What Colour Background Is Best For Headshots?
What colour background is best for professional headshots? Different colours create different messages. Read below to find out the differences between white, dark, and colour headshot backgrounds, and learn what background is right for your next business portrait.
White Headshot Background
When it comes to personal branding and headshots, a white background is one of the most common modern backgrounds. That is the reason why I include it in all of my headshot sessions. Not only does it give a clean, sleek look but it also provides the most attention to the subject. A white background often matches the graphic design on a website. It also allows for the subject to easily be extracted from the image, and placed on another background colour. A white background works with any skin type and most outfits, as well as it gives a feeling of airiness and approachability. This style of background has been very popular for quite some time as it really makes everyone look good, and for this reason, white backgrounds are certainly not going out of style. But what about other background colours for headshots? There is a place for them too.Â
Dark Headshot Background
Black or dark backgrounds exude a feeling of tradition and timelessness. These are often associated with more traditional occupations and can be a great alternative to white, as they show some drama as well as increase the emphasis on the subject. Dark backgrounds will also make bright colours pop. They create elegant business portraits that highlight the subject, and are again, timeless.
Colour Headshot Background
In the world of professional portraits there is also space for colourful backgrounds. True, they are not as timeless and versatile as dark or white but they convey an important message. Bright backgrounds work especially well for companies that have bright brand colours, or for people who work in the arts/creative industry. Bright backgrounds can also work well for people who are changing the landscape of their field, they are visionaries, and they want to stand out from others. These professional portraits are for those who want to stand out from the crowd, and they are created to do just that. The images catch the audience’s attention as well as show the world that the subject is creative, happy to stand out from the crowd, and think outside the box.
Final Thoughts
No matter what colour background you choose for your headshot or personal branding, the most important aspect of a professional headshot is that your audience is drawn to your photo, the background is always secondary. Speak to your photographer on how to make sure you are the centre of attention and are captured in the best possible light… no pun intended.
Opal Photography is a full service corporate photography studio. We specialize in professional headshots and professional portraiture. If you are interested in creating new headshots or personal branding photos, please contact us.
