Business Headshots Outdoors
Oh, Orlando, how I love you and your stunning landscape!
Orlando has wonderful Business Headshots Outdoors
Being a headshot photographer in Orlando, FL provides me with some very unique backdrop and lighting opportunities for headshots. Taking outdoor business headshots requires skill and experience, so I’m grateful how often I’ve had the opportunity to take corporate headshots outside in Orlando!
For some professionals, indoor studio headshots are required for the particular company or are preferred for their business goals. In-studio headshots are a wonderful way to get a professional, corporate look for your portraits. But often, a business professional is allowed to do an outdoor backdrop for their headshots. These images are warm, full of life, light, and personality because of our beautiful Orlando setting. Having your headshots taken outside is a great way to attract and captivate your audience. Let’s look at the reasons why a corporate client may wish to do their photography session outdoors.
Want to skip ahead and see examples? Check out our full selection of business portraits and scroll through to see all of the options.
Before you decide if outdoor business headshots are right for you: do your research
Before you book a headshot session, it’s important to figure out if the outside natural look is appropriate for your business or company. Here are a few things you need to consider to help you decide if this type of portrait will benefit you:
Does your company have particular standards for headshots?
Oftentimes a larger company requires their employee headshots to look as similar as possible. In cases where the company does not provide headshots for its employees, check for the rules and specifics before booking your portrait. Usually, a company with a standard requires a white or gray background and classic studio lighting. Make sure to provide your photographer with examples of your company’s headshots to make sure that they can achieve the look you need.
What are you trying to communicate in your headshot?
Outdoor backdrop headshots have a more natural, casual appeal. If you need something that looks highly professional, having your headshots taken in a natural setting may not be the right choice, and I’d opt for a more studio look. However, if you have a profession like a realtor, author, or small business owner, an outdoor look may be just what you need to help communicate approachability to your client base.
Does your personality match an outdoor vibe?
Every personality can be complimented by using the appropriate backdrop. For me personally, I love the polished, intentional look of a studio backdrop. It suits my personality and helps me send a clear message of professionalism regarding my business. I do love to have fun outside, but am not necessarily an “outdoorsy type,” so I wouldn’t want all of my portraits to be communicating that style.
Outdoor business headshots can be natural light or studio light
You might think that all outdoor headshots for corporate professionals or small business owners would be naturally lit by the sun alone. That is often the case, especially when your photographer knows how to use the sun to their advantage in headshot photography, but images can also be lit with professional gear. For me at my photography studio, I usually opt to light outdoor portraits using portable photography lighting equipment so that I can have confidence in the results of my clients’ headshots. The sun is a valuable asset to outdoor portraits, but is not reliable, which is why I normally opt to combine the natural light outside with a professional flash or two.
Outdoor lighting with only the sun as the source can be as effective as studio lighting
With the correct reflection equipment, these headshots are very strong as long as the sun is full! The headshot above was taken using only reflectors, with the sun to the businessman’s back. Amazing, right?! These images are bold, bright, and friendly.
Related: Orlando Realtor Headshots Photographer - what would a Realtor headshot look like outside?
What about bad weather for outdoor headshots?
The headshot above was taken in rain! The light mist that is common to Orlando is still ok if there is enough ambient light. These type of professional portraits, however, don’t carry the power that a full-sun headshot will have. In her case, we ended up going back inside after a quick set outside for a studio headshot. You can see how radically different the styles of headshots are, and how different the message is with each look.
Orlando’s beautiful foliage is perfect for outdoor business headshots
From bold, green palm trees to lakes and never-ending flower bushes, Orlando has the best natural landscape for colorful, friendly headshots. Look at the variety we can get in just a 2-mile radius from our Orlando Headshot Photography Studio!
Examples of Orlando Headshots taken outside
Palm Trees
The most popular outdoor setting for headshots in central Florida is palm trees. These trees are always green, have large leaves to fill a background, and have a powerful impact.
Palm trees help a business person communicate the location of their business if needed. Headshots taken in a dry field would not be a good fit for someone who needs others to know that they are located in Orlando (or Miami, Tampa, St. Petersburg, or even up in Pensacola Florida)!
Portraits taken in front of flowers
Even though the following example is a high school senior, these flowers are readily available nearly year-round at our Windermere, FL photography studio for headshots. What a treat! When paired with professional lighting gear that is available just inside, these images can be truly tropical and beautiful for both high school seniors and corporate professionals alike.
Related: Should your Personal Branding and Marketing portraits be taken outside?
Headshots with Central Florida architecture
One of the best things about living in Windermere, Florida is the architecture.
There are beautiful arches, colors, pillars, and stone available for professional headshots. This realtor opted for an outdoor look right outside our studio. The natural tones of the brick and stone paired with the palm trees and greenery make for a one-of-a-kind headshot!
Should you choose outdoor or indoor headshots?
We love to recommend both! Each type of headshot has a very particular appeal that can benefit any professional in multiple ways.
Benefits of Outside Headshots
Headshots taken outside are more friendly and approachable to your client base and peers.
Outdoor backdrops are bright and command attention in the Orlando market when done correctly.
Outdoor portraits can be used for about pages and social media very effectively.
Natural settings create an opportunity to tell the side of your story someone might want to get to know over coffee.
Benefits of Studio Headshots
Indoor professional portraits communicate professionalism, expertise, and knowledge.
Studio headshots can be more attractive since the lighting can be crafted to each body type.
Studio portraits are more appropriate for the business and corporate world. Your professional image matters online - studio headshots are well-received in the corporate world and you are more likely to be trusted with important projects and jobs with a strong indoor image.
Examples of Indoor vs. Outdoor images (you can see why you might want both!)
Whether you need an Outdoor Headshot in Orlando Florida, a Studio Portrait, or some of each, get in touch with Palm Lake Headshots to talk about what type of headshot is right for you! I can’t wait to get to know you.
Want to see more? Here are more examples of outdoor headshots and why it might be the right fit for you.