Banner photograph for a blog post comparing studio headshots vs location portraits.

Headshots and Portraits: Location vs Studio

When it comes to headshot and portrait photography, the choice between a studio setting and shooting on-location significantly impacts the look and feel of the final images. Both options have pros and cons, and understanding each will help you make an informed decision. Let’s delve into nuances of shooting professional photography on location versus in the studio.

Studio Headshots: The Polished Professional Look

Modern studio portrait photography of a smiling man in black and white.
Modern studio headshot photography of a young woman against a yellow background.
Informal corporate studio headshot of a business man against a light grey background.
Black and white corporate headshot of a woman against a dark grey background.

1. Consistency in Lighting

In a studio, I have precise control over lighting conditions. This consistency ensures that all headshots maintain the same professional quality. Whether you’re updating your company’s website or LinkedIn profile, having uniform lighting across team members creates a cohesive brand image. This is a big win for shooting in the studio.

2. Controlled Environment

Studio headshots allow me to curate my shooting environment. Following my own photography style, I select backdrops and props that work for professional headshot images. This fully controlled setting minimizes distractions, allowing me to focus solely on capturing the perfect shots. If you have your own ideas about personal branding and style, discuss these ahead of the shoot. Although I have my own style, almost any studio look can be replicated, so just ask!

3. Professional Setup

My well-equipped studio provides everything needed for high-quality images. From modern high resolution cameras and professional lenses, to specialised lighting, I have the equipment required to help you look your best! As an experienced photographer, I will also guide you through posing and expressions, resulting in polished images.

On-Location Headshots: Natural and more personal

Location headshot photography of a man in an office in London.
Modern portrait of an academic at King's College, University of Cambridge.
Location headshot photography of a man in an office in Cambridge.
Informal business headshot of an attractive young woman by a wall in Cambridge city.

1. Natural Setting

On-location headshots embrace the environment. Whether it’s your office space, a park, or an urban street, the backdrop reflects your personality, work style and industry. Location shots can feel more authentic and set you apart from the crowd. This is especially true for headshots shot within an interesting work space. If what you do is very location specific, shooting in the working location is the way to go.

2. Creativity and Variety

Shooting on-location offers up endless possibilities! We can experiment with different backgrounds, lighting conditions, and poses. Completely unique settings can inspire spontaneous creativity adding interest and informality to your headshots. If you want to showcase your industry or work environment in particular, on-location shoots are unbeatable. The resulting images are also far more unique.

3. A Studio on location?

For companies updating headshots for multiple employees, on-location portrait shoots make a lot of sense. They simplifies everything from a logistical and diary management point of view. Many simple studio looks can be replicated on location, especially the classic white background look. There’s no need to transport everyone to my studio! It’s a time-saving and cost-effective option to bring me to you.

How to Choose: Studio or On-Location?

Consider the following when making your decision between shooting headshots on location or in the studio:

  1. Professional Needs: What look do you actually need? Some professional looks suit the studio environment best. If consistency across multiple staff and a unified brand image are crucial, opt for studio headshots. The resulting images are perfect for corporate websites, business cards, and LinkedIn profiles. Everything can be controlled and any future staff headshots shot at a later date can be shot in the same way.
  2. Personal Preferences: Do you want a natural, more personalised look? On-location headshots better capture your work personality and working environment. They’re great for creative professionals and freelancers, or industries with interesting workplaces.
  3. Weather: If opting to shoot outside, be aware of weather issues! Here in the UK, it’s far from predicable. Location sessions are best shot with some diary flexibility in mind and during April – October only.
  4. Budget: My studio sessions are booked on a per person basis and last 45 minutes. I shoot a lot of variety, outfits, backgrounds and general professional looks. I charge £275 for a studio shoot plus 2 digital images. Additional images cost £45 each. On location, I’m typically shooting more subjects, or spending more time with an individual. Here I’m booked by the half day (£495)/day (£695). I quote based on shoot and edit time combined, with the number of subjects, variations required and the general complexity of the location having an impact on the time required.

Both studio and on-location headshots have their merits. Whether you choose the polished studio look or the more natural location vibe, remember that your headshots should represents you professionally. They should be about you and your line of work. Strike a balance that aligns with your brand, personality and the end use case of the images. Please get in touch if you want to discuss this further or to chat dates and make a headshot booking!