Your professional headshot says a lot about you, conveying a message to your potential clients and contacts before they even meet you. The environment you choose for your headshots, as well as the light in which it’s taken, is a very important part of that message. This use of outdoor light and colour, as well as the natural elements of a park or field, add an organic feel to your headshots, unlike the more studious impression that a studio shot with formal lighting projects.
Shooting your headshots outdoors in a natural park setting is a fresh and modern take on the traditional headshot, and looks just as professional and polished. For the best results, here are a few things to consider before we shoot.
- WARDROBE. When shooting around flowers and greenery, choose an outfit that blends in well and compliments the backdrop. Since the portrait will be more airy than a formal studio shot and softer than an urban portrait, wearing colours that mimic the environment will blend better. Opt for shades of blue, yellow, cream, or pink for portraits taken around park greenery and florals.
- HAIR AND MAKE UP STYLING. Opt for less dramatic make up for natural portraits, using softer shades and more blending around the cheekbones. Dramatic eyes and darker shades will look more at home in an urban or studio shoot. Hair that is lightly styled rather than severely swept up, matches the softness of nature and feels more flowing.
- EXPRESSION. A natural portrait will be more lively and fresh than a formal or dramatically shot portrait. You’re looking for open smiles, honest expressions and “smiling eyes” instead of more serious expressions. I’ll guide you as we shoot, to bring out your true smile so it won’t look forced or strained!
- POSING. Many clients worry they won’t know how to pose, and they will look awkward. Don’t worry! It’s my job to guide you with posing so you look completely at ease and comfortable. I’ll show you how to stand, use your hands, and tilt your head in a way that compliments your body and facial shape, for optimal results.
- THE PERFECT LOCATION. Not all parks or green spaces are created equal. Trees are not ideal because we just see the bland tree bark at our eye level. We’re looking for flowering bushes and full greenery such as the azaleas in the portrait above, in a space with open shade (not direct sunlight).
If you need a professional business headshot for your website, LinkedIn profile or business page and have the flexibility to go outdoors and use natural light, I provide on location portraits for your business in the Woodlands, Conroe and Spring area for $150 + tx. You receive your images as an immediate digital download, with commercial release. I also offer indoor sessions if you prefer to have your headshots taken in your office, with studio lighting, or at a location of your choosing in the Woodlands, Spring or Conroe area.
Contact me for your session by contacting me directly with this CONTACT FORM. See my headshot gallery HERE.