SOS SHOOT GUIDE

to help you prep for the shoot

 

ColouR


Wearing colours that match the backdrop can sometimes feel counter-intuitive, but it can really pop. It can make the image look super considered and high end. Conversely, think about complementary colours or patterns. For example, burgundy and baby blue look amazing, denim and beige look great.

texture 


Detail looks great in a headshot, and so textures and patterns can really speak volumes. Be careful they don’t distract from you, but they can elevate an image by bringing a level of intrigue and depth. Likewise, less can also be more, and simplicity won’t distract from YOU.

fit

Can strongly convey tone, vibe, character and casting. Think about your casting, and what you might wear to self tape or audition. It’s about nodding to a character, not wearing a costume.

Young woman in black leather jacket with pearl earrings poses confidently against a light gray background.
Young woman with curly red hair wearing a black leather jacket and white blouse, posing against a textured wall.

 

OFF-WHITE

 

 

Grey

 

BEST WITH:

  • Soft neutrals, creams and oatmeal for a tonal look
  • Bold textures like knits, linen and leather
  • Pastels such as sage, powder blue or blush
  • Feels light, floaty and a little bit ethereal

 

BEST WITH:

  • Blacks and whites for something clean and graphic
  • A single pop of colour, like cobalt, red or emerald
  • Soft pastels to lighten the mood
  • Urban and edgy

 

Bearded man in red sweatshirt with crossed arms and gold watch leaning against a red wall.
A middle-aged woman with green eyes and auburn hair wearing gold hoop earrings and a green cardigan poses for a portrait.

 

red

 

 

green

 

 

BEST WITH:

  • Red on red, which looks bold and confident
  • Denim and blues
  • Forest or bottle green for a rich contrast
  • Mustard, or black to keep it classic

 

BEST WITH:

  • Greens, layered tone on tone
  • Earthy browns, khaki and tan
  • Burgundy and rust for warmth
  • Violet, lavender or a soft orange to lift it
Young woman in striped shirt smiling warmly, resting chin on hand, wearing hoop earrings and ring.
Bearded man with short hair in white linen shirt posing against textured gray wall in natural light.
Blonde woman in floral black dress leaning against yellow wall bathed in warm sunlight, gazing upward thoughtfully.

 

STONE

 

 

Slate

 

 

Yellow

 

 

BEST WITH:

  • Darks, charcoal and black
  • Denim, or navy for a cooler contrast
  • Rust, olive and camel to keep it warm
  • The vibe is editorial and moody

 

BEST WITH:

  • Neutrals and cool tones
  • Navy, charcoal and grey knits
  • Terracotta, rust or camel for warmth
  • Feels calm, grounded and polished

BEST WITH:

  • Yellow on yellow, if you're feeling brave
  • Navy, which looks crisp and smart against it
  • Purple or lilac for a real contrast
  • Red and blue for something playful
  • Bright, fresh and optimistic
Middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair, stubble, and a necklace poses against a golden yellow fabric background.
Young woman with dark hair in black sweater poses confidently against a blue background in a professional headshot.

 

ORANGE

 

 

Blue

 

 

BEST WITH:

  • Blues, from denim through to deep navy
  • Oranges and rusts for something tonal
  • Green and purple, which really pop against it
  • Looks sunny, warm and full of life

 

 

BEST WITH:

  • Blues, tone on tone
  • Whites and creams
  • Rust, camel and tan to warm things up
  • Red or mustard if you want a pop
  • Bright and sunny, just keep it clear of "school photo"