What to wear for a Model/Talent Portfolio Photoshoot
Use this guide to plan out your wardrobe for your photoshoot. We'll ease our way in and start with the basics. You'll be styling and photo ready in no time!
COLORS
Gemstone and earth tone colors look great on everyone. Simple solid color tops that use these colors are perfect for headshots. You’ll want to find colors that complement your skin tone, hair, and eye color. Not sure what looks best for you? Click here to learn more about finding your undertone to determine the best colors for you. For commercial looks, stay away from solid black, gray, and white. Commercial = fun and vibrant.
COLORIZE YOUR OUTFITS
Solid color tops are recommended for a headshot look. Bring options that show off your eye or hair color. Stay away from low necklines. Avoid busy patterns and textures, the focus should be on you. To add variety, you can add layers to your headshot outfit. For example, a solid colored shirt with a jean jacket, blazer, or cardigan.
COMMERCIAL
Solid color outfits that are on the casual side. Think of advertisements for: Target, Old Navy, GAP, Levi’s, etc. The overall style and mood is easy breezy, happy go lucky, girl/guy next door. Aim for brighter gemstone colors that pop! Stick with minimal patterns. Add layering options like jean jackets, leather jackets, cardigans, and blazers to add variety and posing options. Each look should be different in style and color. Look for a range of looks from dressy, casual, business (for adults), and fitness if you are being marketed for fitness.
ACTING & COMMERCIAL
If you are pursuing Acting and Commercial, your portfolio will want to highlight a variety of character roles with diverse headshots, 3/4, and full length portraits in different outfits. Styles should range from edgy and dramatic to more happy go lucky. Here, you’ll want a range of gemstone colors and neutrals for a more dramatic look.
COMMERCIAL, FASHION, & FITNESS
This portfolio should showcase all of the qualities from above with commercial looks, plus the addition of fitness and more edgy fashion looks. With fashion, we can “break the rules” and include outfits that are black and more neutral overall. The fitness look should still utilize solid gemstone colors with simple solid color athletic sneakers.
THE DO’S AND DONT’S
THE DO’S
Solid color neutrals, jewel tone, or earth tone colors.
Colors that highlight your eyes, hair, or skin tone.
Variety of textures - lace, satin, velvet, leather, metallic.
Variety of necklines and sleeve lengths.
Mixture of outfit styles (dressy, casual, layers with blazers or jackets).
Extra backup outfits, at least 5 additional complete outfits.
Accessorize! Bring a variety of simple jewelry and layering options like jackets, blazers, and cardigans.
Ladies: bring a variety of strap and strapless bras in nude and black. Try on outfits with the appropriate undergarments ahead of the shoot day to assure fit and no visibility.
THE DON’TS
Overly baggy or boxy clothing, form fitting is best.
Very low necklines. Consider the tighter headshot crop and where your neckline will fall.
Material that shows excessive wear or distressing.
Neon and excessively very bright colors.
Busy patterns (minimal small patterns are okay). Avoid logos, graphics, and text.
Very flashy jewelry. Less is more! Simple mixed metal options are best.
Wearing watches, bracelets, or hair bands around the wrists the day of the shoot. These can leave indentation marks on the skin.
WARDROBE PREP
Have all clothes camera ready: steamed/ironed, lint rolled, and remove any tags. Have all wardrobe hanging on individual hangers.
Once you start gathering wardrobe options, feel free to email us images of each outfit to studio@kaelaspeicher.com. This is optional but recommended. Full body cell phone pictures work great. This gives us an idea of how everything fits and will photograph prior to the shoot. Knowing the outfits ahead time, can be helpful for selecting the best backgrounds to complement your wardrobe, utilize shoot time efficiently, and allow time to make any changes before the shoot day.
Jewelry should be simple and not overly distracting. We are a fan of mixed metals (gold, silver, rose gold, etc) or jewelry that references your brand colors.
Don’t forget your bottoms! On Headshot Mini Days, we still photograph 3/4 length shots from the knee up. For Personal Branding session, we photograph full length. Bring a variety of pants, jeans, skirt, and shoe options to complete each outfit.
Pack up your car 1-2 days ahead of your photoshoot. This takes the stress out of packing on the day of your shoot, and gives you time to double check that you have everything packed and ready to go.
FACE & HAIR PREP
Arrive with a completely clean face. No makeup, SPFs, and only lightweight moisturizers applied to the face (no oils or heavy creams, as these can interfere with the makeup).
If you have any skin sensitivities or allergies, it is your responsibility to notify us ahead of time and mention this to the makeup artist. We are happy to use products specifically for skin sensitivities.
Do not pluck eyebrows the morning of the shoot, as this will show swelling and redness. Any waxing, plucking, or bleaching should be done no less than 1 week before the shoot day.
Hair prep for Headshot Mini sessions: hair should be completely dry, styled, and camera ready. We will be doing only hair flyaway touch ups.
Hair prep for full Portfolio sessions: hair should be completely dry and 1 day unwashed. Our stylist will be fully styling your hair. Feel free to bring any of your favorite hair styling products if you have a product you love.
Shoot days require a lot of energy so be sure to get some extra ZZZs for your beauty rest and drink plenty of water. H20 will keep your skin hydrated and give your face a camera ready glow.
Avoid drinking alcohol the night before the shoot or anything that can stain your teeth the morning of the shoot.
NAILS
Nails should be clean, trimmed, and manicured with natural rounded edges.
We recommend a short to medium length nail with natural slightly rounded edges. This is a natural and classic look that will not distract or become untrendy over the years.
If using polish, a fresh and even coat of clear polish or a nude color like taupe are recommended. Nude tones are universally flattering and work with any outfit. If you prefer color, gemstone shades are great options or a color that references your brand color palette.
THE DAY OF THE SHOOT
While sitting for hair and makeup application, please avoid wearing excessively tight clothes (especially jeans), hair ties, watches, or anything tight around your wrists the morning of the shoot. These can leave red indentation marks on the skin.
Shoots require high energy. Bring water and your favorite snacks to munch on throughout the day to refuel.
Please alert us if you have any existing medical conditions that may require attention during the shoot. We are happy to work at a pace where you are most comfortable and take any necessary precautions.
Sit back and relax! Our team of professionals are here to help and guide you every step of the way. Aim to have fun and trust the process. We are excited to create your best portfolio yet!
Congrats, you are on your way to an amazing shoot!
Read on to learn more about:
How to prepare yourself - all about hair, skin, and nails!
