About Outdoor Headshots

Outdoor headshot sessions allow for multiple background options and offer a variety of textures.

What are Natural Light Outdoor Headshots

Natural light outdoor headshtos are classic photographic techniques used in an outdoor setting that utilizes or mimics sunlight to enhance the light quality for each individual.

Outdoor headshot sessions allow for multiple background options and offer a variety of background textures and elements.

With a few light modifiers in a natural environment, a couple poses and you are all set with a new headshot.

View Outdoor Headshot Gallery↗

Natural Light Indoor Headshot

Best Times for Outdoor Headshots

For outdoor sessions the best time to photograph is in the late afternoon when the sun is low in the sky, early mornings are a great option also.

With the time of year in mind, the best shooting time is 1-2 hours before sunset, depending on the length of your session. 

In undesireable lighting conditions, our strobe flash set up can be used outdoors to achieve a similiar effect as our naturally lit headshots.

Outoor photography session at a client’s work space in Portland Oregon, photographing with modifiers using available light.

Outdoor Headshot Locations for Portland

Portland Oregon has no shortage of beautiful locations to get a great professional outdoor headshot done. We can shoot your professional headshot in almost any outdoor area in the city.

Parks, museums, landmarks, bridges, specific streets like the iconic East Burnside (show in Aminata’s headshot) and other locations throughout Portland provide ideal backdrops for professional outdoor headshot sessions.

We can meet you in whichever area you desire and use the natural light outside, whether you have a wonderful outdoor setting in mind or need some suggestions, we’re here to provide you with an amazing outdoor headshot.

On location at Cathedral Park in St. Johns Portland Oregon photographing a client using available light with modifiers.

Natural Outdoor Light Makes for Great Portraits

When we do our outdoor portraits, we like to work with natural sunlight as much as possible. Natural sunlight provides us with soft shadows, warm colors, and flattering highlights on faces. These elements  help us capture the best of you. 

Outdoor headshots tend to have an easygoing vibe to them. Professional portraits taken in the natural outdoor light have a fresher and gentler feel than those taken indoors. Natural light is warmer and more welcoming than indoor lighting, which can feel more stiff and clinical.

Why Choose the Outdoors for Your Headshot?

When you get your headshots made outdoors, they are one-of-a-kind. No two outdoor headshots are exactly the same. Different locations, natural colorful backgrounds, lighting, weather, all come together to make your outdoor portraits unique.

The outdoor setting can help communicate your story and place your photograph in a context your customers and clients can understand. Your photo will stand out among the hundreds of other corporate headshots taken in studios or offices. 

Many people discover that when they use outdoor headshot photography, they are able to be more themselves. People tend to feel more at ease and less self-conscious outside compared to a studio setting. When you’re at ease and relaxed in front of the camera, it will show in your images. Outdoor headshots help you be your authentic self.  

Other Session Details

Hair and make up as a service is not included, however, it is highly recommended depending on the desired presentation.

View How to Prepare for a Headshot Session in our FAQ.

In poor lighting conditions, studio strobe lighting may be used as a way to mimic the natural lighting or any other desired style upon request for an additional costs.

Learn more about the photographer’s style and story by visiting About Erica.

Visit our Headshot Guides for more information.

Reviewers and Participants

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