How to Prepare for your Next Corporate and Business Portrait

Start With the Purpose of Your Portrait

Before choosing clothing or thinking about hair and makeup, ask yourself:

  • Where will this portrait be used? (website, internal company use, media)

  • What do you want people to feel when they see it?

  • Do you want to appear more authoritative, approachable, creative, or executive?

Your answers guide everything, from wardrobe to expression. A strong portrait always matches your role, industry, and personality.

Timing is everything

Schedule your session with plenty of time to prepare, no one needs the added stress of trying to schedule a session at the last minute! If you have a deadline or need a headshot for an upcoming event, it is recommended to schedule your session immediately to ensure a session is available.

It is best to schedule your session for a time or day of the week that fits naturally in your schedule. Make sure you are not scheduling your session in the morning after an event or night out, getting plenty of sleep is essential to looking your best.

Choose your outfits wisely

Aside from your smiling face, the first thing anyone who looks at your headshot photos will notice is your outfit. It is recommended to bring at least two outfit options with you to your session. Each session could be as short as 15 minutes depending on how many outfit options you bring with you to your session. Headshot photos look best with neutral, or earth toned colors, you can also research what colors suit your skin tone best if you’re unsure. It is best to avoid clothing with distracting patterns or bright colors, as this takes the focus from you.

A middle-aged man with gray hair and a beard wearing glasses, a navy blue suit, white shirt, and orange tie, standing in front of a building with a neutral background.

What to Wear: Corporate and Business Portraits

For Men

Keep it simple, structured, and timeless.

Solid colors photograph best (navy, charcoal, gray, earth tones)

  • Avoid busy patterns, logos, and loud prints

  • Jackets elevate the look instantly, even without a tie

  • Button-down shirts should be pressed and well-fitted

  • If wearing a tie, keep patterns subtle and colors complementary

Fit matters more than brand.
A tailored or well-fitted jacket will always photograph better than something expensive but oversized.

A smiling woman with long blonde hair wearing a black blazer over a light blue button-up shirt, standing outdoors with colorful flowers and greenery in the background.

What to Wear: Corporate and Business Portraits

For Women

Choose polished, comfortable, and flattering pieces.

  • Solid colors or subtle textures work best on camera

  • Avoid bold patterns, tiny prints, and shiny fabrics

  • Structured blazers, dresses, or tops with clean lines photograph beautifully

  • Necklines should feel professional and comfortable — not distracting

  • Layers add dimension and flexibility during the session

Wear something that feels like you.
Confidence shows immediately when you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing.

What Colors Work Best on Camera?

  • Jewel tones (deep blues, greens, burgundy) photograph very well

  • Neutral tones create a clean, professional look

  • Avoid pure white, neon colors, and heavy black if possible

  • Consider how your clothing contrasts with your skin tone

A woman with blonde, curly hair wearing a maroon short-sleeve top and black pants standing against a stone wall, smiling with her hand on her hip.

Ready, set, smile!

Professional hair or makeup styling is not a requirement for your session, but this can help elevate your appearance or your confidence. If you are doing your own hair or makeup, remember that your headshot session is probably not the day to try out a completely new look. It is recommended to avoid a dark makeup palette, stick to natural tones for your lipstick or eyeshadow. If you have a beard or mustache, any shaving should be done the day before your session to avoid any redness or razor burn. While hairstyles can vary, it is best to stick with a simple or sleek style; you may want to bring your hair or makeup products to your session in case you need to make touch ups.

Portrait of a young man with short brown hair, smiling, wearing a dark checkered blazer and a patterned shirt, against a gray background.

For Men

  • Get a haircut 3–7 days before the session

  • Light grooming is key: clean beard lines or a fresh shave

  • Use minimal product to avoid shine

  • Bring a comb or brush for quick touch-ups

A portrait photograph of a woman with long, wavy brown hair, blue eyes, and a light beige blazer over a black top, smiling against a plain gray background.

For Women

  • Natural, polished makeup photographs best

  • Avoid heavy contouring or overly shiny products

  • Hair should feel controlled but natural — not stiff

  • Bring basic touch-up items (lip color, powder, brush)

A smiling woman with short, curly, blonde hair wearing large green glasses, a white blouse, and a blazer with a plaid pattern, standing against a gray background.

What to Bring to Your Session

An extra outfit option

  • Glasses (even if you don’t wear them daily)

  • Hair and makeup touch-up items

  • A positive mindset

The more prepared you feel, the more confident you’ll appear on camera.

Final Thoughts

A corporate or business portrait should feel authentic, professional, and current. When you prepare with intention — and work with a photographer who guides you — the experience becomes easier than you expect.

Your portrait isn’t about perfection.
It’s about presence.

And when done right, it becomes one of the most powerful tools in your professional life.

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