🇺🇸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 profile picture 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! Here are 5 tips on what to wear for professional headshots that will be sure to get you on the right track :
1 - WHAT WILL BE THE USE OF THE PORTRAITS?
A professional portrait has always a purpose: either it will be used on your Linkedin profile as you are in search of your next job, or on the program of the conference you are speaking at, etc. So think about the viewers, think about the project for which the portrait will be used in 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 = feeling good = confident = Great energy in front of the camera.
But 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. Almost 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.
3- COLOURS
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 use that tool to support the message you want to convey through your portraits.
A 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
Try to avoid very strong patterns like polka dots, big flowers, etc. It has a tendency to distract the viewer. A professional portrait is putting YOU in the spotlight, not what you are wearing. (Unless you are a fashion designer like Marie (see photo above) and it's part of the story you want to tell.)
5 - JACKET OR NO JACKET
In the body language 'science', the brain interprets the shape of your shoulders as your ability to handle responsibilities. The more strong and 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 executive portraits for. For instance, if you want to enhance your leadership and ability to manage a team or a project, earlier: go for the jacket. If you need to be portrayed more approachable and friendly, then drop the jacket!
BONUS
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.