There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all professional image. First, there is the decision as to whether you need headshots, branding images, or a combination of both. Click here for some helpful guidance in that area.
Once you have decided which path makes the most sense for your business, your images will work best for you when your clothing choices are flattering to YOUR body type, and appropriate for the type of impression YOU would like to make. I have photographed politicians and personal trainers, mortgage brokers and make-up artists, singers and surgeons - and they each had a different set of goals, and needed to speak to a different audience (or set of audiences). What follows are some general guidelines specifically for men, as well as some helpful tips for everyone. But this is only a start: I look forward to learning more about what you want your headshots or branding images to say about you.
WARDROBE
01 Choices: Typical professional options are 1) standard business attire of suit jacket, dress shirt and tie, or a more casual professional look of 2) a jacket and open dress shirt, or 3) a shirt and tie (no jacket), or 4) a dress shirt on its own. And, of course, if you are in a field where more informal clothes are the norm - or you simply want to show a more personal side - you will have a wider array of options. Choose what is most appropriate for your profession and the audience you want to reach. Regardless of your choice, please make sure that it fits you well in the neck, shoulders and chest, and is free of wrinkles.
02 Suits & Jackets: The most important thing for men wearing suits or sport coats is fit, especially in the shoulders and the mid-section. Classic dark suit colors (navy, mid-to-dark gray) tend to photograph well, either solid or with a subtle pinstripe or chalk stripe.
03 Shirts & Ties: Shirts can be solid or patterned. In solids, white is always a safe and conservative choice, and works with all tie colors -- but light blue and light pink shirts also work well, especially when paired with a patterned tie in a darker complementary color. Unless boldly patterned shirts reflect your personal style, I would stick with solids (see above) or more subtle and classic shirt patterns like light stripes or herringbone/plaids. Make sure in advance that shirts are freshly pressed and well fitting. Pay special attention to the top button: when it is buttoned up for a tie, it should neither choke you nor have too much excess fabric. Collars and cuffs should not be frayed or "tired" looking in any way. If your tie tying skills are a little rusty, you may want to check out the brief video HERE.
If you are wearing a polo-type shirt for any reason, please make sure the collar is not soft and floppy (floppy = sloppy).
04 Accessories: Wear accessories such as pocket squares, cuff links, tie clips and watches? Bring them along. Feet may or may not be visible in more casual "working" photos but to be on the safe side, please make sure that shoes are clean and polished.
If you wear glasses most of the time, I recommend wearing them for at least some of your shots UNLESS you do not have non-reflective lenses, in which case you may want to leave them off. Transition lenses (those that darken to become sunglasses in bright light) may also be a concern. Please make sure lenses are clean and smudge-free. If you have multiple frame options, please bring them along.
GROOMING
Shave early in the day to let any razor-burn dissipate and allow nicks to heal before the shoot. Try to avoid getting a hair cut the day before your shoot (or on the way to your shoot!).
Do not worry about blemishes, as they will easily be retouched in post-processing. On the other hand, the hardest thing to retouch in post-production is dry, flaky skin. If this is a problem for you, please start moisturizing and exfoliating your face, lips and hands at least a week before your session. Don’t over-do it, though, as you may end up with rough and raw skin. Stay hydrated, especially in the 24 hours before your session.
A FEW FINAL WORDS...
RULES ARE NICE but being authentic is even nicer. Being true to your own personal style is more important than any guideline laid out here. Have fun, don’t stress too much, and ask for help if you need it.