What colour is best to wear for headshots?

So, this is a question that rears its beautifully formed head from time to time, so I think it's time to take five and address it.

What colors work best in a headshot session? I'm an actor, and I want my headshots to shine, so should I be researching the ultimate color? Should I be consulting a warlock for the shade of puce that best brings out my eyes? Should I even wear color at all?

Of course, we are in "how long is a piece of string" territory here. Different colors work for different people. Skin tone, eye color, your style preference, and the kind of vibe you want to put out into the world will all factor into what is going to work well for you on camera. The chances are that the colors you have naturally leaned into will most likely suit you. When actors turn up for their headshot sessions and start hanging their clothes up, a chromatic theme usually reveals itself quite quickly. You can trust your instincts regarding the wardrobe you have acquired over your many years on this earth. Also, you don't have to wear bright hues if that's not for you. Plenty of people feel more comfortable in a deep slate or a gentle charcoal, and that's great. Your photographer will then find the colors and textures that best work with that. It's one of the main reasons I have such a large collection of canvas backdrops—I want to have something available for whoever walks through the door.

So, it might seem like a cop-out and a way of weaseling out of the question, but the colors that you most like wearing and that make you feel most like yourself are the ones you should embrace. Colors do carry meaning, of course. I'm reliably told that we can distinguish more shades of green than any other color. Red feels like a powerful "I'm here" hue, and it seems like almost everyone's favorite color is blue (mine is a worn terracotta—you didn't ask, but I thought you should know). With actors' headshots, it always comes down to who YOU are and what best represents you. If you're a deep lover of furious amethyst, then wear it. If recently spun gold is your color, then buy a sweater and pack it. If it's not doing you any favors on camera, then the worst thing that will happen is that your photographer will steer you in a slightly different direction.

I always tell people to bring as many options as they can—different colors, styles, vibes, jackets, vests, great coats, vegan fur coats—whatever makes them feel good and like themselves.

Just never wear Long Forgotten Cherub. That's one color I REFUSE to shoot.

Headshots and portraits for all.

BW