Your Linkedin profile photo should be in line with your personal branding and the message you want to convey. It also has to be relevant with the other professional photos that you use on your website, your email signature, your What's App, your Gmail account, etc..
But here it is, the day of your photoshoot you are in front of your closet and you don't know what to bring and what to wear!
Do not panic!
BELOW ARE 5 EASY TIPS ON WHAT TO WEAR
for professional headshots that will get you on the right track :
1 - WHAT WILL BE THE USE OF THE PORTRAITS?
A professional portrait has always a purpose: it could be to be used on your Linkedin profile as you are in search of your next job, or for your Zoom profile photo, or for your next speaking engagement, etc.
So think about the viewers.Think about the project for which the professional portrait will be used for and try to match the 'dress code' of the people you want to interact with.
2- COMFORT BEFORE EVERYTHING
The overall rule is to feel comfortable in what you wear.
Comfort in your cloths = feeling good = more confident in front of the camera.
Most of us usually don't really feel photogenic or comfortable in front of a camera, but it actually starts with feeling good in what you are wearing on the professional photos.
And then when we say comfortable, it's not about wearing yoga pants or your weekend outfits😉.
It's about wearing clothes you feel comfortable and confident in. The ones that you wear most in your wardrobe. For some, it's a tailored suit and sharp outfit. For others, it's more casual with trendy snickers, well-fitted jeans and colorful tops.
It also depends on the message you want to convey on your professional photos, but don't buy too many new outfits in which you might not feel totally yourself... just yet !
3- COLORS
Each color have a meaning. Colors are actual optic waves and frequencies. They do trigger energy, feelings, and emotions. Colors are used every day in the communication industry, PR campaigns, politics, etc.
So never hold back from using that tool to support the message you want to convey through your professional portraits !! If you want to know which color would fit best your personal branding, we have some clear easy tips of you here
A side note on wearing a full white top or a white shirt.
In general, but even more, if your portrait shoot will take place in a studio, the white 'swallow' all the light and then we see more your shirt or top, than you. And it's common knowledge that it has a tendency to make things look bigger than they are. Easy fix: wear a contrasting jacket, cardigan, or scarf on top! Et voilà!
4- STRONG PATTERNS
In general, try to avoid very strong patterns like polka dots, big flowers, etc. It has a tendency to distract the viewer, what's more if the photographer is using studio lighting (versus natural lighting where pattern don't distract as much).
A professional portrait is putting YOU in the spotlight, not what you are wearing. (Unless you are a fashion designer into patterns and in this case it is part of the story you want to tell.)
5 - BLAZER OR NO BLAZER ON A LINKEDIN PHOTO ?
In body language 'science', the brain interprets the shape of your shoulders as your ability to handle responsibilities. The stronger and the more square they are, the more reliable and responsible you can be perceived. That where we realize the role of shoulder pads!
That being said, as mentioned earlier: it all depends on the message you want to convey and the project you are using your professional headshots for.
For instance, if you want to enhance your leadership and ability to manage a team or a project, like mentioned above: go for the blazer. It doesn't have to be a black or a grey blazer: it can be in different fabric or in colors.
If you need to be portrayed more approachable and friendly, then drop the blazer!
2 SMALL BONUSES 🎁
In case you wear glasses and you have different pairs at home: bring them all
Some react differently with the studio light in terms of glare, or some create fewer shadows than others. To be sure you won't have any regrets on-site, bring them all.
Prioritise pants with pockets: it is very useful in terms of positioning yourself.