Outdoor Headshots: A Dynamic Alternative to Studio Headshots

Don’t get me wrong, studio headshots are very versatile and can be very creative. But when a client comes to me and wants to create headshots that are dynamic, casual, or show more of their personality, I usually suggest an outdoor headshot. The variety of background options combined with the flattering quality of soft outdoor lighting makes outdoor portraiture one of my favorite types of sessions.

Below are some examples of recent headshot sessions. Some were done on-location and some were done just outside of my home studio in Apex.

Home Studio with Outdoor Option:

Elyse, a dentist who recently took over a local dental practice called Kildaire Family Dental, wanted to do both indoor and outdoor headshots. She really liked some of the studio headshots, but really loved the outdoor shots. She thought that the outdoor headshots were more relaxed and representative of her personality. I agreed and loved the lighting in the 2 outdoor shots that she chose. If you are wondering what makes the lighting so special in those photos, it is thanks to sunlight bouncing off of our white garage doors. For some more info on utilizing lighting to take better photos, check out this post: How to Take Better Pictures on Your Honeymoon or Vacation.

Outdoor Option at My Home Studio:

Matt, a financial consultant, booked a studio session but ended up only ordering photos from the outdoor portion of our shoot. We had lots of options inside, but he really preferred the outdoor headshots. He preferred them because he felt that he looked more personable and as an outdoorsman, they just suited him better.

On-Location Headshot Session at the Raulston Arboretum

This session for longtime client, Divya Parekh was a blast. Divya is a coach and has many leadership programs to help CEOs, corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, and aspiring authors. She wanted an outdoor session because she loves the look of outdoor lighting. The Raulston Arboretum has so many interesting textures and backgrounds, so it is one of my favorite portrait locations.

On-Location Headshot Session at the Forest Theatre in Chapel Hill

This session for Spencer Schold, an attorney in Chapel Hill, was done at the Forest Theatre and around the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill. She opened up her own practice in Chapel Hill, where she did her undergraduate work. So, shooting in the area where she will be working made perfect sense. She loved the look of the stairs at the Forest Theatre as well as the brick that is characteristic of the UNC campus. We even found some rusty brown leaves that looked amazing when lit from behind. Fall color in January. What luck!

On-Location Headshots for Able & Co.

These images were taken just outside the offices of Able & Co, a marketing agency in Raleigh. Believe it or not, just behind the subjects was the edge of a parking lot. With a little careful composing I was able to keep the parking lot out of the frame and capture that gorgeous morning light hitting some early fall color. There is nothing like fall leaves lit by soft sunlight!