As a professional headshot photo studio with over two decades of experience photographing people, we’ve seen firsthand how the right background can make or break a business headshot. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, enhancing your website, or preparing for a speaking engagement, your headshot speaks volumes about your professionalism and personality. While the focus should always be on you, your headshot background plays an essential role in highlighting your image in the most flattering way possible. In this post, we’ll share our top tips for choosing the perfect background to ensure your headshot stands out for all the right reasons.
Check out our post about DIY Headshot backgrounds for more tips if you’re taking a selfie headshot.
1. Keep It Simple with a Neutral Headshot Background
When it comes to professional headshots, less is more. A cluttered background can distract from the subject of the photo — you! Neutral-colored backgrounds like white, gray, or soft beige create a clean and polished look that allows your face and expression to be the focal point. These timeless, subtle tones work for most industries and provide versatility across different platforms and media. Whether you’re in finance, law, or creative industries, a neutral background will ensure that your headshot remains professional while not overpowering your personal brand.
2. Use Color to Reflect Your Personal Brand
Color can evoke certain emotions and associations. When selecting a background color, consider your personal brand and the message you want to convey. If you work in a field that thrives on energy and innovation, like marketing or tech, a bold yet simple background color such as blue or green can help signal creativity and confidence. On the other hand, professionals in more conservative fields, such as law or finance, may prefer softer tones like gray or charcoal to convey seriousness and reliability. Aligning your headshot background with your branding can subtly reinforce your professional identity.
3. Incorporate Your Company’s Branding into your Headshot Background
If you’re representing a company, it’s often a smart idea to incorporate your employer’s branding elements into your headshot. This could be as simple as using a background color that matches the company’s logo or adding a soft, out-of-focus version of the logo itself behind you. This approach can help create a unified look for your company’s team photos, showing a cohesive, professional image across all profiles. However, it’s important to avoid making the logo too prominent—you want to maintain the focus on yourself, not the background.
4. Consider Depth and Texture
While a solid background color is a safe bet for most business headshots, adding depth or texture can elevate the overall feel of the image. A background with a subtle gradient or a textured wall can introduce some visual interest without being distracting. This type of background works particularly well in more creative industries, such as design or photography, where you want to add some personality to your image while maintaining a professional vibe. Just remember, any texture should stay in the background and not compete with your face for attention.
5. Outdoor Headshot Backgrounds for a More Relaxed Vibe
Sometimes, an outdoor setting can provide the perfect backdrop for a headshot, especially if you work in a more casual or creative profession. Nature settings like parks or urban environments with soft, blurred backgrounds can introduce an inviting, relaxed feel to your headshot. However, it’s important to ensure that the location does not appear too busy or distracting. The natural light and simple compositions of outdoor environments can make you appear approachable while maintaining professionalism, but be cautious of harsh lighting or clutter in the background.
Choosing the right background for your headshot is crucial in presenting yourself professionally while aligning with your personal or company brand. By keeping it simple, incorporating brand colors, and considering the overall vibe you want to communicate, your headshot will not only look polished but also authentically represent who you are. Remember, your headshot is often the first impression potential clients, employers, or collaborators will have of you, so ensure that every detail counts.
Not sure exactly what you want your headshot background to look like? When you book a session at Berks Headshots, you get a variety of options to choose from. Plus, you’ll see your pictures immediately at your session and you’ll be able to decide right away which option is right for you, with help from our professional photographers if you need it. Check out all the details about our headshot sessions or contact Berks Headshots with any questions!
