Picking a Good Background for Your Next Professional Headshot

By Contributor Content | September 24, 2024 | 9:00am

Image credit: Pexels

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Whether driving to a professional photo shoot or using an AI headshot generator, finding and using a good background can make a huge difference. It sets the whole tone for your photos.

In the old days, a professional headshot was almost always taken with a dark, solid-colored background. These days, people are getting much more creative. They might shoot on location or use AI to generate a unique background for their headshot.

Why Is the Background for Professional Headshots Important?

Picking a good background for professional headshots is important because the background helps set the stage for your professional look. You wouldn’t give off professional vibes if you did a headshot with a messy living room as your background. That example is a little extreme, but you get the idea.

You might see a beautiful natural background full of trees and flowers and want to take a headshot there, but it could be too busy for professional headshots. The view may be lovely, but you’d need a more neutral outdoor background.

You may love neon colors, but they can be out of place if your profession is more “traditional,” such as that of an office professional. You may think people will only notice your dazzling smile, but an unprofessional background can take all the attention away from your face.

You can then add to that professional message by correctly posing for a good headshot to present yourself professionally. How you pose against your background will depend on the message you want to send.

Are you warm and inviting, confident and secure, approachable and friendly? Pick a pose that sends the proper message, and tie it with the right background.

What Types of Backgrounds Will Work Best for Professional Headshots?

There are many background options, and no one option is the best. They all have value if used appropriately. You get to decide which backgrounds will best present you as a professional. It’s smart to look through your options as you try to create a photo-style vision for your professional headshots.

Below is a breakdown of a few background ideas and how you could use them in your headshots.

Indoor Backgrounds

Having an indoor background that fits the vibe of your profession can add significant value to your headshots. You may want a corporate office or lobby background if you work in a more traditional professional setting. If you want an action shot, you could take more candid (yet staged) headshots of you working at your desk.

If your profession is more casual, a clean and well-decorated living room or maybe a warm fireplace could work as an inviting backdrop.

You could also make it more specific to your industry. For example, a kitchen background could be the perfect indoor option if you work as a baker or chef.

It’s important to note here that your background must add to your professional look and not distract from it. If your background becomes a focal point, it’s best to go with something else. You should remain the focus of the headshot.

Outdoor Backgrounds

The use of outdoor backgrounds for headshots is a rising trend in which many are excited to participate. There’s something special about including a little nature or a city skyline in your photographs.

Nature backgrounds can generate a vibrant, professional look if done well. Green foliage often provides a neutral backdrop that accents your facial features in a headshot. Often, the nature scenes are blurred out behind you, so they offer brilliant colors and interest without the distraction.

Outdoor backgrounds featuring nature work great when you wish to convey warmth and an inviting and approachable personality. For example, educators and healthcare professionals might choose a beautiful park or a trail lined with trees. These settings can engender feelings of confidence and serenity to potential clients and symbolize your ability for growth and learning to potential employers.

If this contrast is a little too stark for you, using creative architecture might be a better fit. Such a setting can add extra flair to a business casual profession. These unique building features may include twisting staircases, an old building with stunning carvings, or a beautiful bridge.

As a reminder, pay attention to what you wear in an outdoor setting. You still want to look professional and avoid colors that clash with the background. Traditionally, a suit or blazer can create a stunning, bold contrast with nature that brings you to the forefront.

Solid Color Backgrounds

Solid-colored backgrounds are the way to go if you want to stand out but don’t want the added pressure of choosing a specific indoor or outdoor setting. Black or gray backgrounds are your traditional options because it brings you to the forefront.

You could also choose plain white if the image will be published against a white background, such as a business card, website, or ID badge. Just make sure the white won’t mess with your lighting and wash you out.

If you want to add a little color but keep it strictly professional, muted colors are a good option. You should avoid bright or neon colors and go for muted or pastel hues in shades like sky blue, lavender, or pale green.

Think about the message you want to send and what type of clients or employers your headshots need to impress.

For instance, if you’re a pediatrician, wearing your white coat with a more vibrant colored background can convey confidence and approachability while showing you can have some fun. If you manage a bank, a muted or simple white or black background will help you exude confidence and professionalism.

What If I Can’t Decide on a Background?

After reading through your many background options, if you still can’t decide on a background, ask for advice.

A professional photographer will certainly have some insight into backdrops well suited to your profession. They may have several backdrops you can choose from, and most are willing to travel to shoot on location, albeit for an extra fee.

You could also let AI technology help you. An AI headshot generator can produce multiple background options for your headshots so you can pick and choose the best ones without having to procure multiple backdrops.

In reality, choosing a background should be a relatively simple process. It may feel overwhelming, but these tips should help you narrow down your options and help you choose a background that speaks to you. With the right editing and possible AI influence, you can certainly procure a fantastic headshot background.

The Splinter editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content.