I'm Michele

When it comes to headshots and brand photography, women often get way more attention. There are endless guides about what they should wear and how they should prepare. But let’s face it — professional headshots are just as important for men. So, let’s talk about professional headshots, specifically what to wear for men.

Whether you’re an executive, a business owner, or part of a larger team, your headshot is your virtual handshake. It’s the first impression you make on LinkedIn, your company website, or even in a proposal email. And for admins or marketing directors booking sessions for the entire team, the right preparation ensures consistent, polished results across the board.

Why Men’s Headshots Matter for Business

A professional headshot is more than just a nice photo. It’s about:

• Trust & professionalism: A polished portrait signals credibility to clients and partners.
• Brand consistency: When a company’s leadership and team have cohesive headshots, it reinforces their brand.
• Ease for admins: Scheduling one photographer for an on-site session saves time and ensures everyone—from the CEO to new hires—looks like they belong on the same team.

As a Rapid City photographer specializing in executive and corporate headshots, I often work with businesses who need consistent, high-quality photos of their busy professionals.

12 Best Headshot Tips: What to Wear for Men

Here’s my go-to advice when I photograph men’s headshots:

1. Layer It Up – Suits, sport coats, vests, or textured sweaters look fantastic on camera. Layers add depth and dimension. Wear what you’d normally wear to an important meeting.
2. Go Long Sleeve – Long sleeves are always more flattering in photos than short sleeves or polos. Roll sleeves for a more casual look if needed.
3. Choose Colors That Work – Blues (especially medium blues) flatter most men. Avoid white or very light pastels, which can wash out your skin unless layered under a jacket.
4. Keep Patterns Simple – Solids and small prints work. Skip bold patterns, busy fabrics, or loud plaids.
5. Ties: Only If It’s You – Wear a tie only if it’s part of your real-life professional style. If so, make sure it’s properly tied, hitting mid-belt.
6. Press Everything – Wrinkles are distracting and hard to edit. A freshly pressed shirt makes a world of difference.
7. Mind the Fit – Tailored always looks better than baggy. Make sure jackets and shirts fit properly through the shoulders and chest.
8. Plan Your Haircut – If you’re getting a trim, schedule it 5–7 days before your headshot so it has time to settle.
9. Tidy Facial Hair – Beards and mustaches are great, just keep them neat. Clean-shaven works too—choose what matches your role and brand.
10. Skip the Logos – Unless your company requires branded polos, avoid logos that can date your photo or distract from your face.
11. Think About Expression – Your headshot isn’t just a photo; it’s your introduction. A clean, confident, approachable look with eyes toward the camera builds trust.
12. T-shirts Don’t Cut It – For professional headshots, T-shirts (and often polos) feel too casual. Save them for lifestyle branding sessions, not corporate portraits.

On-Site Executive & Team Headshots in Rapid City

For busy professionals, taking time out of the office for headshots can feel impossible. That’s why I bring the studio to you. I set up on-site at your office so executives, managers, and entire teams can step in, look their best, and get back to work.

It’s efficient, consistent, and stress-free — whether you’re a CEO looking for an updated portrait or an assistant tasked with scheduling photos for 40 team members.

Ready to Book Your Session?

If you’re in Rapid City, the Black Hills, or Denver, I’d love to help your team look its best. From one executive portrait in my Rapid City photo studio to a full day of on-site corporate headshots, I’ll make sure your photos are polished, professional, and tailored to your brand.

👉 Let’s chat about headshots for you or your team.