If you were to ask anyone what they thought was involved in having a headshot photo taken, I suspect they’d imagine it was a 2-minute process that involved standing in front of a photographer taking a few snaps of them looking straight at the camera.

Not quite…but that’s for another time.

For now, have you ever considered what’s actually behind you when standing in front of a camera?

A headshot background can take many forms, but its main purpose should always be to compliment the sitter. A well thought out backdrop should work with your skin tone and features, as well as your hair style and hair colour. It can also influence your choice of clothing, and vice versa. Ultimately, a proper background will be something that will enhance your headshot rather than distract.

Depending on the purpose of the headshot, whether it’s for a chief executive or a team member, for an acting job, or for your own personal social media accounts, there are a range of options available:

So, the next time you arrange to have your headshots taken, remember to speak with your photographer to make sure you are complemented with the best choice of background.