Best Studio Backgrounds for Headshots

Our Studio Background Headshot Guide

Studio backgrounds can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of the photo. It’s important to choose a background that will make you stand out and look professional. In this guide we will show some of our studio background options.

Let’s explore some of the best backgrounds to consider in the studio for your professional headshot.

Examples of our studio backgrounds are:

White or Gray Background
Black Textured Wall
Burnt Orange Wall
Light Green Wall
“Office” Setup Background
“Greenery” Setup Background

Below we show examples of each of our most popular studio backgrounds for some of our clients. Depending on their needs we customized their background to match either their exsisting headshots or to make new ones.

Pro Tip: Background colors can be endless. We can change the color in the post production process to your desired brand color.

What are the best backgrounds for professional headshots?

In our Natural Light Studio located in NW Portland, Oregon, we photograph with a white background for most of our headshots. Depending on the client’s needs, we can desaturate the background, add a gradient, or change the color completely.

Studio backgrounds can provide a solid-color for your professional headshots. For corporate photos the most commonly used color are shades of gray. Shades of gray are clean, classic and suitable for most industries and work great with social media and website layouts.

Questions to consider when deciding on a studio background:

What background set up or color works with my business?
If I don’t know can my photographer suggest a background color?
What background colors or textures does my industry use?
Does my company already have an existing background color?
What colors am I wearing? Will the background wash me out or contrast with the colors I’ve chosen?

Pro tip: Know what your headshot will be used for before you decide on the look you want.

1. Classic White and Gray Wall Options

Client Background: Studio light gray

Our client, TCA, Tyee Carr Advisory were photographed in our studio with natural light as our light source. We used the classic white wall backdrop for these headshots in our Natural Light Studio located in northwest Portland, Oregon.

Client Background: Studio light gray and dark gray backdrop

Client Background: Studio light gray wall

Client Background: Studio light gray wall without desaturation in post production

2. Black Textured Wall

Client Background: Studio black textured wall

Our client, Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center headshots were photographed in our studio with strobe flash as our light source to match exsisiting headshots already made for the team. We used the black textured rolling backdrop for these headshots in our Natural Light Studio located in northwest Portland, Oregon.

Client Background: Studio black textured wall, added blue hue in post production