Superman AND Clark Kent

Let’s talk superheroes for a second. You know how Superman has that whole Clark Kent disguise? It’s wild how the guy saves the world in the morning, then blends into a crowd by lunch with nothing more than a pair of glasses and a suit change. One second, he’s larger than life—invincible, unstoppable. The next, he’s just your regular, mild-mannered reporter, blending in without a second thought. It’s a simple trick, but the effect is massive.

Now, you might be thinking, “Cool superhero analogy, but what does that have to do with headshots?” And the answer is… pretty much everything.

See, headshots are your Clark Kent/Superman moment. When you walk into a headshot session, you’re not just getting a nice picture to slap on LinkedIn or your website. You’re giving the world a glimpse of who you are. And here’s the thing: you’re amazing—and there’s more than one side to you. So why not show that off?

Enter Todd Metzger and His Game-Changing Outfit Strategy

I was reminded of this during a session with one of my clients, Todd Metzger. Now, Todd’s the kind of guy who thinks ahead. He came to his headshot session not just ready to smile at the camera, but with a change of clothes. And let me tell you, that little bit of extra planning made all the difference.

We started off with Todd in a smart gray suit jacket, paired with a brown button-down that coordinated perfectly, topped off with a nice pocket square. The look was polished, stylish, and quietly confident. You know the kind of outfit that says, “I’m here to handle business”? That’s exactly what Todd’s attire conveyed. We captured that vibe—crisp, professional shots that were ideal for when Todd wants to present his serious, executive side. The images were sharp, showcasing a leader who's both refined and ready to get things done.

But halfway through the session, Todd switched things up. He swapped the suit for a simple black t-shirt and struck a strong, confident pose. The energy completely shifted. This wasn’t the boardroom powerhouse anymore—this was Todd at his most authentic, self-assured but relaxed, ready to take on whatever came his way. The look was bold and approachable, giving off a vibe that said, “I’m here to get things done, but I’m easy to work with.” Still professional, but with a down-to-earth, no-nonsense twist.

 

Here’s the kicker: both versions were 100% Todd. And both were equally important. One shot shows the world his serious side—the one he leans on when he’s leading meetings, presenting to clients, or pitching a big idea. The other shows the side of him that’s down-to-earth, relatable, and easygoing—the version that makes him the kind of guy people want to work with. Same person, two looks, and a world of difference in how they’re received.

The Magic of Multiple Looks

Now, why does this matter? Because we’re all multifaceted. You’re not just one thing, and your headshot doesn’t need to be, either.

Maybe you’re a CEO by day, but you’re also the coach of your kid’s soccer team or a mentor in your community. Or maybe you’re a creative professional, but you also lead a business—balancing that mix of innovative thinking with serious strategy. Whatever it is, you’ve got more than one side to show, and a single headshot just isn’t enough to capture all of that.

Here’s where that extra outfit comes in. By simply changing your clothes, you can present different aspects of who you are, without feeling like you have to squeeze everything into one frame. A suit says one thing; a more casual look says something else entirely. Together, they tell a fuller, more authentic story.

Why You Should Bring a Change of Clothes to Your Next Headshot Session

So, let’s talk about why bringing a change of clothes to your headshot session is a game-changer. Here are a few reasons why that extra outfit can take your session from “good” to “wow.”

1. You Get More Versatility

Think about all the different places you might use your headshots. LinkedIn? Sure. But what about your website’s “About Me” page? Or your email signature? Or even your speaking engagement bio? Each of these platforms might call for a slightly different look, and a single headshot might not fit every scenario.

By having multiple outfits, you get a variety of looks, each with its own vibe. Need something professional for LinkedIn? Got it. Something a bit friendlier for your website? Done. Want a shot that’s laid-back but still polished for that podcast you're launching? Easy.

Having options means you’re always ready for any situation, without needing to book a new session every time.

2. You Can Highlight Different Aspects of Your Personality

You’re not just a job title—you’re a whole person with layers, interests, and passions. Bringing a change of clothes lets you show off those different sides of yourself. Maybe you want to capture your leadership side in a suit, but also your creative side in a more relaxed outfit. Or maybe you want to show that you’re both approachable and authoritative, depending on the situation.

With multiple outfits, you can reflect the full spectrum of who you are. And that’s what people connect with—not just your résumé, but you.

3. You Stay Prepared for Different Audiences

Here’s the reality: different audiences respond to different vibes. If you’re speaking at a conference, you might want a shot that’s more polished and commanding. But if you’re introducing yourself to potential clients, you might want something a bit more relaxed and welcoming.

By having both looks, you can tailor your headshots to the audience you’re speaking to—whether that’s the corporate boardroom or a group of creatives at a networking event.

4. You Stand Out by Being True to Yourself

One of the biggest myths about headshots is that they’re just supposed to be super professional and serious all the time. But guess what? People connect with people. Showing a bit of your personality—whether it’s through a fun outfit or a more casual look—can actually make you stand out.

When you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, that comes through in the photos. And trust me, people notice.

How to Choose Your Outfits

Now that you’re sold on the idea of bringing a change of clothes, let’s talk about how to choose the right outfits for your session. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Think About Your Audience

Who are you trying to reach with your headshots? If you’re aiming for corporate clients, a suit might be your go-to. But if your work leans more creative or you want to show a more approachable side, consider something less formal.

2. Stay True to Your Style

Your headshots should reflect you, not just some ideal version of what you think you should look like. Pick outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. If you’re not a suit-and-tie person, don’t force it. If you love bold colors, bring them in! The more authentic you feel, the better your photos will turn out.

3. Mix Up the Formality

One easy way to create contrast is by varying the formality of your outfits. Start with something professional, then bring something a little more casual for a different vibe. This way, you’ll have a range of looks that can work for any occasion.

4. Accessorize Smartly

Accessories can change up a look without needing a full outfit change. A blazer, scarf, or even a simple change in jewelry can add variety without much effort.

 

Let’s Capture the Real You

At the end of the day, your headshots should tell the world who you are. And you’re not just one thing—you’re amazing, and that deserves to be seen from every angle. Whether you’re bringing out your inner Clark Kent, Superman, or even Batman (minus the cape, of course), we’ll make sure every side of your professional story shines through.

So, the next time you book a session with me, don’t hesitate—bring that extra outfit (or two!). Let’s capture the full picture of who you are, no phone booth required.

Previous
Previous

Caleb’s Journey to an Amazing Headshot: Authenticity Shines

Next
Next

Executive Portraits: More than Just a Headshot, A Key to Personal Branding Success