Where to meet

By default, we meet in the first floor lobby of 121 South Main. You have the choice of taking your headshot outdoors in the little park outside the building or indoors (alternate locations vary depending on availability). An email will be sent the morning of the shoot as a reminder. 

What to wear

• Solid colors work better than patterns
• No clothing with large logos or text, please (of course, Brown University or SPH logos are fine, as well as logos related to your internship, academic work, etc)
• Rich, deep colors are usually more flattering and “professional”
• Avoid white or pale colors; they can wash out (exception: it’s OK to wear pale colors under a dark blazer)
• (If bright colors are more your style, that’s OK, too)
• A high neckline is preferable to a low one; similarly, longer sleeves are preferable to short sleeves
• Blazers/jackets look professional for men and women; a nice look is to pair a solid color high neckline shirt with a dark blue, grey, or black blazer
• Snug-fitting clothes tend to look better than baggy clothes
• Jewelry is fine if you normally wear it; simple jewelry is preferable to elaborate (again, adjust according to your style)
• Headshots are from the chest up, so you can wear whatever you want below the waist

On the day and after

• The session itself doesn’t take long; under 10 minutes. Plan extra time in case you have to wait.
• If you wear glasses, I might take extra time with different angles (your choice if you want to wear them or not; often we do some with and some without)
• I’ll post a selection of options online and you can choose the one you prefer;
• Faculty and staff headshots will be added to the official University photo library for use in web pages, news releases, etc.
• You may use your headshots for whatever you like; social media, book jackets, lecture announcements, etc.

See examples of our in-house headshots

Prefer to hire an outside photographer? Consult Brown's Designated Vendor Program.

List of approved vendors