How To Choose The Right Location For Your Headshots or Personal Brand Phots

Choosing where to have your portrait taken can feel like a bigger decision than it should be — but the location truly does shape the entire look and feel of your images. Whether you want something polished, natural, relaxed, or totally professional, the right setting makes all the difference. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide.

1. Hiring a Studio

Pros:

• Consistent lighting and comfort. Air-con, heating, no wind, no harsh sun. Your hair and mood both stay intact.

• Clean, neutral backgrounds. Ideal for polished, professional branding.

• Easy outfit changes. Privacy and space mean smooth transitions and more variety in your final gallery.

• Reliable. No weather tantrums, no noise, no unexpected crowds.

Cons:

• Less “personal” feel. It’s great for professionalism, but it might not show much about your personality or lifestyle.

• Studio hire fee. A beautiful studio comes with a cost — worth it, but something to consider.

2. Meeting On Location (Outdoors or Public Spaces)

Pros:

• Natural, vibrant backgrounds. Parks, city streets, riversides — all provide texture and personality.

• Lifestyle feel. Ideal if you want images that feel relaxed, real, and approachable.

• Great for brands that thrive on authenticity or movement.

Cons:

• Unpredictable lighting and weather. Brisbane weather can frizz up your hair and melt off your makeup in seconds. Summer time is not the time for outdoor photos.

• Limited privacy. Outfit changes become… creative.

3. At Your Workplace

Pros:

• Shows your environment. Perfect if your space is part of your brand story — clinics, studios, offices, salons.

• Convenient. No travelling means less stress and more time to prepare.

• Helps clients visualise your world.

Cons:

• Office lighting is usually awful and not flattering. Fluoro lights and dark corners aren’t exactly the dream.

• Clutter or distractions. Real workplaces are rarely minimalist showrooms.

4. At Your Home

Pros:

• Comfort level: maximum. You’re relaxed, which shows in your photos.

• Lifestyle atmosphere. Ideal for personal brand photography with a warm, approachable feel.

• Great for solo entrepreneurs who are their brand.

Cons:

• Not every home photographs well. Lighting, décor, time of day and space all matter.

• Tidying required. And yes, it always takes longer than we pretend it will.

So… Which One Should You Choose?

It really comes down to the vibe you want:

• Clean, polished, professional? Studio.

• Relaxed, natural, warm? On location.

• Showcasing your business environment? Workplace.

• Personal, friendly, lifestyle-driven? Your home.

Wherever you choose, the goal is simple: a place where you feel comfortable enough to be yourself — that’s when the best images happen.

If you want help deciding, I’m always happy to guide you based on your brand, personality, and how you want clients to feel when they see your photos.