The 3 Best Background Colours for Headshots and How To Choose Yours

When it’s time to get your professional headshots taken in the studio, one key decision you’ll have to make is deciding on the background. It’s an important choice that requires some consideration. Read along for some tips on selecting the right background colour for you.

The Black Background

Headshots with a black or dark background give off a premium feeling that can convey prestige and luxury. They are visually striking and convey depth, making them perfect for creatives. I truly believe that anyone, from any industry, looks great photographed against a black background (especially with my lighting formula for this kind of background). But it is usually the bold who go to the dark side with their background choice!

The Black Background Headshot is Recommended for: 

• Creatives, designers, musicians, actors

• Entrepreneurs associated with a luxury or premium brand

• Professionals who want to stand out from the crowd

Clothing colours that pair well with a black background:

• Light coloured shirt

• Light coloured jacket or sweater

• Blue, grey, or a bold coloured jacket/blazer/sweater

The White Background

Also called a “high key” headshot, a white background headshot is the corporate standard for no-frills professionalism. The forever-favourite of the LinkedIn crowd, this is a risk-free choice guaranteed to look great and have mass appeal.

The White Background Headshot is Recommended for: 

• Professionals working in larger corporations, financial, real estate, and health care sectors

• People looking to climb the corporate ladder

• Can also suit entrepreneurs with bright and airy branding

Clothing colours that pair well with a white background:

• Everything except a white shirt (unless it’s under a blazer or sweater; then it’s ok!)

• Blue, grey, black, or a bold coloured jacket/blazer/sweater

The Grey Background

A grey background is the Swiss Army knife of background colours. It’s so neutral, that it literally fades into the background and lets you centre stage. It is also extremely versatile in post-production; with some quick masking in Photoshop, a grey background can be colourized to any colour you can dream of; brightened up all the way to pure white; or darkened to a deep charcoal, all without looking cut and paste (conversely, changing a black background to white, or vice versa, usually does not yield the greatest results). So whether you just really like the neutral grey vibe, or you want flexibility to be able to change your background colour later down the line, this could be the right choice for you.

The Grey Background Headshot is Recommended for: 

• Anyone! Grey is a great all-arounder

Clothing colours that pair well with a grey background:

• Everything except a grey top, unless you are going for a soft, low contrast, or monotone palette to suit similar branding

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There you have it; the 3 best and most popular headshot backgrounds! Hopefully these insights help you select the best option for you!

(Ps: if you were thinking of going colourful, there will be a post coming soon about that!)

Photos & Article by Christina De Melo

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