Studio Headshots vs Outdoor Headshots vs Indoor Headshots – What’s Best?

Should you take headshots in a studio, outside or indoors?

Choosing the right setting for your headshot can make all the difference to your finished images. This article explores the pros and cons of both indoor, outdoor and studio headshots, helping you decide which environment best suits your needs.

Ultimately, the right setting for your headshots will come down to factors determined by your intended usage. Choosing whether to shoot them indoors, outdoors or in a dedicated headshot studio will be a part of that decision process. 

Note: While studio shots are of course taken indoors, for the sake of this article we are treating ‘indoor’ headshots as ones taken indoors, but not in a controlled, studio enviroment.

Naturally Lit Outdoor Headshots

Natural light can be a photographer’s best friend and outdoor settings offer an abundance of it. Used correctly, this can create a soft, flattering look that can feel approachable and energetic. Parks, gardens, and urban environments with open shade can all be great locations for naturally lit outdoor headshots.

Pros:

• Natural, flattering light
• Relaxed and approachable atmosphere
• Diverse range of backdrops

Cons:

• Weather dependence – rain, wind, and harsh sun can disrupt the shoot (expect this in the UK!)
• Less control over lighting means less control of the mood in the images
• Limited access to things like changing facilities

Artificially Lit Outdoor Headshots

For more control over lighting outdoors, photographers will use strobes or flashes and various modifiers. This allows for a control over the look and feel of the finished image. A great photographer will be able to combine artificial lighting and natural, ambient light for the best results.

Pros:

• Greater control over lighting
• Can be used in low-light situations
• Still offers a variety of outdoor backdrops

Cons:

• Requires additional equipment and expertise
• May lose the natural feel of unlit outdoor shots if not done properly

Naturally Lit Indoor Headshots

This is probably the least ideal setting for headshots, as it is the most limiting. To use natural light indoors, you will have to find a good light source- ideally a window that doesn’t have direct sunlight coming through it. On a cloudy day, you will have more options with this approach, but if the sun is out, you’ll have to avoid the windows it’s hitting!

Pros:

• Consistent and controlled lighting
• No weather dependence
• Easier wardrobe and makeup changes

Cons:

• Requires more experience to get right 
• Limited variety of backdrops (unless using additional elements)

Artificially Lit Indoor Headshots

Shooting headshots indoors out on location, whether that’s someone’s home or place of work will usually require some sort of artificial light. Similarly to mixing ambient and strobe lighting when using artificial light outdoors, it does require a good amount of skill to get the light you’re adding into a scene to blend nicely with the ambient light already in the room.

Pros:

• Versatile lighting options
• Consistent results regardless of time of day
• Ideal for creative headshots

Cons:

• Requires significant photographer expertise
• May appear less natural than shots with natural light

Studio Headshots

A dedicated headshot studio will offer a controlled environment with multiple lighting and backdrop options. Our studio for example, has a huge range of strobe lighting, continuous lighting, backdrops and also a large roller door that can be opened to create an enormous natural light source.

Pros:

• Consistent and controlled lighting
• No weather dependence
• Easier wardrobe and makeup changes

Cons:

• Some studios may have limited equipment and backdrops
• Some studios may have no natural light source

Choosing the Right Setting

There’s no single “best” option for where to shoot headshots – the ideal setting depends on your headshot’s intended purpose. Here are some additional factors to consider:

• Your profession: Corporate environments often favour clean, studio-style headshots whereas actors and creatives might prefer a more natural outdoor look.
• Your personality: Consider if you want a more formal or approachable image.
• The desired mood: Natural light creates a softer feel, while artificial light allows for more scope for dramatic effects.

By understanding the pros and cons of each option, you can choose the headshot setting that best reflects your unique personality and professional image.