What Is the Best Background for Headshots?
The background isn’t just a setting. It plays a major role in the tone, professionalism, and flexibility of your image.
At my Bend, Oregon studio, I use a neutral gray background for all of my headshot sessions. After years of working with professionals across industries, I’ve found that gray works beautifully for just about everyone and every purpose.
Why I Choose Gray
A medium gray background does something special: it highlights you, not the setting. It doesn’t distract, compete, or feel trendy. It keeps the focus where it should be - on your expression, your confidence, and your personal brand.
Gray is also versatile. Depending on the lighting, it can look lighter or darker, allowing for the opportunity to create variety.
White Backgrounds: Clean, but lacks depth or interest
While white backgrounds have become common on websites and corporate directories, they can feel harsh, clinical or sterile. They also tend to reflect a lot of light, which can wash out skin tones or create too much contrast. For some uses, they work, but they don’t offer the same flexibility or timeless quality that gray does.
Black Backgrounds: Bold, but Often Too Dramatic
Black backgrounds can create a striking, moody portrait, but are often too heavy for standard professional use. They are rarely suitable for LinkedIn, company profiles, or multi-platform branding, where a clean and neutral image is best.
The Most Flexible Option
A well-lit gray background gives you an image that can work everywhere:
LinkedIn
Personal websites
Business cards
Speaking engagements
Corporate directories
Email signatures
Because the tone is neutral, it blends well with both light and dark website designs and doesn’t clash with branding colors.
Simple Is Powerful
Your background should support your image, not dominate it. I use a gray backdrop because it creates professional, flexible, and flattering images that stand the test of time. When you're investing in a headshot that may represent you for the next year or two, timeless is a smart choice.
Ready for a Headshot That Actually Looks Like You on Your Best Day?
If you're in Bend, Oregon and ready to elevate your image, I'd love to help. I specialize in studio headshots that are confident, authentic, and uniquely you.
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