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.

What Practicing Posing on Myself Taught Me (and Why It Matters for Your Photos)

There’s something humbling about getting in front of your own camera.

I recently spent some time doing test shots of myself. Not because I needed new photos, and not for content… but because I wanted to really understand what it feels like to be on the other side of the lens.

And it is not easy!

When You’re the One in Front of the Camera

The second the camera is pointed at you, everything shifts.

All of a sudden you’re wondering:

• What do I do with my hands?

• Am I standing weird?

• Why does this feel so awkward?

Even as a photographer, I felt it.

That little bit of uncertainty.
That desire for someone to just say, “Here—do this.”

It was such a good reminder that most people don’t walk into a session knowing how to pose… and they shouldn’t have to.

The Small Shift That Changes Everything

As I worked through different poses, I learned about the power of Triangles.

Not in a technical, overcomplicated way. Just small, simple shifts:

• Bending an arm instead of keeping it straight

• Shifting weight to one hip

• Creating a little space between your body and your arms

Those tiny adjustments create natural angles in the body… and suddenly everything feels more relaxed and looks more put together.

Not stiff.
Not overly posed.
Just guided.

Why This Matters for Your Session

My job isn’t just to take the photo. It’s to guide you through it.

Because when you’re standing there, it’s not about knowing what to do.
It’s about having someone show you in a way that feels easy and doable.

You don’t need to come in with a plan.
You don’t need to practice in the mirror.

You just get to show up.

What You Can Expect When You Work With Me

I’ll gently guide you the whole way through:

• Simple direction that actually makes sense

• Small adjustments that make a big difference

• Space to move, breathe, and settle in

We’re not chasing perfection.
We’re creating photos that feel like you—just a little more intentional.

A Note From the Other Side of the Camera

Spending time in front of my own lens gave me a whole new level of empathy for what my clients experience.

And if you’ve ever thought:
“I’m awkward in photos”
“I don’t know how to pose”
“I just don’t feel comfortable in front of the camera”

You’re not alone.

But you also don’t have to figure it out by yourself.

That’s what I’m here for.

Looking for a session that feels easy, natural, and guided?
Whether it’s updated headshots, a branding session, or photos with your family, I’ll walk you through every step so you never feel like you’re guessing.

Ginny Filer Photography | Silver Spring, MD + DMV Area