If you’re looking for headshots that make you seem approachable and authentic, consider taking them outdoors. You’ll have a variety of backgrounds at your disposal, and since outdoor settings are often blurred in photographs, that will keep the focus on you. Plus, you might find you feel more relaxed outdoors than in a studio setting.
Outdoor headshots are particularly beneficial if you work in outdoor spaces or an industry where approachability matters. Examples of these industries include healthcare professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, human resource professionals, and teachers. Building trust, fostering comfort, encouraging confidence, and enhancing the customer experience are essential for these professionals.
What Are Outdoor Professional Headshots?
Let’s break this concept down into two parts, starting with what makes a headshot. Headshots are portraits that focus on your face. Generally, headshots include the upper chest, shoulders, and head. On occasion, a photographer might include the whole torso.
It’s important that headshots focus on the upper part of your body because the photos are often portrayed small. When an employer searches for a photo of the person behind the resume, they often only see a small thumbnail image. If your picture shows your whole body, it’ll be difficult for the employer to get a good idea of what you look like due to image size.
Plus, when the employer sees a close-up of your face, they get a much better representation of who they’re looking to hire. It’s easier for them to see a look at your personality and professionalism. Together with your resume, it can help them piece together whether you’ll be a good fit for their company.
Now, on to the outdoor part of this concept. Outdoor headshots are simply headshots taken in nature settings. They may feature bright foliage from a tree or a park, or it may feature a brick building in the background. Usually, outdoor headshots have a blurred background, which allows you to have the creativity of the great outdoors while still maintaining the focus on you.
Outdoor headshots are a unique way to showcase authenticity, as their natural settings help you to both feel and appear more relaxed. The variety of backgrounds also provides more vibrant colors than aren’t usually found in a studio setting.
Outdoor Headshots vs. Studio Headshots
Trying to decide if studio or outdoor headshots are right for you? It all depends on what you’re looking for in a professional headshot. Weighing the pros and cons of both types of headshots is a great place to start.
Outdoor Headshots
Let’s start by looking at the positives and negatives of taking outdoor headshots. It’s not a good look for everyone, but many have found that an outdoor headshot looks more modern and personable.
Pros
- Conveys approachability and authenticity
- Natural light is flattering for skin tones
- Unique backgrounds ranging from nature scenes to rustic buildings
- Not dependent on studio availability
- Cost-effective (e.g. no studio fees)
Cons
- Unpredictable weather
- Potential for inconsistent lighting
- Unpredictable circumstances (e.g. crowds from an event you weren’t expecting at your planned location)
- Potential for distracting onlookers
- Possible need to edit out unwanted elements
Studio Headshots
The default choice for headshots is usually a studio setting. It’s a more predictable place to take your photos, and you know a neutral studio background will yield a professional result. It may not be the right choice if you’re in a more creative outlet, but it can be a safe bet for more serious vocations.
Pros
- Conveys confidence and credibility
- Controlled environment
- Distraction-free backgrounds
- Not dependent on the weather/time of day
- Image consistency
Cons
- Limited choice of backgrounds
- Possible studio fees
- Can appear less genuine
- Tend to be less unique
- Potential for Harsh Lighting
Top 5 Tips on How to Get Great Outdoor Professional Headshots
If you’ve looked at the advantages and disadvantages and decided that outdoor headshots are your best option, we want to offer some direction on getting the best photos possible. Because outdoor headshots can be unpredictable, they aren’t guaranteed to turn out perfectly. Being prepared will help you get a better result.
1. Define Your Aesthetic
How would you like to portray yourself? What are you hoping others (particularly potential employers) will see when they see your headshot? Outdoor headshots can work for any profession, but it’s helpful to consider the industry you’re in when choosing your look.
For example, if you’re the CEO of a large accounting firm, a suit and tie would be suitable. However, if you’re a social worker, business casual is more approachable for those you work with. For professional photos, avoid casual attire like jeans, t-shirts, and tennis shoes.
Now, let’s talk color. Vibrant colors can reflect onto your skin, creating unflattering skin tones. They can also distract from your face, so it’s generally better to stick to less saturated colors like neutrals and pastels. It’s also best to refrain from choosing clothing with busy patterns, as they can distract from the most important thing–you!
Also, take your brand into consideration. Do you have a website? A logo? Brand colors? A headshot that complements these colors can give your online presence an edge over the competition. Is your logo playful and artsy? Or is it formal and practical? What you wear can reflect your brand and generally improve your image.
2. Choose a Location
Your photographer will likely have some great location ideas, but it never hurts to throw out a few ideas for them. You may have ideas they haven’t considered. Social media can be useful for gathering inspiration or finding popular photo ops near you. Alternatively, you might have an amazing backyard or know someone who does.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a location. Select a background free of distractions or unpleasant sights like people, trash cans, power lines, cars, and plants that seem to be growing out of your head.
You’ll want to choose a background that goes well with whatever brand components you’re already using. For example: Are you a female graphic designer with a playful pink and white website? Consider choosing a background with pink flowers. Alternatively, green and red are complementary colors, so having a lot of greenery in your background will work great as well.
Are you trying to take headshots in the winter? You still have options! There’s no reason to shy away from snowy or bare tree backgrounds. The neutral-colored background is very versatile and can make for a beautiful photo. Black and white winter photos are especially stunning.
You might also be able to take photos at a greenhouse, conservatory, or even a flower shop. With the right location, you could fake a summertime photo.
3. Select a Flattering Date and Time
Once you’ve selected your location, think about how that location looks on different days of the week. Is there a local event on the same day every week? Does it receive a lot of foot traffic on certain days or during certain hours?
While shooting at mid-day is possible, it’s always preferable to shoot at golden hour (the last hour before sunset or the first hour after sunrise). Golden hour provides soft, warm, flattering light. When the sun is closer to the horizon, you aren’t dealing with harsh shadows and overexposed highlights.
Don’t worry too much if the weather looks overcast, either. Overcast days provide even softer light with very few shadows. The clouds naturally diffuse the sunlight, allowing for enhanced details and reduced contrast.
It is a good idea to steer clear of times when you are likely to have any kind of precipitation during your headshots. While rain or snowfall might be magical during family or wedding portraits, it is not desirable for professional headshots as the finished product will feel too casual.
4. Equipment and Skill Matter
Let’s address the elephant in the room, shall we? Selfies are not headshots. Additionally, while phone cameras have improved significantly, a DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) or mirrorless camera will yield higher-quality images.
While the equipment is important, it’s worth nothing if a photographer doesn’t know how to operate their equipment. Select a photographer, scan through their previous work, look at their website if they have one, and read reviews from their past clients.
For headshots, the photographer must use a shallow depth of field. This is a technique frequently used in portrait photography as it allows the subject to be sharp and in focus, while the background is blurred. This keeps the focus on the subject, which is important when looking to represent yourself in a professional way.
Furthermore, angle is a key element in a polished finished product. Do you have a “good side?” Let your photographer know so they can represent you the way you want to be represented. Try several different angles to find the most flattering one.
An advantage to outdoor professional headshots is that they often look more natural. Thus, posing should also seem genuine and unforced. Don’t force a smile; it’s better to smile like you do when laughing. Natural poses and smiles will help you to appear as the most authentic version of yourself.
5. Leverage the Power of AI
While hiring a professional photographer has its perks, it’s also time-consuming and expensive. The turnaround time for professional headshots is 3-7 days. What if you need your photos sooner? Our AI headshot generator, Portrait Pal, will free up your schedule and save you money.
If you’re worried about distorted facial features, irregular skin tone, glitches, inconsistencies, and any manner of other typical AI faux pas, don’t be! Portrait Pal’s AI has produced 2.5 million+ realistic professional headshots and has been endorsed by several high-profile companies like Google, Coca-Cola, and Rolling Stone.
With pricing plans ranging from $35 to $75, it can fit any budget. Just upload a few photos and let AI do the rest. Portrait Pal deletes the images you upload after a month and takes your privacy seriously.
AI headshots are frequently used for personal branding, LinkedIn profiles, networking, or company websites. They work best for those on a budget and short on time, and most people will never tell the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you stand out in professional headshots?
Not to sound like a broken record, but selfies aren’t headshots. Nothing will make you blend in as much as a selfie. In addition, no matter what people say, looks do matter. High-quality images where you’re dressed too casually will be an immediate turn-off.
If you want to stand out in professional headshots, dress appropriately for your industry, wearing clothing that complements your features. Stay away from busy patterns or vibrant colors.
High-resolution images are a must. Your expression and poses should be natural and reflect your personality. Remember, first impressions go a long way and this is a chance for you to give people a glimpse of who you are.
Your background should be simple and uncluttered. A blurred background is helpful but will not eliminate every distraction. Make eye contact with the camera and maintain good posture. This will convey confidence and engage the viewer.
A subtle prop, when appropriate, can really make an impression. Bring your camera if you’re a photographer, your lab coat if you’re a dentist, scissors if you’re a hairstylist, and so on. Don’t force your prop on the viewer, but when used naturally, props can take your headshot from regular to memorable.
Is it better to stand or sit for headshots?
Seated and standing headshots are both useful for professional use. It depends on what you are hoping to communicate. Standing tends to convey confidence and professionalism. It provides better posture control and is the more formal of the two. Sitting for your headshots communicates familiarity and friendliness.
However, regardless of your intended message, neither will turn out if you are uncomfortable. If you feel more at ease when you’re sitting, but you’re the CEO of a law firm, that’s okay! It’s better for you to feel comfortable because if you’re uncomfortable, it will undoubtedly show in the final images.
Keep in mind what you’ll be wearing. Is it more flattering when you’re standing or sitting? Whether you stand or sit will also depend on the background you’re using.
How much do outdoor headshots cost?
Outdoor headshots can range from $250 to $1,000. The cost is dependent on the photographer’s experience and expertise, the equipment they have, and the location. While outdoor photos are often free, some spots may require a fee. Venues that require a fee include local flower farms, gardens, and national parks.
If budget is a concern, consider using a professional headshot generator. They are a fraction of the cost and you will often receive your headshots the same day you purchase them. They are perfectly designed to save you the hassle of hiring a professional photographer, paying hundreds of dollars, and posing for the camera for an extended period.
How do you light outdoor headshots?
Outdoor headshots are most often lit with natural light. A flash is seldom used, but it’s useful for situations when the sun is behind the subject or in bright sunlight when unwanted harsh shadows are present.
For natural light photographs, there are a few key tricks that allow you to use the light to your advantage. One aforementioned is to shoot during golden hour. The light at this time is soft warm, and enriches the subject’s skin tone. Another useful trick is to look for a spot with full shade, as this has a similar effect to an overcast day. The light will be even and flattering.
Some photographers take advantage of light-enhancing tools like diffusers and reflectors. If you are shooting in the middle of a sunny day, a light diffuser is a must. If you’re shooting in deep shade, a reflector can add light to those shadows.
Are Outdoor Professional Headshots Right for You?
Whether you’re an artist, a business owner, a CFO, an insurance agent, a restaurant manager, or a mortgage loan officer, outdoor professional headshots can be for you. They’re particularly beneficial in professions that emphasize warmth and friendliness.
When planning your outdoor headshots, consider when and where you’d like them done, what to wear, and what impression you’d like to make on the viewer. As long as you take these thoughts into consideration, your outdoor headshots can be just as impactful, if not more so, than a traditional headshot. And if your budget and time available are tight, give our AI headshot generator a try. You can try out an outdoor headshot with very little time or financial commitment with Portrait Pal. You can even get a free headshot to see if it’s something you like before you buy a package. It’s a win-win!