You’ve decided to go for professional headshots and have already booked a headshot photographer. But now you’re wondering, are outdoor headshots better or studio headshots?
As a headshot photographer, I’ve worked with CEOs, actors, authors, doctors, business owners, life coaches, and everyone in between. I’ve shot thousands of headshots both in the studio and outdoors. And my 25+ years of experience have taught me this: studio headshots always win. PERIOD.
This doesn’t mean that outdoor headshots are inferior. But if you’re planning to invest in professional photography for your corporate headshots—the ones that carry your personal brand, your reputation, and your career forward, I would always recommend studio headshots over outdoor headshots.
As the founder of Vikrant Photography, a leader in studio headshots in Philadelphia, I prefer studio headshots over outdoor headshots.
There are numerous benefits of studio photography, and in this blog, I will share all of them with you.
1. Total Control of Lighting
If there is anything I have learnt in 25+ years of my career, it is that lighting can really make or break a professional headshot. In outdoor shoots, you’re at the mercy of the elements (the sun, the clouds, light bouncing off the surrounding buildings, and time of day). Sure, I can chase shade or wait for the “golden hour,” but it’s unpredictable.
Now, when we shoot in the studio, none of this is an issue. I have complete control over the lighting, which means I decide where the light falls, how dramatic or soft it should be, and what mood it brings out. In the studio, lighting can be adjusted to make sure your skin looks natural, your eyes pop, and your natural features are complemented.
“That’s all fine, Vikrant, but how does this help me?” you may ask.
“Consistency.”
Studio headshots give you consistent results, always
(L-R): Matt Tucholke, David Yang, and Michael Maizels
In simple terms, the biggest advantage here is the consistent look in your final photos. If you need headshots for, say, your company’s website, where every employee requires a cohesive and consistent look, then studio lighting is the way to achieve it. Outdoors, achieving that consistency is nearly impossible.
2. Zero Weather Worries
As an expert headshot photographer, outdoor sessions have proven challenging in my experience so far. Don’t get me wrong, I love a challenge; it allows me to truly bring out my skills. But almost always, I’ve experienced firsthand how rain, wind, humidity, snow, or just an uncomfortably hot day can ruin a shoot.
I’ve had clients show up in their best professional outfits, only to sweat through them under the hot sun. I’ve had clients fight the wind-blown hair for a large portion of their session. And god forbid, if the forecast changes suddenly? We need to reschedule, wasting everyone’s time.
Studio headshots, on the other hand, are immune to weather-related issues. It is always dry, always the right temperature, the perfect lighting, and never windy. Your wardrobe looks sharp, not a single hair on your head is out of place, and you can relax and feel comforted by the fact that here, the weather and environment won’t affect how your final photos turn out.
What’s better is that a studio session means no rescheduling, no rushing, no hoping that the weather stays perfect. Time is valuable, and studio sessions operate with this mantra. You show up for your session, we shoot according to our plan, and you leave with exactly what you came for!
3. A Clean, Distraction-Free Background
A good corporate headshot is all about you—not the tree, not the busy street, not the random pedestrian walking into the frame. And while outdoor headshots may present a vibrant background, they bring with them a whole set of distractions that take the focus off you. No matter how much I blur the background in editing, it still can give a hint of clutter or take the focus away from your face.
None of this is a problem with studio headshots, where the background is clean and intentional. I plan the entire session with you, including the background, outfits, hair, and lighting, to ensure everything comes together and brings the focus to you. I ensure that your face and expression stay natural, and that your personality always shines in your final photos.
Studio headshots provide a clean, distraction-free background
Zain Mann’s Headshot
This is important because headshots are not everyday portraits. They’re powerful tools that live on websites, social media, press releases, book covers, speaking engagements, and your LinkedIn, and can make or break your public perception. A clean, distraction-free background ensures that your business headshot looks professional, everywhere it’s used.
4. More Flexibility
With outdoor headshots, you’re limited in terms of creativity and expression. I can adjust your position, shift the angle, or look for shade, but I’m still working with what nature provides. If the light changes, the photo’s look changes too. If the background is too busy, we move and hope for better.
With studio headshots, creativity isn’t limited. If you prefer a warm, approachable vibe, I’ll soften the lighting and use a bright background. On the other hand, if a dramatic, powerful look is what you’re after, I’ll deepen the shadows and build contrast. To top it all, shooting multiple looks, whether it’s for your company website, LinkedIn profile, or a speaking engagement, is quick and seamless indoors.
Studio sessions guarantee precision because I can easily match the photos to your brand colors, experiment with subtle gels, or keep things classic and timeless, something that isn’t guaranteed with outdoor shoots.
5. Professional Image
Outdoor headshots may look a tad informal—and while that may work for certain professions like a yoga instructor or a lifestyle blogger, studio headshots look more formal and professional. Studio portraits work well for many traditional roles—such as those of a lawyer, financial advisor, author, or CEO—as they carry more weight and fit in naturally.
Studio headshots provide a professional look
Linda Froehlich’s Headshot
They convey intention, investment, and polish. In my experience, a huge majority of people who see a studio headshot are more likely to recognize that you’ve taken your career seriously enough to put in the effort.
6. Bonus Benefit: Privacy
Not many people realize this, but one of the biggest benefits of studio photography is the privacy it offers. Outdoors, most prime spots are usually shared by other photographers, who are there with their own clients. We both have to wait, hoping that they are mindful of shared space, and let us shoot while we still have the right natural lighting available. And it’s no picnic for the clients either, as there’s a sort of unspoken pressure, a rushed session with others waiting for you to get done.
With a studio session, this is not even a concern. As a headshot photographer, I only take ONE session at a time, so the focus is completely on YOU. When you come for your session, the time is dedicated to you only; you’re the star of the moment. Your session is dedicated to you, and we do as many takes as needed to get that perfect shot, without anyone there to rush us. This way, the experience is enjoyable for everyone, and we get amazing-looking headshots!
My Verdict: Why Choose Studio?
I’ve shot headshots in every setting imaginable—parks, rooftops, corporate lobbies, you name it. Outdoor headshots can be fun, and for some personal branding needs, they make sense. But when clients ask me where they’ll get the most reliable, professional, and versatile results, I point to the studio every time.
David’s Headshot
It’s the space where I can control every variable, ensure your best angles shine, and deliver images that work across any platform. After 25 years behind the camera, I’ve seen firsthand how much a great headshot matters. It’s not just a picture—it’s your reputation in a single frame. If you want to put your best face forward without compromise, the studio is where that happens.
Conclusion
Your headshot is often the first impression you make, whether online or in print. Do you want it left to chance—or crafted with intention?
Outdoors has its charm, but the studio is where professionalism, control, and quality come together. As someone who’s spent a quarter-century helping people look their best, I can tell you this: when you walk out of a studio session, you don’t just get a photo—you get confidence, consistency, and an image that’s built to last.
For anyone seeking professional studio headshots in Philadelphia, Vikrant Photography offers the perfect space to capture polished, lasting images that elevate your brand. Book your session now by visiting us here.
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