Choosing a background color for your head shot can be quite tricky, especially for a corporate head shot. I always use white backgrounds as this is a tried and true method.
A majority of corporate head shots actually require a white background. White provides a neutral color reference and it does not interfere with the person being photographed or other colors that could potentially be involved.
For those who need print ads or online graphics, white is ideal as it can be altered to generate composite images. One of the major benefits of using a white background is that the shade and color can be adjusted with different lighting.
White backgrounds also offer the least amount of distractions so you can really zone in on the subject’s beautiful features. Now with social media rapidly increasing in popularity, professionals are seeking high-quality LinkedIn photos. White background is perfect for this as it allows the client to stand out in the photo.
You’ll notice many catalog prints and beauty blogger websites feature head shots with a white background. Again, this allows viewers to really focus in on the model. Whether they are advertising accessories or makeup, there are no distractions with the white background.
Clean, white backdrops are appropriate for any skin tone or outfit. They’re also timeless. It’s likely your look will be outdated before the look of the photo. Using a white backdrop for your headshot will make the image easy to place in any advertisement, website or social media site. It will never clash with your marketing materials.