Should You Wear A Tie For A Professional Headshot

In today’s modern world, should you wear a tie for a professional headshot?

Corporate culture has changed a lot over the past several years. There was a time when a tie would have been required for men (in that era) in the office. What about now?

There is no longer a hard and fast rule when it comes to the modern professional dress code. Many companies have adopted a business casual approach for everyone in the office. Yet others still opt for a suit and tie
With that in mind, if you are currently employed, look at what the current culture is in your office and what vibe you’d like to be presenting to your clients, investors, etc.
If you are looking for a new position, I would recommend doing some research on what the culture is in the field you are wanting to work in and if there are specific companies you’d like to join, look into how they present themselves online.

Physically, wearing a tie should not be uncomfortable. If it is, there are other issues which I will cover in a moment.
What about mentally?
That may seem like a silly question but…
There have been many times someone has come to the studio for professional headshots. They will come in carrying their ties, ask which I think works best, then put it on.
When they step in front of the camera, I will see it a mile away. They lock up and have an extremely uncomfortable vibe about themselves.
I’ll ask, “So….do you ever actually wear a tie?”
“No! I hate wearing a tie!” they’ll say. To which I respond,
“Take it off! You look freaked out!”
Everytime, as soon as the tie comes off, they relax and we get amazing headshots for them.

Now let’s talk physically.

I’ve heard many people over the years say, “I don’t like wearing a tie because it chokes me.”

If your tie is choking you, one of two things is happening.

One: Your shirt is too small. Either select a different shirt or if it’s just a little too snug you can use a button extender (click this link to buy a set on Amazon. I alway keep a set in my drawer at home).

Or

Two: Your tie is too tight. Loosen it.

If you are going to wear a tie for your headshots, it is a good idea to know how to tie one. There are loads of intricate knots out there but for most people a simple windsor or half windsor will do. YouTube is a great resource to learn how to do it (i will make a video soon as well then share it here ).
In my studio, I can tie your tie for you but not every photographer may know how. A little practice beforehand would serve you well.

Wearing a tie is also about your personal style. I know many people, myself included, who wear ties simply because we like to do it. I know many people who prefer a bow tie to a straight tie. Your professional headshots should absolutely showcase you as you at your best. So if you like it, wear one!

Is it better to wear a tie for your headshots or not?

Why not both!

Many people that I work with bring multiple outfits to their headshot session. That includes working with and without a tie. They all find that having different headshot looks for different situations serves them well in their personal marketing. They may want different looks for LinkedIn, speaking engagements, media appearances, marketing, Facebook, business cards, billboards, and so on. You are a multifaceted person and you need headshots that will work for you in all of your different roles.