Static Background versus ‘On Location’
Today I want to talk to you about using a static background versus ‘on location’.
I offer both options to all of my clients, but if I have the opportunity to influence the decision, I would always go for ‘on location’.
Let’s explore what they both mean…
For me, a static background is using a frame with a coloured backdrop. I have a variety of hand painted options to choose from. White used to be the most popular and can still work very effectively. But the downside with white? The backdrop tends to be the brightest thing in the image, and we want the focus to be on you, so it would never be my first choice.
Other options I can offer are a soft grey, which is very flattering for most skin colours, a pale blue and a very dark almost black option. The dark one has a soft mottled effect which helps to stop it being quite so dark. There has been a trend in the last couple of years towards darker backdrops, and they can look surprisingly good. I always encourage clients to choose brighter or lighter coloured clothing, so there is some contrast with the background.
So, we’ve covered static backdrops, what about ‘on location’?
This gives enormous scope – you can be indoors or outside. And literally photographed anywhere. The camera focus is always on the subject – namely you the client! However, you can see still some of the background, which is out of focus, adding colour and texture. The nice thing about this is that there are so many options to choose from, all around us.
Anybody who knows me, knows I love shooting outside. Making the most of the natural light is something I really enjoy. Very natural environments with lots going on – woodland, streams, bridges, stone paths – they are all great. But I also love a more urban look too – brickwork, metal, concrete, and so on.
Why do I prefer ‘on location’?
Static backdrops mean I am usually closer to the subject while shooting, which makes them feel more uncomfortable. For reluctant subjects, it makes it even harder for them to relax.
The upside of using static backdrops is consistency. All the images look the same, which can be very important to some customers. Equally, a plainer background can work well when being used on a busy website that already has a lot of pattern, dark colours and features.
But, back to the question of my preference?
‘On location’ means we can match backgrounds to the subject being photographed. This not only adds character and context to pictures, but invariably means people feel more at ease. They feel less intimidated and being in a more natural environment can distract them from feeling quite so nervous.
I am a massive lover of natural light, and, particularly if we can shoot outside, there’s always light to enjoy. Even if I’m shooting on a very bright Summer’s day when the sun is high in the sky and can be very strong, there are ways to maximise the light without bleaching out the subject.
Being able to move around my subject means there is more chance to catch a variety of angles, ensuring we achieve the most flattering end result.
When companies choose an ‘on location’ approach for their team headshots, we can still make it look co-ordinated. Each image can be subtly different but retain a theme and balance. I think this gives the best of both worlds.
I believe ‘on location’ images retain the professionalism, and often enhance it, by creating a more natural and candid shot…