The Psychology of Power: Choosing Colours for Your Professional Headshot
When you invest in a quality headshot, you're not just buying a photograph; you're buying a strategic piece of branding. Every detail matters, and perhaps the most powerful, yet often overlooked, detail is the colour you wear.
Your outfit colour speaks a psychological language long before you ever say a word.
It influences how potential clients, recruiters, and colleagues perceive your trustworthiness, creativity, and authority.
Let's choose colours that work strategically for your success.
Strategic Colour Choices for Your Headshot
Goal-Oriented Colours: Choose colours that align with your professional message: Deep Jewel Tones for authority, Muted Earth Tones for creativity, and Soft Neutrals for elegance.
The Reliable Anchors: Navy Blue and Charcoal Gray are the most popular choices for professionals because they universally convey trust, stability, and credibility.
Best Practice Tip: Always select colours based on your skin's undertone (warm vs. cool) to ensure your face remains the bright focal point of your headshot.
Choosing Your Core Colour
Your outfit colour is your first strategic choice. Instead of feeling restricted, think about the key message you want your professional image to convey: Authority, Creativity, or Approachability.
Here’s a breakdown of colour categories, followed by the two reliable options that work for nearly everyone:
1. Colours That Signal Authority
If your goal is to convey confidence, power, and energy—perfect for professionals in leadership, sales, public speaking, or education—reach for Deep Jewel Tones. Think rich Emerald Green, sophisticated Burgundy, or deep Plum. When selecting these colours, always ensure the fabric is high-quality, like wool or silk, to reinforce the premium message.
2. Colours That Signal Creativity
If your profession requires you to signal innovation, approachability, or wellness—common needs in marketing, design, tech, or coaching—opt for Muted Earth Tones. These include shades like Muted Teal, soft Olive Green, or Mustard Yellow. These colours are particularly wonderful for outdoor headshots in Victoria, as they pair beautifully with our natural, woodsy light and backgrounds.
3. Colours That Signal Soft Neutrality
For those in coaching, beauty, or service industries who want to project a clean, minimalist, and elegant image, soft neutrals are the perfect choice. Instead of stark white, which can often reflect light poorly, choose Cream, Ivory, or Soft Beige. To add a touch of subtle power, consider pairing a cream blouse with a tailored jacket in a contrasting colour.
The Reliable Power Players: Navy Blue and Charcoal
While these three categories offer strategic variety, Charcoal Gray and Navy Blue are consistently the most requested colours from the high-calibre professionals I work with here in Victoria. They are the ultimate anchor colours because they are universally effective.
Navy Blue: Psychologically, blue represents trust, stability, and intelligence. It’s the ultimate colour of credibility. It’s dark enough to offer a beautiful contrast against light backdrops without being as stark as black, and it looks fantastic on nearly every skin tone.
Charcoal Gray: Gray conveys sophistication, neutrality, and professionalism. It’s an ideal choice if you want to be seen as diplomatic and highly competent. Charcoal also serves as a perfect anchor that allows your expression to truly shine.
When in doubt, reaching for one of these anchor colours guarantees you will present yourself as a reliable, grounded leader—qualities essential across all professional fields.
The Tone Test: Choosing Colours That Flatter You
The best colour choice is one that flatters your face, because your face should be the focal point of your headshot.
Warm Tones (Yellow/Gold Undertones): You look great in earth tones like olive green, brown, deep orange, and ivory. Avoid stark white, silver, and true blue, which can wash you out.
Cool Tones (Pink/Blue Undertones): You look great in jewel tones and blues like navy, emerald green, ruby red, and charcoal gray. Avoid yellow, mustard, and orange, which can make your skin appear sallow.
If you’re not sure, hold a white piece of paper up to your face in natural light. If your skin looks more yellow, you are warm; if it looks more pink, you are cool.
Why Quality Fabrics Matter
No matter the colour you choose, the quality of your outfit is paramount. Cheap, thin, or wrinkled fabrics will reflect light poorly and detract from your professional image. Opt for tailored pieces that fit well, as the structure will reinforce the confident message you want to send.
More Resources for Planning Your Headshot
If you're ready to create a powerful, strategic headshot here in Victoria, BC, these articles offer more essential tips:
Find out why Three Signs It's Time to Update Your Headshot in Victoria, BC may apply to you.
Get clear on your backdrop by exploring the impact of Headshots with Custom Backgrounds.
Master your expression by reading How Much Should You Smile in Your Headshot?
Ready to Align Your Image with Your Ambition?
Your headshot is one of the most important pieces of your professional marketing. Don't leave its impact to chance—let's strategically choose a colour and setting that commands attention and builds trust.
If you are a professional in Victoria seeking a high-quality, polished headshot that truly elevates your personal brand, I invite you to get in touch.
Contact me today to schedule your headshot and create your powerful new professional image!