What You Wear for Headshots Matters More Than You Think (A Small Thing That Makes a Big Difference)

I had a headshot session in my Silver Spring studio recently with Josie, and something really simple stood out.

She brought two outfits. A green jacket and a blue dress.
Same setup, same light, same background.

But her eyes looked completely different depending on what she was wearing.

With the green jacket, her eyes felt warmer, almost hazel.
With the blue dress, they looked brighter and way more blue.

Nothing else changed. Just the color near her face.

And it was one of those moments where you’re like… okay wait, this actually matters.

It’s Not Just About Picking Something “Nice”

When people are getting ready for headshots, especially here in the Silver Spring / DMV area where everyone is busy and just trying to get this checked off their list, the focus is usually:

“What looks good on me?”
“What feels like me?”
“What’s not too over the top?”

All good questions.

But what I see all the time is that people don’t think about how color actually affects how their face shows up in photos.

And it does. A lot more than you’d expect.

The color you wear closest to your face can:

• Bring out your eye color (or kind of mute it)

• Make your skin look warmer or cooler

• Change how bright and clear your overall image feels

Josie’s session was such a clear example of this without us even trying to make it happen.

If You’re Not Sure What to Wear, Start Here

Instead of overthinking your whole outfit, start simple.

Look at your eyes.

Then hold a couple different colors up near your face in natural light and just see what happens. You’ll notice it pretty quickly.

You don’t need to follow strict rules, but here’s a general way to think about it:

• Colors similar to your eyes will create a softer, more blended look

• Colors opposite your eyes will make them stand out more

Neither is “right,” it just depends on what you like.

Makeup also plays a HUGE role in knowing how to highlight the eyes. That’s why I offer sessions that include makeup so you have an expert figuring that part out!

Why This Matters for Headshots

Headshots are close up. There’s not a lot else going on in the frame.

So small things like color actually make a bigger impact.

The right color can make your eyes look brighter, your skin look more even, and the whole photo feel a little more polished without you doing anything extra.

It’s one of those easy wins.

What I Tell My Clients Before a Session

You don’t need to go shopping.

You don’t need to stress about it.

Just bring a couple options if you can. We can look at them together in the studio and figure out what works best. Sometimes it’s not what you’d expect (Josie definitely proved that).

Planning Headshots in Silver Spring or the DMV?

If you’re booking headshots in Silver Spring, MD or anywhere in the DMV, this is one of the easiest things you can do ahead of time that actually makes a difference.

Start with your eyes.
Try a couple colors.
Keep it simple.

And don’t overthink it too much. It’s usually the small adjustments that end up making the biggest difference.

Branding That Feels Like Home: A Look Inside Momster Macarons' Photo Session

Some brands make you smile the second you hear their name. Momster Macarons is one of them. When Cooky (yes, her real nickname!) reached out about a branding session, I knew it was going to be equal parts fun, beautiful, and delicious.

This isn’t your average macaron brand. Cooky bakes these colorful, delicious-filled beauties in her home kitchen while raising a family, managing chaos, and adding sprinkles to both cookies and life. Our goal was to capture all of that—the love, the mess, the creativity, and the high-end wow factor that makes these macarons party-perfect.

What We Wanted to Show

• These aren’t grab-and-go macarons. They're handmade party pieces meant to impress.

• Cooky is a mom, a baker, and a total creative force.

• Her product? Bold. Luxe. A little bougie. Always joyful.

What the Session Looked Like

We shot right in Cooky’s basement kitchen where the magic actually happens. We captured her mixing, piping, laughing, and yes—parenting.

I loved piling and styling these pretty round beauties and trying different ways to showcase the very complicated and delicate process of making these!

Why This Session Worked

This session wasn’t about perfection. It was about connection. Cooky’s audience isn’t looking for flawless bakery counter shots. They want to know these sweets were made with intention. With love. With a little decor and a lot of care.

Bright, Natural Headshots for Erin, Therapist at DC Metro Therapy

Erin, a Clinical Social Worker and therapist at DC Metro Therapy, came into the studio ready to update her headshots—and we had such a good time! Known for helping clients with trauma and insomnia using EMDR, she truly embodies empathy and professionalism

Despite not loving being in front of the camera (like most of us!) she was completely at ease, naturally fun, and open to creative ideas—exactly what you want in a session like this. Since her role requires connection and trust, we focused on capturing both approachable and confident expressions, mix-and-matching outfits and angles for variety.

In no time, Erin walked away with a collection of polished yet authentic headshots—perfect for her website, social profiles, or professional directories. These images showcase her as a caring, capable, and trustworthy clinician.

This was part of a signature session with hair and makeup by Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry before hand which makes everyone camera ready!

Curious how a headshot session can elevate your professional presence? Whether you're a therapist, consultant, or creative, I make sessions feel easy—and results feel like you. Let’s chat!