural rather than fresh-cut.

The goal is fresh and natural — a more polished version of yourself, not a different look. Foundation that matches your skin tone evens out complexion, and a touch of subtle contouring keeps the camera from flattening your features. Warm, neutral lip tones work best on camera. If you don't normally wear makeup, you don't need to start now — less is more: people should see you first, makeup second. Moisturizing your face and neck the morning of your session and a light lip balm both help too.