One of the first decisions in planning a session is where it happens. Both studio and on-location portraits can look polished. They just say different things.
Studio headshots
A studio gives you a clean backdrop, professional lighting and full control over every variable. The light is consistent and flattering, the background works in any context, weather is never a factor, and the result won’t look dated in a few years.
Studio is the safest choice for a primary headshot: the photo on LinkedIn, your company’s team page and your speaker bio.
On-location headshots
Your office, your neighborhood, the places your work actually happens. Location adds context a backdrop can’t: it tells people what you do before they read a word. With the right light, usually golden hour, it’s every bit as polished as the studio.
Location also gives you variety. One session can cover several backgrounds, and it leaves room for action: meetings, handshakes, your team, your community.
Most of the time, my clients make the place. But some locations, like Mount Baldy and the beach, have given me some pretty epic skies that a studio could never match.
My recommendation
I do lean toward the studio, especially when the weather is unpredictable and there’s a chance of rain or wind, or when a session needs to happen early in the morning or late at night, when the light outside isn’t ideal.
For most professionals, start with a studio portrait as your primary headshot, then add location images for variety. If your work happens out in the community, like a campaign, a practice or a storefront, lead with location.
Both are available right here in the Inland Empire, with no LA drive required. See headshot sessions or personal brand sessions.
Get the full guide
This is one part of my free guide, The Professional’s Guide to Personal Brand Photography, which also includes a brand session shot list and a session-day checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are studio or outdoor headshots better?
Neither is better in general. Studio headshots are clean, consistent and timeless, which makes them ideal as a primary headshot. On-location portraits add context and variety. Many professionals use a studio portrait for LinkedIn and location images everywhere else.
What is the best time of day for outdoor headshots?
Golden hour, the hour or so after sunrise and before sunset, gives warm, soft, flattering light.
Where do you photograph headshots in the Inland Empire?
Monstera Lissome Photography is based in Rancho Cucamonga and photographs studio and on-location sessions across the Inland Empire and greater Southern California.