Yes, I get asked this question A LOT! The short, business answer is that there's no single best background for headshots that works for everyone. At Chad Isaiah Studios, we have a large variety of backdrops for headshots and portraits because your photo background doesn't exist in a vacuum – it needs to align with your outfit, message and intended usage.
What is the Best Background Color for Professional Headshots?
The best background color for a professional headshot depends on your industry, personal brand, and where you'll use the image. Here's what different headshot backdrop options communicate:
- Dark gray is cool, calm and collected.
- Black is sleek and edgy.
- Bright white is clean.
- Blue is often associated with tech startups.
- Red is powerful and passionate.
- Green usually speaks towards work with nature.
- Pastels are calming.
Less is More with Your Headshot Background
A clean background for headshots keeps the focus where it belongs – on that awesome smile or sparkling eyes. Having too much going on in the background, such as trees, an office or a wall of books can detract from you – the main focal point! Anything too busy or detailed and people will be trying to figure out what's in the background rather than focusing on you.
Keep it clean, keep it simple, and let yourself shine like the star you are.
White vs Gray vs Black: Which Headshot Backdrop is Best?
My personal favorites when it comes to backgrounds for headshots are neutral colors. Grays, beiges and whites are the unsung heroes of the headshot world. They're versatile, they're professional, and they play well with most social platforms.
White background headshots are perfect for LinkedIn profiles and corporate directories. They're clean, bright, and universally accepted.
Gray background headshots are my go-to recommendation for versatility. They work on both light and dark websites and convey professionalism without being boring.
Black background headshots create drama and make you pop off the image. They're popular with executives, speakers, and creative professionals who want to stand out.
I commonly say that a dark background makes you pop off the image while a white background makes your entire image pop!
But sometimes we like to get crazy and bold. A pop of color can add so much personality to your headshot! Just make sure it aligns with your personal or company's brand identity. Penn State blue and white may not be the best colors if you work for the University of Pittsburgh!
How to Pair Clothing with Headshot Background Colors
First off, if you go with a neutral background, then you can wear almost anything – black suit on a black background or white shirt on a white background still looks great!
If you're matching clothing with colored backdrops for headshots, you want the colors to complement each other, not fight. Looking for guidance on what to wear? Check out our guide on the best colors to wear for professional headshots.
A bright red shirt on a green background rarely looks good. But a red shirt on a red, orange or yellow background will look stellar.
Best Backdrop for LinkedIn Headshots
For LinkedIn and professional networking, you want a headshot background that looks polished without distracting from your face. The best background for LinkedIn headshots is typically:
- Gray – Works on LinkedIn's white interface and looks professional
- White – Clean and corporate, great for company pages
- Navy blue – Subtle and trustworthy
Avoid busy environmental backgrounds or overly bold colors for LinkedIn – save those for your creative portfolio or personal brand.
What is the Brand Message You Want to Send with Your Headshot Background?
Think about the big picture. What's the purpose of the headshot? Are we going for corporate and sleek, or creative and edgy? The background you choose should convey your personal brand louder than I can yell "One down, eight-teen!" during a shoot.
Consider the industry you're in. If you're a lawyer or accountant you might want something more conservative. Graphic designers or executive directors might want to rock a more vibrant backdrop.
Can You Bring Backdrops for Headshots on Location Shoots?
Absolutely yes. I have a few traveling headshot setups that I often bring with me for an office headshot event. Most organizations opt to go with a white or dark gray background but the system I use can accommodate just about any color – just ask if we have it!
What About Office Backgrounds for Headshots?
Short answer: it's not my preference, but I will still make it look amazing.
If all of your industry peers have office backgrounds for headshots or if you have corporate specifications from the C-Suite, then perhaps this is the best choice for you. Maybe you have a new office that you want to show off in your team headshots – I can still make it look awesome.
A busy background might distract from your beautiful face, but sometimes we have to go with the flow.
But I like people who go against the grain – if your entire industry is doing office backgrounds for headshots, why not go with a solid headshot background and set your company apart as an industry leader?
Headshot Background Replacement is a Fantastic Option!
Advances in technology are amazing. If we get an awesome shot of you in the studio, we can even replace the background. Obviously, we won't put you at the top of the Cathedral of Learning, but if you wanted an office background or the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in the background, we can make that happen!
What Headshot Backdrops Do You Offer In Studio?
White, gray, black are the staples. We have a few color backdrops available and depending on your needs, are willing to order a new color! We can also color the walls to just about any color and then tweak it to the exact color you need in post production.
