Outdoor headshots vs studio headshots in Melbourne: Which is Best for Your Business?
So you’ve decided it’s time to ditch the selfie and get “proper” headshots. Good call. Then you’re left wondering what’s the best background for professional headshots..? And now you’re staring at two options: a clean studio background or a session out in the wild… and you’re not sure which one is right for you?!?
Honestly? There’s no wrong answer. But there is a better answer, and it depends on your brand, your personality and what you’re going to do with the photos.
Before choosing between studio and outdoor headshots, consider what feels authentic to you. Your industry might lean toward clean studio shots, while your creative side prefers the relaxed vibe of outdoor settings. Think about where you feel most comfortable, what story you want to tell and consider where these photos will live: LinkedIn headshots have different requirements than website hero images or social media profiles. And whilst in the wild, weather is a factor, beautiful natural light is hard to beat.
Whether you’re after professional headshots for small businesses, a solo trade, a side hustle or a corporate role, here’s what you need to know before you book.
Studio Headshots
A studio headshot is the classic: you, a clean background, controlled lighting and a photographer who knows what they’re doing. It’s consistent, polished and very easy to use across different platforms without looking out of place.
The good stuff:
- Lighting is consistent and flattering. No squinting into the sun or dealing with patchy shade
- Background options mean you can easily get a few different looks in one session (think: white for your LinkedIn, black for your website header, olive green because it looks great with your outfit)
- Weather is zero issue. Rain, wind? Doesn’t matter
- Great if you want clean, versatile images that work across a professional services website, email footer, socials or other marketing materials
- Wardrobe changes are easy and quick. Two outfits, two looks, done
Worth knowing:
- If you hate feeling “posed” or stiff, a blank backdrop might feel a bit clinical, though a good photographer will get you out of your head pretty fast
- Studio images tend to feel more formal, which is perfect for some industries and less perfect for others
- You’re working within someone else’s location rather than your own
Studio Headshots Melbourne
My studio is based in Carrum Downs in Melbourne’s south-east, a quick trip from Frankston, Dandenong, Cheltenham and surrounds. I won’t pretend it’s glamorous (it’s literally my garage), but the lighting is set up properly and the photos are genuinely gorgeous.
I have black, white and olive green backdrops ready to go, with pink, aqua and red available on request. Bring two outfits, maybe a couple of accessories, and you’ll walk away with a variety of shots that don’t look like they were all taken on the same day.
Sessions are just 15 minutes and you’ll get 20+ images (included in the price!)
Book your headshots in my Carrum Downs studio → And if you can’t find a date that suits, contact me to schedule a time.
Outdoor Headshots
An outdoor photoshoot gives your images context and personality. Instead of a blank wall, you’ve got natural light, texture, colour and a background that says something about you before anyone reads a single word of your bio.
The good stuff:
- Natural light is beautiful and flattering
- The environment adds personality and context. A café, a beach, a park or your actual workplace all tell a different story
- Great for personal brands, creatives, coaches, consultants, and anyone whose brand is built around them as a person rather than a corporate entity
- Images often feel more natural and relaxed, which tends to show in the photos too
- More variety within a single session. Different spots, different backdrops, all within a short walk
Worth knowing:
- Weather in Melbourne is… Melbourne. If it rains or the light is rubbish, we reschedule at no cost, but it does mean a bit more flexibility needed in your diary
- If you don’t have a location in mind, it can feel overwhelming (I can help with suggestions!)
- Backgrounds need to be considered. Too busy or distracting background can pull focus away from you
Who suits outdoor headshots? Anyone who feels more themselves outside than inside a studio.
Outdoor Headshots Melbourne
One of the things I love most about outdoor headshots is that they don’t have to be generic. You can shoot at:
- Your actual workplace or business premises (great for service-based businesses who want to show where they work)
- Your local beach, perfect for that relaxed, lifestyle feel
- A park or garden with gorgeous natural light and greenery
- A funky mural, brick wall or urban laneway if that suits your brand
- A favourite café or market
If you can travel within about 10 minutes of Carrum Downs, we can meet at your happy place and be done and dusted in under 20 minutes. If you’re further away, travel fees may apply. Just ask.
Not sure where to shoot? Tell me the vibe you’re after and I’ll suggest some local spots.
Book your headshots in the wild in Melbourne’s South East →
Studio vs Outdoor Headshots: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Studio | Outdoor |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting | Controlled, consistent | Natural, beautiful, but changeable |
| Weather | No impact | Melbourne-dependent (free reschedule) |
| Feel | Clean, polished, professional | Relaxed, natural, personality-led |
| Background | Multiple solid colors | Loations, textures, real environments |
| Price | $190 | $220 |
| Location | Carrum Downs Studio | Within 10 mins of Carrum Downs (travel fees beyond) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if it rains on the day of my outdoor headshot shoot? No stress. If the weather is genuinely unsuitable, we reschedule at no cost. Melbourne weather being what it is, I build flexibility into outdoor bookings.
Do I need to bring props? You don’t need to, but if something is relevant to your business or brand: a notebook, a product, a tool of your trade, it can make for a nice variation.
What should I wear? Bring two outfits and a couple of accessories. Think about what you wear when you’re meeting clients or showing up online. Avoid very fine stripes or busy patterns, which don’t always photograph well. No need to be decked head to toe in your brand colors, just don’t clash with them.
What are the best outdoor headshot poses? I guide you through everything, so you don’t need to figure this out yourself. We’ll do classic straight-to-camera looks and a few candid-style shots while you’re “doing something” (walking, laughing, looking away).
What are some good outdoor headshot ideas? Think about what background says something about your brand. A coastal business might love a beach. A florist might love a garden. A barista or café owner might want to shoot in their own space. The best outdoor headshots resonate with you, not just “person standing near a tree.”
What’s the best time of day for outdoor headshots? Golden hour (an hour or so after sunrise or before sunset) is gorgeous but not always practical. Overcast days are actually brilliant for headshots: soft, even light with no harsh shadows. Midday sun is the trickiest to work with, so we try and avoid it, but a good photographer can manage it.
Can I have headshots taken at my workplace? Yes! This is a great option. Check out workplace headshots and team photos if you’ve got more than one person who needs photos.
Still not sure which way to go? Send me a message, tell me a bit about your business and what you’re after, and we’ll figure it out together. Whether you end up in the studio or out in the wild, you’ll walk away with a heap of photos you actually want to share.