Different Headshot Background Ideas
Headshot Background Ideas:
Headshots are you digital ID card. They help you make a first impression, set the tone for who you are, and should be relevant to your professional industry. I’m a professional LinkedIn headshot photographer in Melbourne, Australia, and I’m here to show you a range of different backgrounds to consider for your professional headshot.
We live in a world now that is so digitally saturated, with endless possibilities for image styles. AI is also coming into imagery, and your headshot is competing in a sea of real vs fake. You can read more here about why you should avoid an AI headshot.
Let me take you through several visual ideas for your LinkedIn headshot
Plain, Neutral Backgrounds:
A studio headshot is the most popular choice for LinkedIn. It serves a strong purpose: professional, clean, keeps the focus on you.
A plain, neutral background is great for a corporate look, and many professional industries opt for a light to mid-grey tone.
Some businesses prefer a stark white. I personally often find this a little jarring, but it has its place and can be useful for companies wishing to do their own background removals.
Here are my thoughts on neutrals:
- White: Sometimes white can feel flat; sometimes it pops. It all comes down to lighting and ensuring there is enough contrast and crispness in the image. Many businesses think a pure white background is best for background removal. I often prefer a light grey, as it’s a bit easier to define edges on blonde hair, etc.
- Light Grey: I like this for an open, natural vibe. It’s a bit softer than a pure white, and to me feels more grounded.
- Mid Grey: A safe tone that works for pretty much everyone. Generally gives enough separation for light and dark hair tones to stand out and complements most outfit colours and tones too.
- Charcoal: This is a really clean, sophisticated look. With the right lighting and styling, a deep neutral can really make you pop.
- Black: I don’t have an image example for pure black. I always prefer charcoal or a dark grey over pure black. If opting for a pure, black background, ensure you’re getting enough separation between you and the background.
Outdoor, & Environmental Settings:
Environment can be a wonderful addition to a headshot – creating context, story, and elevating your image to the next level.
It’s common for me to photograph portraits in front of city window views. You could also use an indoor workplace setting, to add interest and shape behind you. An outdoor setting such as lush greenery or blurred built environments is also a great option for a more relaxed feel.
Here are some tips for environmental backgrounds:
- A tighter crop and low depth of field will help you stand out from the background, as it will appear more blurred.
- If the context of the setting is important, consider supporting imagery with a wider portrait crop.
- For outdoor images, the time of day and lighting is important. Aim for a soft, illuminating light, and avoid harsh shadows.
- For busy office environments, be as far away from the setting behind you as you can. This will help to blur out and become less distracting.
Colourful Backgrounds:
I personally adore working with colour. When I have clients who are happy to experiment with a colourful background, it makes me happy.
Colour is a great way to stand out. Matching colours to your eyes can help draw attention to them. I love really monochromatic portraits too. There’s something about cohesive tones within a headshot that I find visually pleasing.
If you’re not sold on bright colours, a simple tint of a neutral background to be warmer or cooler is a subtle way to add colour to an otherwise grey tone.
Colours that make a statement: Pinks, purples, saturated blues and oranges.
Softer tones: light blues, warm and earthy brown or cream tones, olive and soft greens.
Drop-in Backgrounds:
If you’re restricted, but want a certain look, sometimes adjusting the background in post-production is the best option.
An example of this is wanting a city building background, but not having access to a window view, or the budget or opportunity to have a photographer come on location for a single headshot.
When planned in advance, headshots can be captured with an appropriate light setup and background to seamlessly drop a new setting in. The same goes for colour, which can be tweaked in post production to get an appropriate tone.
There are lots of headshot styles that you can look at. I always discuss the style my clients want, and we consider things like industry, how images will be used, clothing and individual features (hair, skin and eye colours).
If you’re based in Melbourne, Australia, check out my LinkedIn Headshot Sessions, Personal Branding Photoshoots, and team headshot sessions!
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