Nicholas Dawkes Photography

Picking the right clothes to show you at your best is always hard, the first place to start is where you want the photos to be seen, and what you want to portray.

If you feel that you would be cast as a typical English rose, or dashing English gent, you should look at classical and simple garments rather than hoodies and t-shirts, and if you are grisly looking bald 6’5″ male ( I hate to pidgeon hole, but) you’re not going to be cast as the romantic teen in high school musical.

When I was an actor, there was nothing I hated more than people pigeon holing, I wanted to be as versatile as I could and play every part, but the sad truth is that people have to put you in a box (see casting directors post) so as versatile as you are as a performer, you need to bear your natural casting in the back of your mind, this does’t mean you can’t stretch your casting a bit though…

Having a mixture of shots from your photo session is great, different tops to say different things, with the Internet at your disposal for publicity, it means you can have a web-page with 5 or 6 different photos on ( I wouldn’t recommend more) and they can all say different things, just through what you are wearing.

Black is great. On everyone. For headshots it brings the focus to your face and is flattering in every way (see photos 3 & 6 above). Shirts and v-neck t-shirts are great on guys, the great thing about having a slightly plunging neck line, is it elongates the neck and makes you look a little bit taller. high round neck tops can cut the head off, especially with darker colours, but they can make you look younger, especially with brighter colours like photo 2 , very good for those people blessed with a young playing age.

For females, it’s good to think of different periods, starting with something that has a classical feel, period drama almost, detailed and soft with small frills and buttons can give a strong sense of character, photos 3 and 6 are good examples of this, then think of something a bit more prim and proper, smart and simple (2) but not to revealing, simple dark v-necks (5) and cardigans, then try something a bit younger looking, strappy tops are always good for this kind of look (4) , but try and avoid thin straps as they can look like you are just wearing a bra when cropped! Then you can try something smart and older looking, like a nice blouse or shirt, giving almost a business feel like in picture 1.

Jackets are great, they can be worn over numerous tops to give different senses of character, when casting directors see your headshot, they like to see that you could play the role they are casting for. Take photo 1 for example, it is neutral in colour but gives a young funky look that would not look out of place on modern t.v. dramas, this is also apparent in number 2 and 3, its not right for Sense and Sensibility, but great for The Bill. Number 4,5 & 6 lye in the realms of 1940′s, 50′s and 60′s, giving that hint of character again that would otherwise be lacking.

Needless to say, that suit jackets on men will make them look older, and hoodies younger. Thinking about what works for you is essential, there is no use a 50 year old male wearing a hooded jumper, as most 50 year olds (that i know anyway) dont.

Collars do exactly the same as V-Necks and shirts they make the neck longer and bring focus into the face, so make sure you take a couple along to your session, they might not get used or be right, but whats the harm in taking them?

You need to feel comfortable in what you are wearing, there is no point borrowing a top from your friend the night before a session if it is going to make you feel uncomfortable. If you are in doubt, your photographer should be able to advise what will work with your look and skin-tone, and if you are in doubt and confused… take a suitcase!