What to wear for Acting Headshots
A Guide from a San Diego Headshot Photographer
Whether you’re getting your first acting headshots or updating your portfolio, knowing what to wear and how to prepare can make a huge difference. The right outfit can highlight your features, elevate your presence, and help casting directors focus on what matters most—you.
As a professional San Diego headshot photographer, I’ve worked with actors at every stage of their careers. This guide is packed with tips to help you feel confident, prepared, and camera-ready on the day of your session.
How to Prepare for Your Headshot Session
A successful session starts with the right mindset and a little preparation:
Choose the Right Outfits
Wear solid colors that flatter your skin tone and bring a few options for variety. Avoid busy patterns, stripes, logos, and graphic tees—these distract from your face and limit how the photo can be used.
I always recommend including clothing you already love to wear—your favorite tee, a fitted sweater, or a classic denim jacket. If it fits well and feels like you, it will photograph beautifully.
Keep Hair & Makeup Natural
Less is more—casting directors want to see your authentic look. Keep makeup clean and minimal, unless your role or brand calls for something more specific. Hair should be clean and styled in a way that feels natural to you.
Get Plenty of Rest
A good night’s rest helps you look alert and energized, and gives your skin a natural glow.
Hydrate & Moisturize
Drink water the day before and the morning of your shoot. Moisturize your skin to keep it looking fresh, but avoid trying new products right before your session.
Practice Natural Expressions
Your headshots should reflect your range. Try practicing relaxed smiles, soft intensity, and neutral looks in the mirror to feel more comfortable during the session.
Trust the Process
If you’re feeling unsure, that’s completely normal. I’ll walk you through posing, expression, and pacing so we capture your best, most natural self. This is a collaboration—and my goal is to make sure you feel confident throughout.
What Colors Should You Wear?
Color plays a big role in how your features come through in headshots. Below are suggestions based on skin tone, hair color, and eye color, as well as some general guidelines that work for most people.
Best Colors by Skin Tone
Fair Skin: Soft pastels (lavender, sky blue, blush pink); Jewel tones (emerald, royal blue, deep teal); Neutrals (beige, light gray, navy)
Medium/Olive Skin: Earth tones (olive, mustard, terracotta); Jewel tones (plum, sapphire, forest green); Muted pastels (dusty rose, soft peach)
Dark Skin: Bold shades (ruby red, cobalt blue, mustard yellow); Jewel tones (emerald, royal purple, sapphire); Soft neutrals (warm beige, caramel, mocha)
Best Colors by Hair & Eye Color
Brunette Hair: Deep reds, blues, greens; Cream, charcoal, navy; Earth tones (rust, camel)
Red Hair: Forest green, navy, teal; Warm neutrals (ivory, beige); Jewel tones (plum, deep emerald)
Black Hair: Bold colors (ruby, cobalt, gold); Jewel tones (emerald, navy, deep purple); Soft neutrals (gray, mocha, taupe)
Blue Eyes: Blue shades (sky, navy, royal); Warm tones (camel, taupe, soft browns); Pastels (peach, lavender)
Brown Eyes: Deep green, burgundy, plum; Terracotta, rust, mustard; Warm neutrals (mocha, beige)
Green Eyes: Teal, plum, forest green; Earth tones (caramel, warm brown); Soft pinks, mauve, lavender
Colors to Avoid
While there's flexibility in what works, a few choices tend to create problems on camera:
Neon Colors – Distracting and unnatural
Pure White – Can wash out lighter skin tones (use off-white or cream instead)
Strong Yellows & Oranges – Can clash with skin tones or overpower the eyes
Graphic Tees or Logos – Distract from your face and limit where your image can be used
Final Thoughts
When it comes to wardrobe, comfort and authenticity are key. Choose pieces that fit well, reflect your personality, and let your features shine. If you’re unsure what to wear, bring a few options—we’ll decide together during the session.
Looking to book your headshot session?
Click here to schedule your professional actor headshots in San Diego.
Let’s make something great together.
– Alex Kikis
San Diego Headshot & Personal Branding Photographer
