What Should I Wear for a Lawyer's Photoshoot?
How can you differentiate from the competition as a lawyer? You’ve settled on a specific area of practice and carved out a niche, but what sets you apart from other attorneys in your field?
This is where your personal brand comes into play — the way you represent yourself visually is a crucial part of your marketing strategy, and a lawyer’s photoshoot is the perfect way to build out your brand.
When it comes to choosing what to wear, the right clothing can serve to define your personal brand and align your image with the culture of your law firm. Here are some tips from a NYC headshot photographer on how to nail your lawyer photoshoot.
The Purpose of a Lawyer Photoshoot
You might be wondering what’s the difference between professional lawyer headshots and just having your friend take a nice photo with their phone. Though tempting and certainly cost-effective to go the DIY route, this is one area where you don’t want to sell yourself short.
You only get one shot at a first impression, and it’s crucial that you come across as professional and polished. Investing in a lawyer's photoshoot demonstrates a commitment towards your professional image and works to build a sense of trust with your audience.
Even before a potential client learns about your accomplishments or expertise, they’ll form an impression based on your attorney headshots. This initial impression can strongly influence whether they choose you as their legal representative.
Having photographed many different business professionals, we’ve recognized patterns that specific industries want to follow. The best lawyer headshots show a blend of trustworthiness, competence, and approachability.
Another benefit of having professional attorney headshots is their versatility — use them on your law firm website, social media, promotional materials, and on your business card and email signature. Providing your audience with a uniform experience across all channels works to further build trust and confidence in your abilities.
Different Types of Attorney Headshots
In the legal profession, not all headshots are created equal. The style of your lawyer's photoshoot should be carefully chosen to match the image you want to project, as well as the context in which the photos will be used.
Formal Lawyer Headshots
We often advise our clients to tailor the style of their headshot to match the tone of their industry. Given the more serious and high-stakes nature of the field, a lawyer's photoshoot will generally require a more formal, polished, and professional look.
Men typically wear a dark suit with a light-colored shirt and a modest tie, while women often opt for a tailored business suit or a professional jacket. This style is particularly suitable for senior partners or attorneys who practice in more conservative areas of law.
A common setting for a corporate lawyer's photoshoot is at the law firm’s office. We’ve all seen headshots for lawyers posed in front of a library of legal books — while there’s nothing wrong with this approach, it can feel a bit dry and dated, so don’t be afraid to go for something a bit more modern.
The common areas of your workplace often make for a more open and flattering scene while still sending a subtle nod to your profession. Alternatively, you can use an outdoor setting that features the region you serve. This is a great approach for local services that rely on strong community ties.
Business Casual Lawyer Headshot
Business casual headshots offer a slightly more relaxed feel while still maintaining a professional appearance in your lawyer photo. This style is perfect for lawyers in less formal practice areas or for those who want to project a more approachable, friendly image. It's especially suitable for settings where interactions are more relaxed, or the clientele prefers a less traditional approach.
For men, business casual can mean a blazer with a collared shirt, no tie, and a pair of well tailored pants. Women can wear a stylish yet less formal suit or a combination of a blouse with a blazer and professional pants or a skirt. The key is to look neat, professional, and approachable without the formality of traditional business attire.
Note: Choosing between a formal or a business casual headshot depends largely on your practice area and the client demographic you are aiming to attract. Each style serves a purpose and communicates different messages about your personal brand and your approach to legal practice.
Editorial Lawyer Photoshoot
Editorial photos are more dynamic and personality-driven, making them ideal for contexts where you want to showcase a bit more of your personal flair or expertise. While not a traditional headshot, these lawyer photos are commonly used in advertisements, articles, blogs, or publications where your individual perspective and approach are highlighted.
Think about how you want to reflect your personality and expertise. A family lawyer might go for a warm, approachable look, while a criminal defense attorney might aim for a serious, assertive appearance.
Consider where your photos will appear and who will see it. Your attire and style should match the publication's tone and the message you want to convey about your legal practice. Dressing appropriately helps enhance the narrative you want to portray.
Most importantly, discuss your intended uses with your photographer. This will allow them to frame the image appropriately, ensuring that there is enough negative space to add any marketing copy afterwards.
Group Law Firm Headshots & Editorial Photos
Group law firm headshots show unity and professionalism across the team, appearing on the firm’s website, brochures, and other promotional materials. They create a first impression of the whole firm.
From our experience, consistency is key in these photos. Everyone should wear similar attire to reflect a unified brand image and professionalism. Coordinating attire means matching colors and styles, such as dark suits for men and coordinated styles for women.
When arranging a group shot, consider the firm's hierarchy and dynamics, with senior partners typically in the center or seated, and other members arranged around them. It's important to ensure everyone is visible and the arrangement looks balanced, reflecting team spirit, diversity, and unity.
This is also a good opportunity to capture some behind-the-scenes images of your team at work. These images are great assets to use on your law firm’s website and marketing materials, as they provide an insight into your firm’s culture and how it operates.
A strong set of headshots and editorial photos work to create a cohesive identity for your firm, one that exemplifies professionalism and capability. These qualities are essential to attracting clients and building trust from the first glance.
Basic Guidelines for Dressing for Legal Headshots
Understand Color Theory
The colors you wear in your headshot make a big difference in how people perceive you. They not only need to match your skin tone but also send the right messages about you.
Dark colors like navy blue and gray are popular for legal headshots because they evoke feelings of competence, trustworthiness, and professionalism. These colors are safe choices for making a good impression.
It's also important to pick colors that complement your skin tone. Lighter skin can look good with darker colors for contrast, while vibrant solid colors can stand out on darker skin.
Different colors can also influence how people perceive you. Blue can be calming, gray is formal and authoritative, and darker colors are often associated with confidence and reliability. By choosing the right colors, you can subtly tell people more about yourself before they even meet you.
Male & Female Suits
A well-fitting suit is a must-have for any legal professional, especially in headshots, to maintain a polished appearance that reflects competence. Fit is crucial - not too tight or loose. The jacket's shoulders should align with yours, and sleeves and pants should be tailored to your proportions.
Both men and women benefit from professional tailoring, ensuring suits flatter their bodies without sacrificing style. Men focus on chest and waist fit, while women consider waist and hip fit. Suit style should match your firm's culture; conservative firms prefer traditional cuts and darker colors, while modern ones may allow slimmer cuts and more color variety.
Women may choose skirt suits or pantsuits depending on firm formality.
Avoid Loud Colors & Busy Patterns (Unless It's Your Brand)
When selecting your outfit for a legal headshot, remember the focus should be on you, not your clothes. Loud colors and busy patterns can divert attention from your face, the most critical part of the headshot.
To maintain a polished, professional image, prioritize your facial features and expressions. Avoid overly bright colors or complex patterns as they can distract from your face. Opt for solid colors or subtle patterns to keep attention on your expression rather than your attire.
If you do prefer a vibrant style, balance boldness with professionalism. Choose bright colors in classic cuts or subtle patterns that maintain sophistication.
Pay Attention To Your Facial Expression
Your facial expression in an attorney headshot speaks volumes about your professionalism and approachability. It's the difference between seeming distant and genuinely approachable.
Your expression should exude confidence and openness and allow the viewer to form a positive connection with your brand. While a smile is always a good idea, it’s worth considering what a smile says about your headshot and deciding what’s right for your audience.
A skilled NYC headshot photographer is crucial in capturing the right expression. They can guide you through adjustments to posing and expression, ensuring the photo looks natural and professional. Trust their expertise to showcase your best features.
By focusing on these elements, you ensure that your legal headshot not only looks professional but also effectively communicates your value and personality.
Lawyer Headshots in NYC
Get your best attorney headshots at Johnny Wolf Studio. Our custom-tailored NYC corporate headshot photography packages include formal corporate headshots, group photos, editorial shots, or all three. Get in touch today to help your brand stand out.
