7 Tips for Taking Great Personal Branding & Headshot Photos

Stacey Naglie is a Toronto-area personal branding, headshot, lifestyle, and portrait photographer specializing in capturing special moments and telling your story through beautiful and natural-looking photos.

Photoshoots aren't only for actor headshots or corporate headshots. Investing in a personal photoshoot is one of the most impactful ways to celebrate yourself and put your best foot forward when connecting online. With the rise of the gig economy, having personal branding photos that can be used across your business website, Linkedin profile and even for potential speaker opportunities is crucial.

Scheduling a photoshoot with a Toronto headshot photographer for personal reasons is just as valuable. If you’re looking for a fresh way to practice self-care, try booking a photoshoot. As soon as you treat yourself to a hair appointment, choose an outfit that makes you feel great and step into your element, you’ll step into your inner Wonder Woman or Superman.

Whether you’re planning to use personal branding photos for professional reasons or even a dating profile, a few things are key: you want to feel like yourself while looking your absolute best. Achieving these results is a combination of confidence, grooming and most importantly, what you choose to wear.

What to wear for headshots | Stacey Naglie Photography

Tips When Considering Outfits for Your Photoshoot

Read these 7 practical tips about what to wear for headshots with style and your personality.

1. Colour Choice

Dark coloured outfits such as black, navy, charcoal or a very dark burgundy will be elegant. Whereas light coloured outfits such as white, blush, cream or nude will look soft, airy and whimsical.

2. Style Choice

Opt for outfits that are distinctly “you”. Work with your photographer to discuss your brand or desired image. There are many style choices that can reflect your personality, whether funky, dramatic, sweet, formal or sexy..

Bring Multiple Styles to Your Shoot

Stacey was easy and encouraging to work with. She made me feel so confident and beautiful. We shot multiple styles, looks and backgrounds. Stacey always helped me look and feel my best.”

-Hanna Bradley

3. Textures, Patterns and Outfit Choices to Select

Lace, sequins or soft textured fabric photograph beautifully. Off-the-shoulder, deep V and boat necklines are all incredibly flattering to the body. Selecting fitted clothing will help to slim your silhouette.

Headshot by Toronto Photographer Stacey Naglie

Personal Branding Photo by Toronto's best personal branding photographer Stacey Naglie
Personal Branding Photography
Personal Branding Headshot by Toronto Photographer Stacey Naglie

Personal Branding Photo by Toronto's best personal branding photographer Stacey Naglie
Personal Branding Photography
Headshot by Personal Branding Photographer Stacey Naglie

Personal Branding Photo by Toronto's best personal branding photographer Stacey Naglie
Personal Branding Photography

4. Textures, Patterns and Outfit Choices to Avoid

Rough materials like wool sweaters are prone to pilling and can look worn in photos. Busy patterns tend to be distracting and ultimately look less flattering than solids. Avoid clothing that’s too bulky, flowy or shapeless. Unless you absolutely love your arms, avoid going sleeveless.

5. Avoid Over Accessorizing

Stick to simple earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Bring a selection of your favourite jewelry and accessories (scarves,etc.) to discuss with your photographer.

6. Eyeglasses

If you wear glasses, you can choose to wear them in your photos or not. Non-reflective lenses photograph better.

7. Don't Forget the Undergarments You Need

For women, pack black and nude undergarments and ensure you bring a strapless bra.

Lean Into Your Personal Style

“Stacey worked with me to determine the style which would highlight my vision for my personal branding and for the look and feel I wanted to portray. Stacey’s hair and makeup stylists onsite created a professional and polished look.”