What to Wear for Your Acting Headshot Session on Long Island

The short version

• Bring more options than you think you need. A suitcase full is not too many.
• V necks, tanks, and Henleys photograph better than a standard crew neck for most people.
• Form-fitted clothing reads cleaner on camera than baggy or boxy fits.
• Accessories and layers are what turn a good headshot into a great one.
• Iron everything before you arrive. Wrinkles show up clearly and slow down your session.

One of the most common questions I get from actors before their session is some version of: what should I wear? Knowing what to wear for your acting headshot session is one of the most important things you can control going into your shoot, whether you're coming in from Long Island, Brooklyn, or Manhattan. The right clothing choices give us more to work with and give you a stronger gallery to submit.

Here are 5 clothing tips for a successful acting headshot session.

Tip 01

You can never bring too many options.

I tell my clients all the time to bring a suitcase full of clothes. Never feel bad about bringing a lot, and trust me, photographers love when you do. We're not going to use all of it, but it gives us the ability to collaborate with you on the best colors, fits, and styles for the images we're creating together. One of the biggest mistakes actors make is showing up with only a handful of choices. That limits the looks and styles we can get.

In my studio, I match color combinations with backdrop choices, lighting, and mood. Having a range of options makes that possible. And there are often items in your closet you don't wear regularly that look incredible in a headshot. Bring them. I'll be thrilled when you roll up with your suitcase.

Tip 02

The best tops to wear for an acting headshot session.

In my studio, sessions typically start with head-and-shoulders commercial headshots on a neutral gray or white backdrop. Everyone needs these, and they're a great way to warm up before moving into the more dramatic portraits later in the session.

The best options for these images are simple tees, light sweaters, tank tops, and Henleys. I prefer a V neck for men and a boat neck for women over a standard crew neck. A crew neck, depending on the cut, can look closed off, which is the opposite of what you want in a headshot. Tanks and Henleys tend to be the most consistently strong choices for both men and women.

For colors, bring black, white, and gray as your foundation. Pastels and earthy neutrals work well too. Think simple, muted, and form-fitted.

Tip 03

Form-fitted for the win.

The trend over the last few years has been baggy and boxy. The problem is that a square, oversized shirt doesn't translate well in a headshot. Here's why: it can look like you're wearing someone else's clothes, it hides your body type from casting directors who need to visualize you in a role, and it tends to make people look wider or heavier than they actually are.

My advice: bring your baggy options. We'll find contexts where they work and make them look great. But also bring form-fitted pieces. That combination gives us the best of both, and gives you a gallery that shows you at your best in a range of looks.

Tip 04

Don't forget the accessories.

It's often the small things that take a good photo to a great one. A cool hat. A denim jacket. A scarf that adds texture. These details matter, and they're especially useful when we're building character looks for specific role types.

Bring anything you can layer: jackets, open button-downs, scarves, glasses, hats. And don't overlook shoes if you're doing any full-length or three-quarter shots. The accessories you bring are often what make certain looks possible that you wouldn't have thought of on your own.

Tip 05

Don't bring a bag of wrinkled clothes.

I've seen this more times than I want to admit, and it's almost always the guys. It's not the end of the world since I keep a steamer at the studio, but arriving with neat, well-maintained clothing saves time. Time that could be spent getting more looks instead of fixing preventable problems.

Iron or steam everything before you arrive. Hang it properly so it doesn't wrinkle in transit. The only exception is a vintage or worn piece where the weathered look is intentional and part of the character.

Key Takeaways

• Bring a lot. More options means more looks, more variety, and a stronger final gallery.
• Neckline matters. V necks and boat necks open up the frame. Crew necks can close it off.
• Fit over fashion. Form-fitted reads cleaner on camera. Bring baggy options too, but make sure you have fitted pieces.
• Accessories build characters. Hats, jackets, scarves, and layers turn a headshot session into a full range of looks.
• Iron everything. Wrinkled clothes slow down the session and show up clearly on camera.

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Common Questions

Can I wear white to my acting headshot session?

Yes! Generally I don’t like a white tee by iteslf, but it can work well as a layer under a jacket or open button-down, where it shows just enough to frame your face without dominating the frame. On certain color backdrops, however, white looks amazing just by itself so bring it along and opt for a V neck or tank over a crew neck.

Should I wear what I'd normally wear to an audition?

I don’t think it’s necessary, but it’s not wrong to do so. Typically, I prefer to suggest a role, without turning you into a boxed-in character. For instance, if you go for lawyer/detective roles, you can bring a blazer/white shirt or even a suit, but we still want you to look like a cool actor, and avoid turning it into a boring corporate headshot. Think of it as implying the character rather than playing it.

What if I don't own a lot of clothes? Do I need to go shopping?

Everyone has TONS of clothes, we just don’t wear most of them. So. I would start by picking items from your closet that you might not wear in general, but could work for the headshot. Even if it’s a bit tight, for instance, it can translate really well on camera so don’t be afraid to bring it. However, I am not against my clients going shopping before their session, if they have the means to do so. You want to make the MOST of your session.

Can I wear patterns, or should I stick to solids?

Solids first, patterns as a bonus. The reason is simple: busy patterns pull the eye away from your face, which is the whole point of a headshot. Subtle patterns generally work better than heavy ones, especially as a layer over a solid underneath. Avoid graphic prints, big logos, and items that feature a brand name prominently. When in doubt, bring it and we can decide together what works.

What about jewelry? How much is too much?

For head-and-shoulders headshots, I suggest avoiding jewelry, unless it’s very subtle. You don’t need necklaces, especially since it becomes something else that we wind up having to adjust as we go. Large, chunky statement pieces are cool for some of the shots where we want to create more of a character vibe, so there is definitely a time and place for it.