The most common question I get at my Cardiff studio isn't about lighting or lenses - it’s: "What should I wear?"
It’s a valid worry. After 25 years of acting, I know that what you wear is essentially your "costume." In the business world, we call it "branding," but it’s the same thing: it’s the subtext that tells people who you are before you even open your mouth.
The Director’s Guide to Wardrobe
When I’m directing a session, I’m looking at your clothes as a way to frame your face and support your story. Here is some down-to-earth advice to help you pack your bag for our session in South Wales:
- Think "Industry Vibe," not "Uniform": You don't always need a tie to look like an expert. If you're a creative in Cardiff, a structured jacket over a quality T-shirt might say "Professional" better than a suit ever could. Dress for the meeting you want to have.
- Layers are your best friend: A blazer, a cardigan, or a coat adds depth and texture to a photo. It also gives us more options to play with—we can take the jacket off for a "relaxed" look and put it on for a "leadership" shot.
- The "Eye-Color" Trick: If you have blue or green eyes, wearing a similar shade can make them absolutely pop on camera. It’s a subtle bit of "cinematic" styling that makes your "Digital Handshake" even more magnetic.
- Avoid the "Noise": Busy patterns or big logos can distract the viewer's eye away from your face. We want people looking at your eyes, not trying to figure out the pattern on your shirt. Solid, mid-tone colors usually work best against my studio backdrops.
Authenticity is the ultimate style
The most important rule? Wear something you actually feel like "you" in. If you never wear a suit in real life, don't wear one for your headshot. If you feel uncomfortable, the camera will see it.
When you arrive at the studio, feel free to bring a few different outfit options. We’ll look at them together under the lights to see which ones best reflect your personality and the story you want to tell. To help you prepare before we even meet, I always send over a Wardrobe Guide to take the guesswork out of what to pack.
Ultimately, your clothes are there to support you, not distract from you. The goal is to make sure your wardrobe complements your presence rather than competing with it.
