Why Wardrobe Is Part of Our Job on Corporate Shoots
A shot is far more likely to be ruined by a collar than by a cheekbone. Twisted strap, lint on navy, a tag standing up, a crumpled shirt that looked fine in the car. On a corporate shoot, whoever is closest to the person fixes it — and that is almost always us.
Most corporate shoots have no stylist. There is a photographer, a marketing lead, and twenty people arriving in whatever they wore to work. We treat wardrobe as part of the job because the alternative is a beautiful face above a rumpled shirt.
What we watch for, on every person
What is in the kit for it
- A steamer, and a travel steamer for locations with no power nearby
- Lint rollers, safety pins, double-sided tape and clamps
- A sewing kit, a stain pen and a spare pair of black socks
- Blotting for foreheads and for the shine on a suit shoulder
- Clips to take in a shirt at the back, which is the oldest trick in the catalogue
Tell your people this before the day
Send it in the prep email. It takes two minutes and saves an hour:
- Bring two or three options, including one solid colour that is not white and not black.
- Steam or press the night before, and bring the shirt on a hanger, not in a bag.
- Avoid tiny patterns, busy logos and anything that has to be held closed.
- Check what shows under the neckline, and bring an undershirt if you wear one.
- Bring the jacket even if you do not think you want it. Half of people change their mind on the monitor.
We send a version of this list with every corporate booking and every headshot day, along with a per-person schedule.
Why it belongs to hair and makeup
Because we are already there, already touching the person, and already the one they trust in that moment. Because we see them stand up from the chair, which is when a shirt actually reveals itself. And because on a production, nobody stands around watching a problem get to camera and calls it someone else's department.
Corporate hair, makeup and grooming, run like a production →
Questions marketing teams ask
What should employees wear for corporate headshots?
Two or three options, including one solid colour that is not pure white or pure black, steamed or pressed beforehand and brought on a hanger. Bring the jacket even if you are unsure about it.
Do you handle wardrobe on a corporate shoot?
There is rarely a stylist on a corporate shoot, so yes: collars, lint, steaming, straps, pins and clips are part of what we do between setups.
What colours photograph badly on video?
Very fine stripes and small checks can shimmer on camera, pure white can blow out under bright light, and heavily logoed clothing dates a video fast. Solid mid-tones are safest.
Should people bring more than one outfit to a headshot day?
Yes, where the schedule allows it. A second option costs a minute and gives marketing a portrait that works in more places.
City Lights Beauty Agency has staffed hair, makeup and grooming on location since 2006 for productions, brands and private clients across Tampa Bay, Chicago and Los Angeles. Florida Talent Agency License TA1765.
