What should I keep in mind when having a professional business photo taken?

That’s one of the most common questions we get.

Jeroen and I can take care of almost everything for you:
a beautiful background, flattering lighting that fits your wishes,
and I’ll make sure your hair and makeup look great on camera so you’ll truly shine.

But there are a few things you’ll need to prepare yourself —
and clothing is incredibly important.

Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you get the best result from your session:

DO’S

(Of course, depending on the impression you want to make)

• Wear well-fitting clothes. We often see people show up with a jacket that’s a few (pandemic) kilos too small — it pulls and won’t close properly.

• Clothing with a collar usually works best — for example, a stylish blouse or a blazer over a nice top.

• Always bring a spare outfit. We can test which one looks best on camera.

• Make sure your clothes are clean and well-ironed. It might sound obvious, but it’s a common mistake!

DON’TS

• Sleeveless tops – they rarely look professional in portraits.

• Clothing with large logos or text, unless it’s your company branding.

• All-white, cream, or beige outfits – these can wash out your complexion, especially if you’re fair-skinned, not wearing much makeup, or have blonde or grey hair. A white shirt with a contrasting blazer can work beautifully though.

• For men: avoid wearing a casual shirt under a blazer — the collar won’t sit properly.

• Also for men: make sure your undershirt isn’t visible through your shirt.

• Avoid very bright colours and busy patterns — they draw attention away from your face.

The example photos show how clothing colours can change the look of your portrait.
It all depends on your skin tone and hair colour, so it’s worth taking this into account.
All photos were taken under the same lighting — notice how the clothing colour makes a big difference!