What is the best background for a headshot?
The best backgrounds for actor headshot photos are simple and well-lit.
Typically, acting headshots are taken indoors, but an outdoor natural look may have its place - especially here in the Orlando market. Natural light gives a softer quality, while studio lighting is sharper and more dramatic. Indoor lighting can also lend a polished quality and leave you less at the mercy of the elements. Look for contrast in your headshot backgrounds. If you have dark hair, you can melt into a shadowy background. Lighter grey or cream will make you pop.
If you are just starting your inquiries, it’s worth asking a photographer if they have their own studio setup or which specific outdoor locations they typically use for shoots (complete with examples). When it comes to headshot backgrounds, a professional headshot photographer should know how to guide you in the right direction. A headshot is your calling card as an actor, but it’s also an example of the photographer’s work.
Most Actor Headshots Are Taken In A Studio Setting
The most versatile and universally-accepted background for acting headshots is indoors.
Fortunately, you have a few choices, even indoors, that can create different types of headshots! From totally flat to textured, to environmental, the studio setting at Eldeen Annette Headshots allows for lots of options.
A flat seamless paper is a popular trend right now for acting headshots.
You can pick a color that completes your look, and the paper is going to be simple enough to please any agency or casting director.
Seamless paper is punchy and modern. It is probably the best way to truly pop off the page, since your eyes and smile will be the first thing that draws attention.
All markets respond well to seamless paper backdrops. New York markets love a rich gray tone, while Orlando markets love bright and friendly colors. At our studio, we have nearly every option available for seamless paper backdrop colors.
Having lots of color options allow us to beautifully tie in to whatever outfit you bring. Whether it’s a tone-on-tone look, a contract look, or if we pick up one color from a plaid shirt, it’s really easy to make a cohesive actor headshot when we use paper backgrounds.
Here are some examples of seamless paper backdrops and how they can be incredibly versatile depending on color and lighting:
Another background that is studio-ready and popular for actors’ headshots is a textured, hand-painting backdrop or cloth.
A textured look is trending in Los Angeles and a popular choice for not only commercial actors, but also those getting into film and TV.
Hand-painted backdrops carry a professionalism that is unique and useful for actors. These backdrops are expensive, and indicate that your headshot studio was an investment - meaning you as an actor take your career seriously.
Textured backgrounds have color variation, which can allow simple interest, all while tying in with your outfit.
Fabric backgrounds can offer a nice, soft background feel when photographed slightly out of focus.
One thing to keep in mind - textured backgrounds need to still be simple - the focus needs to be on the actor, not the texture of the background.
Here are some examples of textured hand-painted backgrounds for acting headshots. These images seem highly professional and engaging.
One of the most popular choices at my studio is the “set.” This background looks like you are on set, in an environment, but it’s out of focus so that you remain the star of the headshot.
This “set” type environment is becoming increasingly popular with agencies (I’ve noticed they tend to pick headshots with this look over flat paper!).
An environmental look also allows us to bring light into your background, which can be very engaging!
The environment can be lighter in tone or medium to darker in tone. This natural look is so appealing and makes you look like you are literally on the set of a movie.
Here are some examples of backgrounds that have a set / environmental look:
The last type of background options we have here at my studio is a fully-outdoor environment.
Even though we are outside, I still bring my studio lighting gear out so that your headshots are highly professional looking.
An outdoor look can work great for actors who are also models and need what the industry calls “Lifestyle Images”
Outdoor headshots don’t have to be trees and bricks - we have a nice, neutral area that allows you to shine on architecture, not just green trees (which can read as amateur)
Outdoor headshots can have a WONDERFUL hair light when the sun is in the right spot. If you want an outdoor look, I recommend a mid-morning session for best light.
Here are some examples of how nice a headshot can look when taken outside!
So, what is the best background for acting headshots?
The answer is - it depends on your needs! Know your market, and in doubt, contact your agency to see if they have a preference. Each market, whether Florida, Atlanta, Los Angeles, or New York, will all have different needs so you can stand out, while still fitting into industry standards.
Our sessions normally include a couple of different backgrounds within the same look/outfit. I love having options, and actors have benefited from having choices to present to their agency.