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Professional headshots in Indianapolis: what to wear and how to prepare

By Kevin Clone, Indianapolis photographer and filmmaker ·
Portrait of Kevin Clone, Indianapolis photographer and director, in a clean professional headshot style

A good headshot does a lot of quiet work for you. It’s the first thing people see on LinkedIn, your company website, a speaker page or a realtor sign. Most people walk into a headshot session a little nervous, and that’s normal. The best fix is preparation. Here’s exactly how I’d get ready if I were on the other side of the camera.

Start with where the photo will be used

Before you pick an outfit, think about the job of the photo. A corporate bio for a law firm calls for something different than a headshot for a fitness coach, a real estate agent or a creative director. Tell me where the image will live, and I’ll plan the background, framing and lighting around it. If you need images for both a formal bio and social media, we can plan for two looks.

What to wear

  • Solid colors beat patterns. Small checks, thin stripes and busy prints can shimmer on screen and pull attention from your face.
  • Mid-tones and jewel tones are safe bets. Navy, charcoal, deep green, burgundy and soft blues flatter most skin tones. Pure white can lose detail and very bright neon can cast color onto your skin.
  • Fit matters more than brand. A well-fitted jacket or top looks sharper than an expensive one that bunches at the shoulders. Steam or press everything the night before.
  • Think about necklines. Headshots are cropped tight, so the collar and neckline are most of your outfit. Structured collars and simple necklines read clean.
  • Bring options. Bring two or three tops or jackets on hangers. It’s easy to switch between looks during a session.
Man in a white jacket and sunglasses posing confidently against a white rose wall
Solid, well-fitted clothing keeps the attention on you.

Grooming and the day before

  • Get a haircut or beard trim about a week ahead, not the day before, so it has time to settle.
  • Drink water and get a real night of sleep. It shows around the eyes more than anything else.
  • If you wear makeup, keep it close to your everyday look with a little extra polish. Matte powder helps with shine under lights.
  • Glasses are fine if you wear them daily. Clean them well and I’ll adjust angles to manage reflections.
  • Bring a comb, lint roller and lip balm. Small things make a difference at headshot crop sizes.

Studio or outdoors?

A studio headshot gives you a clean, consistent background and full control of the light, which is ideal for corporate bios and team pages where everyone should match. An outdoor or on-location headshot feels warmer and more personal, and it works well for realtors, coaches and creatives. My studio is on the west side at 5036 W Pike Plaza Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46254, and I also travel for on-location sessions. If you’re booking for a team, ask about coming to your office so nobody loses half a day.

What happens during the session

We start with a few warm-up frames while you settle in. Nobody looks their best in the first five shots, and that’s on purpose. I’ll give you small, specific directions, like turning your shoulders, lifting your chin a touch, or shifting your weight, because tiny changes make a big difference in a tight crop. I’ll show you images on the back of the camera along the way, so you can see what’s working and we can adjust together.

My tip for a natural smile: don’t try to hold one. Breathe out, think of something or someone that genuinely makes you happy, and let it happen. I’ll keep the conversation going so it doesn’t feel like a staring contest with a lens.

The Clone’s Universe team on set with cameras, a microphone and a clapperboard
Planning a brand shoot or team day? Photo and video can be done in one session.

After the shoot

You’ll pick your favorites, and I’ll edit them for clean, natural skin, accurate color and a polished look that still looks like you on a good day. Before you upload anywhere, ask about the sizes you need. LinkedIn, a company website and a printed program can all call for different crops.

Need more than a headshot?

A lot of small businesses get more value from a full brand session than a single headshot: you working, your space, your products and a few short videos for Instagram or TikTok. Since I shoot both photo and video, that can all happen in one session.

Ready to update your headshot? Book a quick call, send a message through the booking form, or call or text me at 317-551-4192. If you’re here for wedding coverage, my wedding collections are on the packages page.

Questions & answers

What colors look best in a professional headshot?

Solid mid-tones and jewel tones like navy, charcoal, deep green, burgundy and soft blue work for most people. Avoid busy patterns, thin stripes and neon colors.

Can I bring more than one outfit?

Yes. Bring two or three options on hangers and we can switch looks during the session.

Where are your headshot sessions held?

In my studio at 5036 W Pike Plaza Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46254, or on location at your office or another spot in the Indianapolis area.

Do you do team headshots for businesses?

Yes. I can come to your office so everyone gets matching headshots without leaving work for long. Reach out with your team size for a quote.

Can I get video at the same session?

Yes. I shoot both photo and video, so brand photos and short videos for social media can be planned into one session.

Let’s talk about your date

Tell me your date, location and what you’re picturing. I’ll send the right collection and an honest quote.