Enioluwa’s decision to keep his natural Afro is perhaps one of the strongest elements of the shoot.
Rather than treating natural hair as something that needs to be toned down for a formal setting, the rounded Afro becomes part of the overall visual identity. Its clean shape frames his face while adding personality to what could otherwise be a conventional school portrait.
The takeaway for men with natural hair is straightforward: presentation matters. A well-defined shape, moisturised hair and a clean hairline can make natural texture work beautifully in formal photography. His neatly groomed facial hair also helps create balance between the volume of the Afro and the structure of his outfits.
Three Suits, Three Different Moods
Enioluwa also uses the shoot to demonstrate just how much personality can be communicated through tailoring.
The first look is arguably the boldest: a rich royal-purple suit paired with a matching shirt. The monochromatic approach allows the colour and texture of the tailoring to dominate the frame, while understated accessories keep the outfit from becoming overcrowded.
Next comes a navy blue suit with contrasting white detailing around the lapels and pockets. A light-blue shirt, silver tie, glasses and a teal lapel pin introduce subtle layers of colour, giving the outfit a polished but slightly playful character.
Then comes the most traditional option: a black three-piece tuxedo with velvet peak lapels. The waistcoat, crisp white shirt, satin tie and patent shoes create a timeless formal combination. The variation in textures prevents an all-black outfit from appearing flat on camera.
It’s Also About the Angle
The portraits demonstrate that great headshots aren’t only about clothes.
A straight-on photograph with the shoulders facing the camera communicates professionalism and openness, making it particularly suitable for official profiles.
A slight three-quarter turn introduces more dimension and can create a sharper, more relaxed silhouette.
The seated portrait takes a different approach. Leaning slightly forward creates a more conversational feeling, making the image appear less formal and more personal.
Ultimately, Enioluwa’s school portraits show that an official photograph doesn’t have to be boring. With intentional grooming, strong tailoring and thoughtful posing, even a simple headshot session can become an opportunity to express personality.
So, if you had to choose one for your own mood board, which would it be: Royal Purple, Navy Blue or Classic Tuxedo?
Photo Credit: Enioluwa Adeoluwa/Instagram
