Where to have your portrait taken

Where to have your portrait taken

If you’ve recently made the decision to have your portraits professionally taken, but you’re not quite sure where to go, or what style to even go for, then you’re at the right place.

Let’s have a look at the different visual looks you can explore for your portraits, and then the best ways to find a photographer that suits you.

Studio Portraits

Do you like the professional, clean and formal look of studio photography? 

In the studio, we can play around with different backgrounds, props and lighting styles. The benefits of studio portraiture is the ability to create any look despite the weather or time of day.

Studio portraits are great for businesses who have multiple staff and need their photographs to match, with a consistent look across their imagery.

Studio portraits are always more formal, however you can keep them relaxed by your expression, pose and the overall lighting style.

Melbourne musician Glenn plays his guitar in a melbourne studio for a formal studio personal branding portrait.
A personal branding portrait of melbourne mortgage broker, who stands leaning against a studio wall with a relaxed arms crossed pose, and is smiling to camera.
Professional corporate headshot of melbourne accountant wearing glasses and a formal suit. He smiles to camera on a light grey studio background.
Professional linkedin headshot of melbourne barrister who smiles confidently, wearing glasses.
Learn more about my studio

Outdoor Portraits

Lots of people like outdoor portraits for their relaxed and open feel. When outside, people often find it easier to feel like themselves (it’s a bit easier to ignore the camera, and when I’m outside I’m generally further away). 

Look for a strong use of light – weather and time of day plays a big part in the overall look of outdoor photography. Lots of photographers like shooting early in the morning and later in the afternoon, when the light is lower and less harsh.

A good photographer should be able to manipulate lighting with the right equipment either way.

Mature model portrait of woman outdoors leaning against a tree. She looks away from the camera wearing glasses, jeans and a white linen shirt.
A melbourne actor headshot taken outdoors in natural light of woman looking directly to camera with a serious expression.
Melbourne model portrait of male model in an urban setting. He wears a casual tshirt and blue jeans, with one hand in his pocket and a serious expression.
Natural outdoor actor headshot taken at golden hour in melbourne's eastern suburbs. Woman wears a pale blue tshirt and smiles to camera with the wind blowing through her hair.

On Location Photography

If you have a particular location in mind, then you may be after a portrait photographer who will travel to you (or your preferred location).

The setting of your portraits can say a lot – it could be that you would like your portraits in your cosy lounge room, or your place of work. There could be a funky street or your family garden that mean something to you. 

On-location photography is the ultimate way to personalise your portraits.

Corporate team photograph showing a woman and man - lawyers in a melbourne building foyer sitting professionally.
A personal branding portrait of melbourne man Jean, who wears a white tshirt in a warehouse setting. He smiles to camera and stands confidently.
Melbourne Personal Branding Portrait & Corporate Headshot - Blonde woman smiling with scarf
Melbourne man in alleyway for staff headshot update
A melbourne doctor dressed in a suit stands outside a hospital for a professional doctors portrait
Learn more about my on-location photography options

Candid Photography

Not into the posed look? That’s okay!

You’re probably more into candid photography. In my work, it’s all about prompting to get different looks, reactions and outcomes. Candid photography is actually usually posed (prompted), but having movement can make a huge difference in the overall result.

It’s easy to capture a mix of posed and candid photography in sessions, and I often encourage doing a bit of both.

Melbourne author smiles and looks away from camera in headshot update.
Melbourne business owner photographed in a candid and relaxed lifestyle portrait during an outdoor personal branding photoshoot.
Melbourne business woman smiles and looks away from the camera while outdoors for personal branding headshot.
Personal branding portrait of smiling woman seated with black dog on her lap.
A candid branding portrait of a woman, who looks away from camera while walking outside in a natural outdoor setting in melbourne.
melbourne small business owner throws her products for a fun lifestyle branding portrait.
Woman seated outside amongst nature in a relaxed candid personal branding portrait

Formal and Posed

For some individuals and industries, a more formal approach is preferred. I love this look – it’s really unique, and it’s not something you can just DIY at home.

My personal style for the formal and ‘classy’ look is quite dark, with some contrast in the light direction. Formal clothing, such as fitted blazers and shirts often work really well for this look.

Contemporary corporate branding portraits of man sitting down. He has his hands clasped and a gentle expression on his face. The image has dramatic lighting, and the man wears a professional blazer and suit pants.
A captivating actor headshot of mature melbourne actress Angela, who leans in towards the camera with a very slight smile.
A studio portrait of young Melbourne actress and dancer who wears a denim jacket and looks to camera with one hand on her cheek.
Melbourne musician Glenn is seated in a grey armchair in a portrait studio, wearing a professional suit. He leans on his knees in a professional poses and smiles to camera.
Personal branding headshot of melbourne creative business owner, taken in studio with smoke for theatrics.
Melbourne actor sits and looks away with a serious expression in actor headshot.
Corporate headshot and branding portrait of Melbourne man taken in studio on an orange background.

Finding A Photographer

There are a few avenues to start searching for a photographer.

Web Search: Look on Google/Bing/Whatever search engine your favourite is. Go through different sites and look for the right feel. Not only in the work, but in the web copy and design.

Facebook: A great way to search is to look on local noticeboards. Be careful to find genuine photographers with your best interests at heart. There are a lot of hobbiest photographers who may not have the right experience level for what you need – so always research their work first and see if they can do the styles you like.

LinkedIn: A great resource to find business photographers – especially headshots and commercial branding. Ask your connections where they had their headshots taken.

Word of Mouth: Speak with friends and colleagues about their experiences and when they had their headshot taken. They might have a great referral for you.

In Melbourne, Australia? 
Then you’ve found one photographer already! I offer all of the above styles, and all the photography here is my own. If you think we could be a good fit, book in for a portrait session!

Book your own branding session with me
Julia Nance 03/04/2023
Headshot Advice

Published by

Julia Nance

Julia Nance is a headshot and portrait photographer based in Melbourne, Australia. Her vibrant creativity is inspired by her experiences. From photographing whales underwater to travelling in Europe. With a vast background in a range of photographic areas, it is Julia’s natural ability to connect with her subjects that ultimately drew her to the art of portraiture. Corporate Headshots | Personal Branding | Actor Headshots | LinkedIn Headshots |
Portrait of Julia Nance wearing a bright pink dress with one hand on her hip and the other holding her camera. She smiles to camera and stands confidently.
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Melbourne business owner sits in a relaxed poses wearing a white shirt and yellow pants. She smiles to camera for a personal branding portrait.

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