Headshot Photography – Studio vs Outdoor vs Office

In this video, I answer five questions generated by ChatGPT about headshot photography – specifically the pros and cons of having your portrait taken in a studio, outdoors, or in your office. I share honest, unfiltered thoughts based on real experiences working with individuals and teams across Hertfordshire, London, and beyond.

Whether you're planning a team photo session or updating your LinkedIn profile, this video will help you decide which setting suits your goals best.

Hello. I wanted to create some content for my website, blog, and YouTube channel — particularly about my headshot work. I was thinking about how I could share something that feels a bit fresher and more natural, rather than just writing, editing, and refining a standard blog post.

Lately, I’ve been diving quite deep into the world of ChatGPT, and I thought I could use it to act as an interviewer. So I gave it a broad topic: environmental headshots versus studio headshots — the pros and cons. I asked it to come up with five questions that people might want answers to, and I’d respond with my own thoughts.

I didn’t read the questions beforehand — I just printed them out — so what you're hearing is my genuine reaction and opinion, unedited. Let’s dive in.

1. Studio vs Outdoor vs Office Headshots – What Are the Key Differences?

Question 1: What are the key differences between having a headshot taken in a studio, outdoors, or in a client’s office?

There are some obvious differences. Outdoors, you're at the mercy of the elements — things you can’t control. From a logistical point of view, outdoor portraits require a few extra layers of organisation. Every client's location is different. You might have access to a great outdoor space, or you could be in London where it’s easy to find parks or built-up urban areas.

In contrast, a studio-style headshot — even if I bring the setup to your office — gives you a completely controlled environment. I can manage the lighting, the background, and ensure consistency. That’s especially important when photographing a team or workforce...

2. What Environment Helps People Feel Most Comfortable?

Question 2: In your experience, what kind of environment helps people feel most comfortable and natural in front of the camera?

Honestly, I don’t think it’s about the environment as much as it is about the person behind the camera...
That’s where my experience working with people and teams comes in. It’s my job to help them relax and feel comfortable...

3. Choosing the Right Setting for Your Industry

Question 3: Are there particular types of professionals or industries that suit one environment more than another?

I think if your workplace — whether it’s an office, workshop, or factory — plays a big role in the message you want to share with your clients, then it absolutely makes sense to include that environment in your headshot...

For example, I recently photographed a carpenter who specialises in precision furniture making...

4. How Lighting and Background Affect Professionalism

Question 4: How does lighting and background impact the feel or professionalism of a headshot in each setting?

In a studio setup, unless there’s a specific brief, I tend to keep the lighting quite neutral — clean and simple...

Studio lighting helps ensure consistency across a team, and the controlled background reinforces that polished look...

5. How to Choose the Right Setting for Your Headshot

Question 5: If someone’s unsure where to have their headshot done, what advice would you give to help them choose the right setting?

I’d start by asking them what they imagine the final image looking like. Picture your photo on your LinkedIn page, your About page — what do you see?...

So, again — if you’re unsure, start with a conversation. That’ll help shape the right approach.

Wrap-Up and Get in Touch

That’s it — my first time trying this approach, and I think it worked really well.

If you or your company need headshots, I’m Gareth. I’m based in Royston, Hertfordshire. I have a studio setup, but I can also come to your office and spend the day capturing images in a way that suits your business.

If you’d like more information, follow the links if you're watching on YouTube. If you're reading this on my blog, just head to the contact page and get in touch. Let’s have a chat.
Bye for now.