Glasses –important!
If you wear glasses most of the time, I recommend wearing them for your portrait. But avoiding reflections will severely limit the lighting and posing options available. Anti-glare lenses help, but if scratched or dirty, even they can cause light scatter that obliterates essential details of your eyes.
 I stress this because it is usually the single greatest handicap in obtaining flattering portraits of people with glasses.
For best results, I recommend bringing a pair with no lenses (ask your optometrist), or bring an old pair if you have one. I can remove lenses from many glasses on site, but I will not be held responsible for possible damage to your glasses.
People think glasses will look odd without lenses. But in photographs they just look very clean, and people don’t notice the lack of distortion around your eyes. Every one of my customers who has worn lens-free frames for their business portraits has been pleasantly surprised by the results.
Photo Gray (Photo chromic, Photo Brown, Sungray, Sunsensor, Transitions, etc) may look dark in your portrait, and we advise against wearing them for your corporate portraits.
Clothing
It’s up to you (or your marketing department) whether your executive portrait will be business formal or business casual. Some of it will depend on your field, and what kind of image you need to project. But do put some thought into it, like you would any marketing investment.
For a formal business portrait, dress as you would if you were making a presentation to your most important clients or associates. Maybe it’s your best suit.
If you don’t have a well-fitting suit that really looks good on you, this is the perfect time to shop for one, or even have one made. Think about it...this outfit will be out there contributing to your image even while you sleep for as long as you use your new corporate portrait, so it’s a great time to invest in a good one.
Dark suits generally look more formal and more professional than light-colored ones. And avoid loud patterns. Solid colors or subtle pinstripes work better in most cases, and are easier to retouch.
Avoid strong contrast between shirt and jacket. Pastel shirts with medium dark jackets are better than white shirts and navy or black jackets. You might consider avoiding red, as it tends to make skin look pale by comparison, and is considered a poor choice in much of the corporate world. Cool colors are usually better, and make skin tones warm by contrast..
For a more casual portrait, you still want to wear something that looks upscale and smart. Perhaps a blazer, maybe a sweater over a button-down shirt or blouse. If you’re not going to wear anything over it, avoid light colored shirts and blouses. Dark ones are less distracting and help balance the photo and keep the attention on your face.
 Stick to classic styles and avoid trendy clothes that will date your photo. And avoid red except as an accent color in any business portrait.
For those with long necks, high collars and tasteful scarves are often flattering. If your neck is short and/or your face is wide, go for a v-neck (assuming the portrait is casual or you’re a woman).
Do not wear short sleeves for a head-and-shoulders portrait.
Jewelry
Wear jewelry that isn’t too distracting from your face.
Accessorize sparingly and tastefully.
Want to Look Thinner?
Wear a single dark, solid color on the outside (lighter color underneath is OK as long as it's mostly covered by a jacket, vest, or sweater with a flattering neckline).
During your shoot, you'll want to lean forward from the hips (I've seen advice to the contrary all over the Internet, but leaning back emphasizes your middle area, which is then closer to the lens) with your chin forward. Don't let your arms press against your sides.
At the shoot, ask your photographer for lighting, posing, and camera angles that tend to make one look slimmer.
Makeup
Apply as you might for a formal evening out. The camera slightly neutralizes the effects of makeup, so you might want to use just a little more than usual.
Anyone with even slightly oily skin (including men) will be asked to apply powder (I will supply it if you don’t have any) to eliminate shine.
Accessories
 Loud ties and flashy jewelry divert attention from your face. Stick with simple and elegant.
At the Shoot
Don't force a smile. Pretend that you love having your picture taken (assuming you don't), and believe that the results will be stunning (there’s truth to the saying “whether you believe it or not, you’re right”). If you like the photographer, look at him instead of at the camera.
Roll shoulders back, then down for good posture. A good photographer will direct you into a flattering position that looks comfortable.
Other Considerations
Avoid 5 o’clock Shadow. If you have a heavy beard and your portrait session is in the afternoon, you might consider bringing your shaving kit to work on the day of your business portrait. Five o’clock shadows are difficult to retouch effectively.
Enjoy yourself!
Your sitting will be quick, painless, maybe even fun. And since retouching is included in my fee, I’ll have you looking your best, even if you don’t that day!
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