The POWER OF COLOR ANALYsIS in headshots
When someone schedules a color analysis with me, they’re usually looking to refresh their wardrobe with more intentional clothing choices. They may be interested in finding flattering makeup or hair colors, or have an important event coming up they are preparing for and want to know their best colors to outfit them for the occasion.
Recently, I have had several clients come in because they have new headshots or a branding session booked and they want to know what colors they should wear to show up their best selves. They have cued in to one of the most important factors in a successful headshot - the color story. The perfect pose or killer backdrop won’t be as impactful if the colors you wear aren’t aligning with your personal coloring. Colors not in harmony with your personal coloring can make a headshot look artificial and forced quickly. When something feels off, we are less likely to trust that photo or that person.
After coaching my recent clients on color in preparation for their headshots, I sat down with the talented photographer Carrie Miller of Aspen Imagery to glean more tips for great shots from her perspective behind the lens.
HEADSHOTS: A PHOTOGRAPHER’s Perspective
What drew you to photography? I became interested in photography in high school when I joined the yearbook staff. I love the concept of telling people's stories in a way that doesn't necessarily require a lot of words.
What inspires you most as a photographer? I am inspired when I see people truly enjoying life and incorporating that into the everyday. For example, one of my favorite sessions was with a CEO who has a pottery business (in addition to his day job), solely because it brings him joy.
What is your best piece of advice to your clients to help them relax in front of the camera? My best piece of advice to clients is to try not focus on having to smile & don't force an expression. As I have a conversation and I get to know my clients, those special moments tend to sneak in and the end result is ideally how they see themselves and hope to be portrayed.
Are there colors, patterns, textures, or fabrics that are best to wear during a photo session or any such to avoid? I give each client a preparation guide and include things that are specific to them. A few general things to keep in mind are to avoid to following:
Distracting logos (unless it’s your brand)
Neon or overly bright colors
Wrinkled or ill-fitting clothes
Heavy stripes or tiny patterns (these typically don’t photograph well)
What ways do you have to showcase one's personality or brand during a photo shoot? A person's personality or brand can be showcased in a number of different ways during a photo shoot. Sometimes it looks like movement-I once had someone jumping on a couch. Sometimes it looks like props that match what they do for a career or an environmental background instead of a plain colored wall. One of my goals is to always help someone tell their story through their images. Getting to be a part of telling someone's story is one of my favorite things about branding photography.
How often do you suggest people refresh their headshots or branding photos? I suggest people refresh their headshots or branding photos every few years. If there are changes to the staff or people (especially the owner) have changed something drastic about their appearance, then a refresh will need to be done sooner.
You can find Carrie and her fabulous images at: www.aspenimagery.com or on IG @carrie_miller_photographer. Carrie is a total pro and has a gentle way to put even the most camera-shy humans at ease.
Read on for more ideas to leverage the power of color in your branding and headshots…
HEADSHOTS: A COLOR ANALYST’s PERSPECTIVE
Your Face Doesn’t Exist in Isolation
It is important to think about your messaging when planning your headshots or branding photos. In a professional headshot, your face is the focal point—but the colors around it are what determine whether you look vibrant, authoritative, approachable, or washed out.
During a color analysis, we take into account Hue, Value and Chroma to determine your best colors that support your natural color harmony, not compete with it. When the wrong colors show up in a headshot, subtle problems can appear: shadows under the eyes can look more pronounced, skin can look dull or uneven, or your face can lose definition. When the right colors are used, the opposite happens: the skin looks clearer, the eyes appear brighter, and the entire image feels more polished. Often, the viewer cannot pinpoint why a headshot is a show-stopper or why it feels off.
The Most Common Headshot Mistake
The biggest mistake I see is people choosing a headshot outfit based on what feels “professional” rather than what is harmonious with regard to color. Anything goes in modern headshot photography. You do not have to don a black blazer and white blouse to come across as professional. Contrary to popular belief, black does not look best on everyone. It really only truly harmonizes with individuals in the winter tones who have a cool or cool-neutral undertone and high-contrast coloring. For many people, wearing black can be harsh and overpowering, pulling attention away their your face.
Backgrounds Matter Too
The background color in your photos is just as important as the colors in your clothing. A background that sits outside your most harmonious colors can create subtle visual tension in the photo. Conversely, when the background colors complement your color palette, the image feels pleasing, cohesive and effortless. The goal isn’t to match the background exactly—it’s to create visual harmony.
Some examples:
Individuals in the soft palettes often photograph beautifully against soft muted colors in creams, dusty blues, grey greens, blue-greens, or gentle grays
Individuals in the bright palettes can stand out against crisp white, bold navy, or other highly saturated colors due to their high-contrast coloring
Warm complexions glow against earthy or golden (yellow) based backgrounds
Cool complexions look best in cooler blue-based backgrounds
Makeup and Color Balance In PHOTOS
During a color analysis, we address how to choose makeup that works best with your natural coloring. Your fandeck can be used directly to choose lipstick, cheek color, eyeshadow and eyeliner. Wearing harmonious makeup in your headshots is another piece in the puzzle. Your makeup should support and enhance your natural coloring, not fight against it. While it may be suggested to apply makeup a bit heavier to show up better in your photos (check with your individual photographer on this one - it will depend on the location and lighting they plan to use), you will always look best in harmonious colors. This is not the time to stray far from your palette, no matter how tempting a “statement lip” may be.
Common issues that fight against color harmony I have seen in the past - cool toned individuals wearing warm bronzer, lip colors that are too dark in value or too bright in chroma, or highlighter that appears off and is distracting on darker valued tones. When makeup aligns with someone’s color harmony, everything about the person’s face feels more natural. Color harmony sends a message of ease and comfort. The lack of color harmony can cause the opposite effect and subconsciously evoke negative feelings or feelings of mistrust.
The Goal: Let the Person Be the Focus
A successful headshot doesn’t make people think about the color of your clothing, the background color, or the styling choices you and the photographer made. A successful headshot makes the viewer focus on you. The right colors quietly do their job: they reflect the skin’s vitality, support the natural tones of the face, and create visual balance so that expression and personality come forward.
During my color analysis sessions, I often tell clients that the best colors make people say “You look great today,” not “That’s a great color on you.” The same principle applies to headshots. When all of the colors are right, the photograph stops being about its parts and pieces—and instead, becomes about your natural, authentic presence oozing off the page or screen. When you show up your best in a photo, your project confidence, trustworthiness and authority. Leverage the power of color for your next headshot or branding photos session. The power of visual communication grabs attention and can foster immediate understanding and trust. A picture is really worth a thousand words, which can lead to a thousand clients (or that next promotion or dream job)!
