What to Wear for Headshots: A Complete Guide for Atlanta Professionals
If you’ve booked a session for Atlanta headshots, one of the first questions that comes up is simple but stressful: what to wear? Your outfit can completely change the tone of your headshot, making you look confident, approachable, and polished—or distracting from the professional image you want to project.
This guide will walk you through what to wear for headshot photography in Atlanta, with practical tips for men, women, and team sessions. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, planning corporate headshots, or refreshing your personal brand, these recommendations will help you feel comfortable and camera-ready.
Why Your Outfit Matters in Headshot Photography
Your headshot is often the first impression people have of you online. Recruiters, clients, and colleagues make split-second judgments based on your image. Wearing the right clothing ensures that your headshot communicates professionalism and aligns with your personal brand.
In Atlanta, where industries range from corporate finance to creative startups, tailoring your wardrobe to your career field can make your headshot stand out for the right reasons.
General Guidelines: What to Wear for Professional Headshots
When deciding what to wear for headshots, keep these universal tips in mind:
Choose solid colors over busy patterns to keep the focus on your face.
Stick to fitted clothing that looks sharp without being too tight.
Avoid neon shades or anything overly reflective.
Layering (like a blazer over a blouse) adds structure and polish.
Bring 2–3 outfit options to your Atlanta headshot session for variety.
What to Wear for Women’s Headshots
Outfit Choices
Blouses, sweaters, and dresses in solid, neutral, or jewel tones.
Tailored blazers or jackets to create structure.
Avoid low-cut tops or anything too casual.
Accessories
Keep jewelry simple and minimal to avoid distraction.
Avoid overly shiny or large statement pieces.
Hair and Makeup
Style hair as you normally would for a professional setting.
Light, natural makeup works best for photography.
What to Wear for Men’s Headshots
Outfit Choices
A button-down shirt with or without a blazer is a classic choice.
Solid colors or subtle patterns work best.
Consider a suit jacket for a more formal industry like law or finance.
Ties and Accessories
A tie is optional, depending on your profession. For corporate headshots, a tie adds authority, while for creative industries, open collars look approachable.
Avoid tie patterns that are too bold or distracting.
What to Wear for Creative vs. Corporate Headshots
Corporate Headshots in Atlanta
Stick to classic business attire such as suits, blouses, and professional dresses.
Choose darker tones like navy, charcoal, or black for a polished and formal look.
Creative Headshots
Smart-casual attire works well for creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and startups.
Experiment with brighter colors or stylish textures that reflect personality, while still looking professional.
What to Wear for Team Headshots in Atlanta
For businesses scheduling group or team headshots:
Coordinate colors but don’t require identical outfits.
Choose a consistent level of formality that reflects company culture.
Neutral tones with one or two accent colors help the group look cohesive.
Avoid large logos, text, or clashing patterns.
Seasonal Considerations for Atlanta Headshots
Atlanta’s climate plays a role in wardrobe planning:
Summer: Lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen to stay comfortable.
Fall/Winter: Layers like sweaters, blazers, and scarves add texture and warmth.
Year-round: Bring a backup outfit in case of unexpected weather.
Final Tips for What to Wear in Headshot Photography
Plan outfits a few days in advance so you don’t feel rushed.
Try everything on and check for wrinkles or fit issues.
Think about how your clothing choices align with your professional brand.
Ask your photographer for guidance—they’ll know what photographs best under studio lighting.
Atlanta Headshots That Match Your Brand
If you’re looking for professional headshots in Atlanta, the right outfit is only half the equation. Choosing an experienced photographer ensures your clothing, lighting, and posing all work together to create a powerful first impression.
When you arrive prepared, you’ll feel more confident, and your images will show it. Whether you’re planning corporate headshots, team headshots, or a branding session, knowing what to wear will set you up for success.