- Solid or neutral colours
Since the eye is used to seeing them and they have little risk of overpowering the frame, solid and neutral colours usually perform nicely. White and cream are examples of light neutral colours, whereas navy and black are examples of dark ones.
Neutrals have no time limit, don’t compete, and don’t have feelings.
They complement the majority of other colours, so you may use them alone for a delicate, subtle effect or as a basis colour in another colour scheme.
Neutrals may also be used to emphasise an expression or grin since they don’t elicit emotion on their own.
- Vibrant Colors Near the Neckline
You may attract attention to the face by using darker hues along the neckline, such as the collar of a blouse or the lapel of a jacket. Wearing a noticeable necklace, which often competes for attention rather than drawing attention elsewhere, is frequently discouraged.
- Classics Never Fail
For a professional headshot, traditional office attire in shades of navy, blue, black, and dark grey looks great on just about everyone. But the industry is very much reliant on classics. In contrast to artists and designers, who are less constrained by a monochromatic colour scheme, lawyers, financial services, and other conventional, conservative businesses often want modest, darker outer alternatives.
- Photography in Black and White
If you want to utilise black and white pictures, we advise using tone and colours that contrast. For instance, a bright white shirt with a navy blue jacket and tie would look good.
Due of the absence of contrast, a pastel top with a light grey jacket won’t look as well in black and white.
The tonality of the clothes will be more similar to the skin tone after colour has been removed from the photograph, which will reduce the overall punchiness.
- Deeper Colors Stand Out
Consider bringing some dark colours to outdoor headshot shoots rather of white, yellow, and other light hues. They will aid in lowering the amount of light that reflects off of them, preventing you from seeming washed out.
- Avoid using patterns and graphics.
We usually advise avoiding clothing with a striking or graphic design in favour of a shirt or blouse in simple colours. Professional headshots will be more focused on the person, without generating any distractions, and branding photo sessions will assist you showcase the corporate logos and slogans.
This is not to imply that busy patterns can’t be used; they merely limit your options for the shoot, including backdrop choices, and for how you’ll use the photos in the end. Therefore, it often makes sense to start by considering simpler possibilities.
- Wear Complementary Shades While Layering
Layers may assist to increase interest, but be careful to wear complementary colour combinations when layering. We suggest keeping the colour schemes simple.
Additionally, choosing colours that complement the hue of your eyes will result in a palette that is more pleasing to the eye.
- Take Your Goals and Your Industry Into Account
It’s a good idea to keep your industry in mind when choosing an outfit’s colour since more conventional occupations tend to favour a more conventional approach to colour (black, navy, white, grey). However, going against the norm with vivid, dramatic colours may also be successful and make your corporate headshot photography unique if your objective is to stick out in a conservative workplace.
- Seek Inspiration from Nature
To see colour harmonies in action, all you need to do is glance at a bouquet of flowers, a bowl of fruit, or the sky at various times of the day. Reds and greens, lavender and green, and gentle blue and pink or orange.
- Do you like to generate tension or harmony?
Contrary to popular belief, colour may be intentionally used to create tension or harmony.
On the colour wheel, colours that are closer to one another have a softer appearance, while those that are opposite one another produce a contrast while still being complementary.
The emotional reaction you want from your headshot may often depend on your profession and career goals.
A monochrome or comparable colour scheme will be more successful at promoting calm if you are, for example, a therapist.
It’s important to keep in mind that the colour harmony in your headshot could not be entirely composed of your attire and accessories.
Your eye colour, the backdrop you choose, and the lighting’s colour temperature are the factors as well.