As headshot and portrait photographers we are often asked for advice on choosing which background color to use for business headshots and portraits. Below is a list of a few things to consider while making your decision.
Choosing the Best Color Background for your Business Headshots
1. Brand Colors
- Reflect Your Brand Identity: If your company has a defined color palette, use those colors to maintain brand consistency. The background color should complement or subtly reference your logo and brand materials.
- Subtle Use of Brand Colors:** If you don’t want the background to overpower the subject, consider using softer or muted tones of your brand colors.
2. Contrast with the Subject
- Ensure the Subject Stands Out: The background should contrast with the subject's clothing and skin tone, making sure the individual is the focus of the shot. For example, if the subject is wearing dark clothing, a lighter background will help them stand out.
- Avoid Distractions: Avoid overly busy or complicated patterns that could distract from the person’s face and expression.
3. Professionalism
- Neutral or Soft Colors: For most corporate settings, neutral backgrounds (like white, light gray, or beige) are a safe bet as they tend to be professional, clean, and timeless.
- Light vs. Dark Backgrounds:
- Light Backgrounds: Convey openness, simplicity, and clarity. White, light gray, or light blue are good options.
- Dark Backgrounds: Convey strength, elegance, and professionalism. Navy, charcoal, or black can work well if the subject wears lighter clothing or if you want to convey a more formal or sophisticated tone.
4. Context of the Headshot
- Company Culture: For a traditional, corporate environment (finance, law, consulting), neutral tones like white, gray, or black are usually preferred. For more creative or modern industries (tech, design, media), you can experiment with colors or even more dynamic backgrounds, such as soft gradients or muted colors that still feel polished.
- Location of Use: Think about where the headshots will appear—on your website, social media, print materials, etc. Make sure the background color will look good across different mediums, considering things like how it might print or display on digital screens.
5. Lighting
- The lighting setup can also influence how a background color looks. For example, white backgrounds can sometimes appear a bit cold or flat if the lighting isn't bright enough. Adjusting the light to create some contrast or using a slightly off-white tone can fix this.
6. Texture and Depth
- Solid Colors vs. Textured Backgrounds: Solid, flat backgrounds are often the go-to choice for simplicity, but some companies choose subtle textures or gradients to add depth. Be careful with textured backgrounds, as they can become distracting if not done correctly.
- Soft Blur: A slight blur (bokeh effect) in the background can help keep the focus on the subject while adding some interest without being distracting.
7. Consistency
- Uniformity Across Photos: If you’re doing a series of headshots for multiple employees, it’s essential to keep the background consistent to maintain a cohesive look on your website or materials. Decide on the background color beforehand and stick with it for all employees, adjusting only slightly for personal factors like hair or clothing color.
In the end, the key is to align the background color with the overall brand identity while ensuring it complements the subject and maintains a clean, professional appearance. If in doubt, neutral tones are usually a safe and effective choice.
Popular Background Color Choices:
1. White: Timeless, clean, and professional.
2. Light Gray: Neutral and versatile, providing a soft backdrop.
3. Beige or Taupe: Warm and approachable, often used in more creative fields.
4. Light Blue: Calm, approachable, and can reflect trust (ideal for client-facing roles).
5. Black or Dark Gray: Sophisticated and modern, often used for more formal or high-end industries.
6. Soft Gradients: Can work in creative or tech industries, giving a fresh, dynamic feel.
Location: 205 West 700 S, Salt Lake City, UT.
