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Rethinking outdoor headshot photos

  • Writer: bonniejheath
    bonniejheath
  • Jul 18, 2023
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jul 27, 2023

You may have an outdoor session in mind when planning your headshots, but it's important to keep several factors in mind when scheduling an outdoor shoot rather than an indoor session.


1. Does an outdoor location support your brand identity? If your work is primarily outdoors, the answer is definitely yes. For those who work outside, a photo in an outdoor environment helps tell a story about your profession or business. A few years ago, I photographed a group of arborists for their website, and I was happy to meet them at a wooded location with foliage in the background of their photos. This yoga instructor (below) organizes nature based yoga retreats, so we picked a park as her location.


2. What about the weather? The weather is a big reason to reconsider outdoor photos. If your session is postponed because of rain, it might be a week or two before your session can be rescheduled. In Atlanta, we have to deal with some pretty extreme heat in the summertime. On the flip side, there can be some very chilly days in January and February in our area. Additionally, if you are looking for greenery in the background of your photos, foliage can be scarce during the winter months.


3. Where will you change outfits? If the photo location is a public park, you might be able to change in a public bathroom. I also have a pop-up changing tent, like this one. It can be a bit cumbersome, but it's more private than changing in your car. Studio or home sessions will give you access to a private changing area and bathroom.


4. How does the time of day effect the light? Good lighting is essential to good headshot photography. Consider how high the sun is in the sky during the middle of the day. Midday is when sunlight at its most harsh and unflattering. For the best outdoor photos, you will want to schedule your outdoor session early in the morning, or later in the evening for softer, more flattering light. When I use strobe lights for indoor photo sessions, the light is controlled and always flattering.


If your work is not connected to nature, and you'd like the convenience of taking your photos in a private and temperature controlled space at any time of day, definitely consider a studio, office or home session. If you are hiring a professional photographer, the light will be amazing, and so will your headshot.



A last note- For the benefits of an indoor session, but with an outdoor look, consider a digital background replacement like the one at the top of this page.






 
 
Bonnie Heath, photographer, Atlanta

PHOTOGRAPHY

Bonnie Heath, client, Atlanta
- Liz T. | Marketing Director

HIGHLY recommend Bonnie! She is incredibly talented and I am very pleased with my headshots. Her studio experience is fantastic - great lighting and multiple background options. I sent her some inspirational pics & she helped pose me to capture exactly what I wanted.

Bonnie Heath, client, Atlanta

Bonnie produces high-quality photos that she finishes very quickly. What I loved most was the level of commitment she put into making sure she delivered what I wanted. She worked to truly understand my vision & then did a great job to bring it to life.

Bonnie Heath, client, Atlanta
- Preston P. | Leadership Coach

I thoroughly enjoyed working with you. Your professionalism and planning were impeccable. You captured fantastic shots that amplify my brand image. If you're searching for someone to help build your brand image, I highly recommend Bonnie Heath!

Bonnie Heath, client, Atlanta
- Leslie B. | Web Designer

Bonnie is a pleasure to work with. She is creative and talented with camera and lighting. I am very pleased with the photos she took for my business. I highly recommend Bonnie J Heath Photography to anyone looking to capture great photos for their site, LinkedIn, etc.

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