Pros And Cons Of Shooting Headshots In A Studio
When you have a client who needs headshots taken, one of the first decisions that you'll need to make is whether or not you'll rent studio space. Doing so makes sense for a lot of reasons, but another option to meet the client outside or at his or her place of work to shoot the headshots there. If you're leaning toward setting up the photo shoot to take place in a studio, here are some pros and cons to think about.
Pro: Lighting Control
Arguably, the biggest benefit of shooting headshots in a studio setting is that you can meticulously control the lighting. There are few things as important to a photo shoot as getting the lighting right, and the studio will have a variety of different types of lights that will allow you to capture professional-caliber headshots. Conversely, shooting in on-site locations can make it difficult to get the lighting right, which can affect the quality of your work.
Con: Cost
Renting studio time can be costly, which may limit your ability to work with certain clients. You aren't paying the studio cost out of your pocket — you're adding this fee into the cost that you bill your photography clients. Some clients may be on tighter budgets, and thus be unable to work with you in a studio setting because of the cost.
Pro: Neutral Backgrounds
People have a variety of different mindsets about backgrounds when they think about headshots. Many business professionals, for example, favor a neutral background in this type of photo. A studio is a perfect venue for getting your desired backgrounds. Photography studios are commonly equipped with a variety of backdrops that you can set up to give the client exactly the look that he or she seeks.
Con: Logistics Issues
Sometimes, you'll get a client who wants to have his or her headshot taken right away — perhaps within 24 or 48 hours. On such short notice, it might be difficult for you to find available studio space. Similarly, traveling to the studio may be a long drive for some clients, depending on where they're located, and this could dissuade them from booking with you. The best approach when you're evaluating the use of a photo studio for your headshots is to proceed on a case-by-case basis. The studio will be right for certain clients while shooting in other locations will be more suitable for other clients.
For more information, contact your local professional headshots photographer.