Professional Headshots: Real Advice for Real Estate Agents
What to Wear for Professional Headshots: Real Advice for Real Estate Agents
What to Wear for Professional Headshots: Real Advice for Real Estate Agents
Listen, I get it. You're standing in front of your closet, staring at a mountain of clothes, and you're stressed about your upcoming headshot session. Your mind is racing with questions: "Will this make me look professional?" "Does this color wash me out?" "What if I look like I'm trying too hard?"
Stop right there. Take a breath.
Here's the truth nobody wants to tell you: Your headshot isn't about having the perfect outfit. It's about showing the real you – the agent who's going to help families find their dream homes in Nashville.
But yes, what you wear matters. And I'm here to give you the straight talk you need to walk into that session feeling confident and authentic.
The Golden Rule: Dress Like You Mean Business
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Your headshot is your first handshake with potential clients scrolling through Zillow at 11 PM. They're looking at dozens of agents, and you've got maybe two seconds to make them think, "This person gets it. This is someone I can trust with the biggest purchase of my life."
Dress exactly how you would for a listing appointment with your ideal client. That's it. No costume changes, no trying to be someone you're not. If you typically rock a blazer and crisp button-down when meeting clients in Franklin's luxury market, wear that. If your style is more approachable and you prefer a polished sweater, go with that.
The key is authenticity with a professional edge.
Colors That Actually Work (And the Ones That Don't)
Colors That Actually Work (And the Ones That Don't)
Let's talk colors, because this is where most people mess up.
Stick to these winners:
Deep navy (trust me on this one)
Charcoal gray
Rich emerald green
Soft cream or ivory
Burgundy or deep wine
These colors photograph beautifully and won't date your headshots. Navy blue, in particular, conveys trust and stability – exactly what home buyers want in their agent.
Avoid like the plague:
Neon anything (seriously, just don't)
Busy patterns that make your eyes cross
White, that's so bright it glows
Red that screams at the camera
Any color that makes you look like you have jaundice
Colors That Actually Work (And the Ones That Don't) Examples
A Story That Changed Everything
Let me tell you about Sarah, a Nashville agent who came to her headshot session wearing a bright coral blazer she'd bought specifically for photos. She thought it would make her "pop" against other agents. Twenty minutes into the shoot, she was miserable. The color washed out her complexion, and more importantly, she kept tugging at the blazer because it wasn't her style.
We switched to her backup outfit – a navy blazer she'd worn to countless showings. The transformation was instant. Her shoulders relaxed, her smile became genuine, and those became the headshots that landed on her business cards for three years.
The lesson? Comfort breeds confidence, and confidence sells houses.
For the Ladies: Keep It Classy, Keep It You
Women, you've got more options, which means more ways to overthink this. Let's simplify:
The formula that works:
Well-fitted blazer or structured cardigan
Simple, classic neckline (nothing too low or too high)
Quality fabric that doesn't wrinkle when you breathe
Minimal, tasteful jewelry
Skip the trends. That off-the-shoulder top might look amazing on Instagram, but it'll look dated faster than you can say "pending sale." Your headshots need to work for you for years, not just this season.
Bring layering pieces. A blazer can completely change the vibe of a simple blouse. Sometimes we'll shoot with it on for the serious, professional look, then take it off for something softer and more approachable.
For the Guys: It's Easier Than You Think
Men, you've got it simpler, but that doesn't mean you can phone it in.
Your go-to formula:
Dark, solid-colored button-down
Well-fitted blazer (yes, even for headshots)
Skip the tie unless it's part of your daily uniform
Get a fresh haircut a few days before (not the day of)
Pro tip: That navy blazer hanging in your closet? The one you wear to client meetings? Perfect. Don't overthink it.
The Accessories Trap (And How to Avoid It)
Here's where people get into trouble. They think they need statement jewelry or bold accessories to make their headshots memorable.
Wrong.
Keep accessories minimal:
A straightforward necklace or no necklace
Wedding ring and maybe one other ring
Watch if you consistently wear one
Small, classic earrings for women
Remember: if someone looks at your headshot and notices your jewelry before your face, you've lost the game. Your eyes should be the star of the show, not your statement necklace.
Fit Is Everything (No, Really)
You could be wearing a $2,000 suit, but if it doesn't fit properly, you'll look like you borrowed it from your older brother. Here's what proper fit looks like:
For blazers:
Shoulder seams sit at your actual shoulders
Sleeves end at your wrist bone
You can button it without pulling
For everything else:
Not too tight (we can see every wrinkle in your shirt)
Not too loose (you'll look like you're wearing a tent)
Properly ironed or steamed
If you're between sizes, go with the larger size and have it tailored. Trust me on this.
The Nashville Factor
Working in Middle Tennessee means you're serving everyone from first-time homebuyers in Murfreesboro to luxury clients in Belle Meade. Your headshot needs to appeal to all of them.
That means avoiding anything too casual (flip-flops and sundresses) or too formal (full tuxedo). Think "successful professional who you'd want to grab coffee with.
What About Patterns and Textures?
Simple answer: Solids are safer. But if you must do patterns, here are the rules:
Acceptable patterns:
Subtle pinstripes
Small, regular polka dots
Thin, classic stripes
Patterns that will haunt you:
Large florals
Busy plaids
Animal prints
Geometric designs that create optical illusions
Textures can add interest without being distracting. A subtle cable-knit sweater or a textured blazer can photograph beautifully while keeping the focus on you.
The Final Touch: Confidence
Here's the secret sauce: confidence trumps everything else. You could be wearing the "perfect" outfit, but if you feel uncomfortable or fake, it shows in every shot.
Choose clothes that make you feel like the successful, capable real estate professional you are. When you feel good, you look good. When you look good, potential clients trust you. When clients trust you, you close more deals.
It's that simple.
Ready for Your Close-Up?
Your headshot session should be about capturing the best version of yourself – the agent who's passionate about helping people find home in Nashville, Franklin, Spring Hill, or Murfreesboro. When you dress authentically and professionally, that passion shines through.
Don't overthink it. Pick outfits that make you feel confident and professional. Iron them well. Show up ready to smile genuinely. The rest will take care of itself.
Ready to book your session? Our team at Real Estate Photographer Pro understands exactly what Nashville agents need to stand out in a competitive market. We'll guide you through the entire process, from outfit selection to final delivery, ensuring you get headshots that work as hard as you do.
Contact us today to schedule your professional headshot session, and let's create images that'll have potential clients choosing you before they even meet you.
Learn more about our headshot services and see why Middle Tennessee agents trust us with their professional image.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many outfits should I bring to my headshot session?
A: Bring 2-3 professional outfits. This gives you options without overwhelming the session. Focus on different looks – maybe one with a blazer, one without, or different color families that work well with your skin tone.
Q: Should I hire a professional to do my hair and makeup?
A: For women, professional hair and makeup can make a significant difference, especially if you're not comfortable doing your own. For men, just ensure you're well-groomed with a fresh haircut. Many photographers offer makeup artist recommendations.
Q: What if I'm not comfortable being photographed?
A: This is completely normal! Professional headshot photographers are skilled at helping you relax and feel confident. Start with some practice poses at home, and remember that it's about capturing your professional personality, not creating a fashion magazine cover.
Q: How often should I update my headshots?
A: Plan to update your professional headshots every 2-3 years, or whenever your appearance changes significantly. Your headshots should look like you when clients meet you in person – if there's a disconnect, it's time for new photos.
Q: Can I wear my company-branded polo or shirt?
A: Only if it's part of your everyday professional wardrobe and the branding isn't distracting. Most successful agents opt for classic, timeless pieces that won't tie them to a specific brokerage if they ever move companies.
