Can a headshot photoshoot include both studio, and environmental headshots?

Of-course it can. Heres a recent headshot photoshoot where I captured both studio style, and environmental style headshots.

NIB, a regular client based in the Auckland CBD booked in a headshot photoshoot to update some of their staff headshots. Some of the staff needed plain backgrounds for their headshots, and some needed out of focus environmental headshots, so we did both.

The environmental headshots and the areas use to capture them

I used three different areas of the offices to create the environmental headshots. Using different areas gives their staff headshots a variety of looks while keeping in the same style. The first area was a cool space in their offices which is a chill out area styled like a library. It has a selection of books displayed across one of the walls and some lounge type chairs for the staff to relax in, away from the hustle of the office. I captured some great headshots with the book wall as the background of the images, even though the distance between the wall and the person being photographed was only 1-2 meters I was still able to throw the focus of the background out enough to create a pleasing background blur in the images and isolate the subject.

headshot photograph captured during a photoshoot for NIB insurance, blond haired lady sitting in front of library wall

The second area used for environmental style headshots in the photoshoot

The library area has a set of stairs which head to the floor above of the offices. With a modern feel and large windows I used this area for a few headshots with the stairs them selves making a great background to the headshots.

Environmental style images from headshot photoshoot for NIB in Auckland by Adam Firth Photography

A slight move side to side allowed me to make changes to the backgrounds of headshots captured in the stairs area.

Headshot image of lady captured in stair area of Auckland offices of NIB by Professional headshot photographer Adam Firth

The third area used for environmental headshots during the shoot

The third area I used was right next to the library and is the kitchen/dining area. With large windows and a standup table perfect for people to stand next to. I find that having something for people to interact with during their headshot can help them relax and get a more natural feel in the images.

Environmental headshot of a young lady. Image has large windows in the background showing an out of focus Auckland city view

Each of these environmental headshots uses a combination of natural available light and at least three photographic lights to ensure a good balance in light. This produces headshots with flattering lighting for each person and the space behind th.

Headshot of male staff member captured in an Auckland office during a headshot photoshoot

Where are the studio style images captured in the headshot photoshoot you ask?

For the studio style headshots at NIB I always use an area next to the kitchen. It has enough space to setup the background, and is away from the main office area of the company so I am not disturbing anyone. It also gives the person being photographed some privacy, always a nice thing when you are having your headshot session.

Studio style headshot captured in Auckland offices by Professional headshot photographer Adam Firth

Which style of headshot from the photoshoot do you prefer?

Both styles have their place but which do you prefer? As a photographer I probably slightly prefer the environmental style of headshot due to its balance of natural and introduced light. I enjoy creating that combination technically and the more natural results it can bring to the feel of the headshot. But then I do love the studio style for its sharpness and the clean quality of the light. Studio style headshots are great also for the ability to select the background and replace it with another background.

 

Middle aged female office worker photographed in front of a white background wearing a black top for her headshot. Photographed by Adam Firth a professional headshot photographer based in Auckland New Zealand

Need some more information on headshot photoshoots?, Ive got you covered

Get in touch using the form below, or give me a call and we can start planning your headshot photoshoot. And don’t think this is only for large companies either. Headshot photoshoots are for everyone, from large shoots with multiple staff, right through to individuals looking to improve their online impression I can help,

Talk soon, Adam.