Quick Answer

This comprehensive outdoor headshot photography guide provides easy-to-implement tips for capturing flattering, professional-quality portraits in natural lighting. By choosing optimal locations, carefully positioning subjects to leverage beautiful diffused sunlight and open shade, and purposefully posing and angling faces just so, any photographer can masterfully shape stunning environmental images. Additional pro techniques for refining subtle facial features in post-production, incorporating natural props that align with branding, preparing emergency backup plans for unpredictable weather, and smoothing on-location logistics through thorough advance planning will help tackle the unique challenges of shooting great headshots safely outdoors. Follow these practical directions for setting up shooting sequences designed to elicit authentic connections and screen-worthy performances from subjects to create an elegant, consistent editorial style for your entire outdoor headshot portfolio.

Introduction

Capturing stunning outdoor headshots demands balancing artistry with adaptability. More than simple portraits, great environmental shots allow a subject's personality to shine through naturally while conveying branding and messaging visually.

Outdoor lighting conditions force photographers to become masters of both natural light and artificial fill while contending with the challenges of variable weather and locations. Successful execution hinges on thorough advanced planning and on-the-fly creative problem solving skills.

The compounding variables make outdoor headshot photography infinitely more complex than shooting studio portraits under controlled stable conditions. But the extra effort pays off handsomely in end results brimming with life and authenticity.

This comprehensive guide shares hard-earned techniques to help you skillfully harness the full artistic potential of outdoor headshots. You’ll learn expert strategies for scouting awe-inspiring locations, taming difficult lighting, directing genuine connections with subjects, and incorporating natural elements intentionally into emotional visual storytelling.

Follow these pro tips to craft extraordinarily natural yet highly polished outdoor images that powerfully capture a subject's essence.

Finding the Right Outdoor Location

Choosing the right outdoor spot is one of the most important decisions for great headshots. The location will determine the available lighting, backgrounds, and shooting conditions.

Consider the Amount of Space

Look for locations with ample room to maneuver. You need open space to move yourself and any reflectors or lighting gear around the subject. Tight spaces will limit your shooting angles and flexibility.

Parks, fields, parking lots, and nature trails often provide the wide open room needed for headshots. Just be sure the area is not too crowded with people.

Scout Locations Ahead of Time

Visit potential spots in advance to assess the lighting, scenery, and shooting feasibility. Take test shots to see how the background appears in photos.

Scouting locations at the actual time you plan to shoot is ideal. The lighting and environment can look very different at different times of day.

Look for Interesting But Simple Backdrops

Outdoor headshot backgrounds should be clean and uncomplicated. Busy or distracting backgrounds make it harder for the subject to stand out.

Look for backdrop elements like large trees, fields, bodies of water, or architectural features. Avoid cluttered scenery or roads with moving vehicles.

Consider the Direction of Light

Pay attention to which direction light is coming from at your location. Position the subject so their face is lit well and the main light source is to the side rather than directly behind or in front.

Turn the subject to use the open shade from buildings or trees to your lighting advantage. Dappled sunlight filtering through trees can also provide great lighting effects.

Secure Any Necessary Permits or Permission

If shooting in public parks or commercial areas, research whether you need photography permits. Also obtain permission if using private property as your outdoor location.

Being prepared with permits and permission will prevent hassles later. Make sure you have any necessary paperwork ready before the shoot.

Choose Weather-Appropriate Locations

Keep the forecast in mind when selecting outdoor spots. Extreme cold, heat, or humidity will be uncomfortable and cause issues.

Have backup indoor location options if the weather takes a bad turn. Monitoring the forecast frequently in advance allows you to adapt your plans as needed.

Consider Travel Time to the Location

To ensure you have plenty of shooting time, look for locations within a reasonable travel distance. Farther locations eat up more time getting there and back.

If driving a longer distance, allow extra time for traffic delays, parking, gear unloading, and subject prep at the location. Rushing will only create headaches.

Timing Your Outdoor Headshot Session

Proper timing is critical for ideal lighting and comfortable shooting conditions outdoors.

Schedule at the Right Time of Day

The best outdoor light is often early or late in the day when the sun is lower in the sky. Midday light can be too harsh.

Take note of which direction your location faces to predict where direct sunlight will fall at different times of day. Position the subject in open shade as much as possible.

Allow Plenty of Shooting Time

Rushing is the enemy of great photos. Make sure you schedule ample time to scout the location, dial in lighting, shoot multiple angles, outfit changes etc.

An hour or two minimum is recommended per look to work through multiple poses and lighting tweaks at a relaxed pace. Avoid trying to cram too many setups into a short time frame.

Arrange Shoot Dates for Good Weather

Monitor weather reports in the days leading up to the shoot. Be prepared to reschedule if extreme weather looms in the forecast.

For best results, plan outdoor sessions during traditionally comfortable times of year for your location. Fall and Spring are ideal in many places.

Arrive Early to Set Up and Test Lighting

Get to the location about 30 minutes before call time to load gear, scout spots, and meter light levels. Take test shots to check exposure and make any adjustments.

Use the prep time to make sure your camera settings, equipment, and mobile lighting are dialed in before the model arrives.

Shoot During 'Magic Hour' for Flattering Light

The first and last hour of daylight (a.k.a. 'magic hour') produces soft, diffused lighting perfect for headshots. When possible, schedule shoots during this time.

The low sun direction during magic hour also produces a nice modeling effect on faces with minimal harsh shadows.

Setting Up Effective Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting can change by the minute. Mastering it for headshots requires both patience and mobility.

Use Portable Reflectors to Fill in Shadows

Reflectors bounce and redirect sunlight onto shaded areas of the subject's face. This helps balance out contrasty lighting.

Position the reflector just outside the frame. Adjust the angle to precisely fine tune the brightness and direction of the reflected light.

Diffuse Harsh Sunlight with Scrims

If the direct sun is too intense, use diffusers like scrims and silks to soften it. This creates a flattering wrap-around lighting effect.

Scrims work best with a light stand and grip arm so you can precisely control the position and angle relative to the sun.

Use Portable Strobe for Extra Light

For ultimate control over exposure and lighting angles, use off-camera flash with portable battery powered studio strobes.

Strobes let you overpower the ambient light and build customized directional lighting even in full sun.

Manage Wind with Sandbags and Clamps

To prevent reflectors, scrims, and strobes from blowing over in wind, weigh down stands with sandbags or grip accessories.

Use clamps, clips, and rubber bands as needed to keep fabrics and modifers securely attached in windy conditions.

Carry Spare Batteries for Any Motorized Gear

The ability to quickly swap out batteries in flashes, triggers, and other motorized equipment is essential for long outdoor shoots.

Make sure all your batteries are fully charged. Bring backup batteries and monitors levels to avoid mid-shoot power failures.

Use a Light Meter to Help Set Exposure

In changeable outdoor light, a light meter helps you accurately nail down exposure and determine proper flash power settings.

Take consistent meter readings as you adjust position of strobes, reflectors, and scrims so lighting ratios remain balanced.

Posing Subjects Effectively Outdoors

Posing and positioning is key to flattering outdoor looks. Follow these techniques for ideal subject framing and lighting.

Position Subject in Shade for Fill Light

Place subjects facing just inside open shade so they are illuminated by nice soft, diffuse light rather than direct sun.

Open shade next to buildings, trees etc. mimics window light. Watch for dappled lighting effects.

Feather the Key Light Across Face

Position subjects at an angle where sunlight skims softly across their face rather than pointing directly at the camera.

Feathering the key light creates dimension-adding short shadows on the far side of the face. Avoid flat lighting head on.

Shoot Candid Moments Between Posed Shots

Capture relaxed, authentic expressions during candid moments after taking more structured shots.

Tell them to keep moving naturally and ignore the camera for a minute. Use longer lenses and shoot from a distance.

Frame Tight for Maximum Impact

Composed close headshots are more engaging than looser full body shots. Tight cropping gives the viewer nowhere else to look.

Shoot around 85mm or tighter. Get faces as large in the frame as you can while leaving minimal background showing.

Position Subject Near Camera for Perspective

Placing subjects physically close to the camera makes their facial features appear larger and more prominent in the photo.

Being closer to the camera also allows using wider apertures for blurred, soft backgrounds framing the head and shoulders sharply.

Use Simple, Minimalist Posing

Basic headshot posing is best. Have the subject start with relaxed good posture, chin down slightly, and a genuine small smile.

Hands should frame the face or rest naturally. Avoid complex hand gestures or poses that look overly formal or stuffy.

Mastering Flattering Outdoor Portraiture Angles

Finding the most flattering face angles transforms ordinary headshots into portraits that wow.

Shoot Both Horizontal and Vertical Options

Take shots in both landscape and portrait orientations to give plenty of layout options for final use.

A mix of framing options also adds more visual interest for image galleries, websites, portfolios etc.

Focus on the Eyes

Sharp, sparkling eyes make the viewer instantly drawn to the subject's face. Use a fast shutter speed or flash to freeze subtle eye movements.

Catch lights from reflectors or strobes in the eyes to add liveliness.

Frame Slightly Above Eye Level

An ever-so-slightly high angle makes subjects look more lifted and heroic. Shoot just above their eye plane.

Avoid shooting from below eye level, which can foreshorten and distort proportions.

Minimize Distracting Elements Near Face

Watch the edges of the frame for any background elements that look like they are sprouting from the head such as branches, poles etc. Reposition to eliminate odd merged elements.

Also minimize clutter or contrasty elements too close behind the head that fight for attention.

Choose Focal Lengths to Flatter Facial Features

Wider lenses around 35-50mm tend to make noses appear larger. For minimizing noses, use long lenses around 85mm+.

Strong jawlines and chins also benefit from longer lenses. Get close for max effect.

Reference the Jawline and Eyes for Angles

Focus on showcasing strong jawline and eye direction when choosing angles. 3/4-turn profiles often work well.

Have male subjects look slightly up towards light, lifting the chin. Female subjects tend to look best with chin down slightly.

Using Natural Elements and Props Effectively

Thoughtfully incorporated outdoor props and scenery add authenticity. But use a light touch.

Use Single Elements for Subtle Context

Avoid cluttered backgrounds with too many competing elements. Single props are ideal for providing context simply.

For example, a chef in front of an outdoor grill or realtor with a sold sign and house keys.

Style Props to Align with Branding

Make sure any included props fit cohesively with the subject's personal or professional brand image you want to convey.

For a lawyer, law books and framed degrees communicate the right professionalism. Pick props that align with the brand personality.

Enhance with Functional Props

Props with a functional purpose communicate deeper messages vs. arbitrary objects.

A chef with actual ingredients tells a stronger story than the same pose with random fruits for example. Authenticity shows.

Ensure Props Don't Become Distractions

The subject's face should get the focus. Make sure clothing, props, and backgrounds complement rather than distract or fight for visual attention.

If viewers notice props first, they are too dominant. Fade them into the background visually.

Use Light and Shadows from Props for Drama

Incorporate elements like fences, foliage, or architectural features to cast interesting shadows and light patterns on the subject.

Dappled light through a tree canopy can create a great moody look. Position the subject to maximize flattering light effects.

Perfecting Technical Camera Settings

Dialing in the right camera settings ensures you capture all those subtle facial details in sharp focus.

Choose Aperture for Ideal Depth of Field

With headshots, you generally want a wide enough aperture (f/2.8 - f/5.6) to softly blur the background.

Make sure eyes, ears, nose, lips are all in focus at your selected aperture before shooting. Use a wider f-stop if needed.

Add Flash for Sharpness in Harsh Light

Mixing flash with daylight helps freeze motion and sharpen facial features washed out by bright sun.

Use high speed sync when blending flash with ambient so you can retain wide apertures.

Increase Shutter Speed to Freeze Expressions

A fast shutter speed like 1/200th sec or higher freezes fleeting microexpressions and avoids subtle motion blur.

Higher shutter speeds let you shoot in wind without handheld blurring risk.

Only Venture to Higher ISOs When Necessary

For maximum image quality, always try to stay at your camera's base ISO like 100 or 200 when possible.

Only start increasing ISO if you need it to balance brighter aperture or shutter speed in dim light.

Enable Eye AF for Tack Sharp Focus

Cameras with eye/face detection autofocus take the guesswork out of focusing. Turn it on to ensure eyes are perfectly sharp.

Using back-button autofocus lets you lock focus precisely on the eyes initially before framing.

Add a Lens Hood for Improved Contrast

The black cylindrical lens hood shields the front lens element from stray light, improving contrast and color. Use it for all outdoor shoots.

Lens hoods also provide physical protection for front lens glass on location.

Achieving Ideal Outdoor Portrait Styling

Mindful wardrobe, hair, and makeup styling prevents subjects from blending into busy outdoor backgrounds.

Choose Outfits with Visually Solid Fabrics

Avoid busy patterns and opt for solid neutral or darker-colored wardrobe pieces. This helps the subject stand out clearly.

Layer darker jackets, scarves, or accessories over lighter shirts to create more separation.

Style Hair Simply and Control Flyaways

Have hair cleanly pulled back or neatly framing the face. Stay away from overly complex styles.

Use hair clips, pins, or spray to keep loose strands and flyaways under control on windy outdoor shoots.

Apply Matte Finish Makeup

Shiny skin can look overly reflective and distracting in natural outdoor light. Use makeup products with a matte, satin, or lightly powdered finish.

Add a subtle bronze glow with foundation/powder one shade darker than the model's skin tone.

Use Richer Lip and Eye Colors

Bolder lipstick and eye makeup shows up better outdoors and makes features pop compared to bare subtle looks.

Test colors and application under the actual outdoor lighting at the shoot location before finalizing the style.

Style for On-Brand Personality

Wardrobe, grooming, and styling should reflect the subject's unique personality or brand identity. Authenticity comes through.

A casual tech CEO can rock simple smart casual looks. Lawyers may opt for more formal professional attire.

Post Processing Outdoor Headshots

Post-processing accentuates the artistry. Follow these tips for elegantly polished images.

Perfect Exposure and Contrast

Dodging and burning evens out contrast between highlight and shadows on the face for balanced, smooth lighting.

Bumping exposure and lowering black point adds necessary brightness and richness in post.

Add Catch Lights to the Eyes

Composite or intensify catch lights in the eyes during retouching for added life, shine, and focus on the face.

Subtle eye light reflections make huge impact. Add them strategically even if barely visible.

Enhance Skin Tone and Texture

Retouching refinements that smooth texture, even tone, and remove blemishes or shine make the subject look their best.

But retain a natural skin finish - avoid plastic looking overdone retouching. Subtlety is key.

Remove Lens/Sensor Dust Spots

Clone out any dark dust particles that settled on the lens or camera sensor during the shoot.

Dust is common outdoors. Zoom in close to catch all the pesky spots.

Refine Exposure of Bright Backgrounds

If the sky or bright backgrounds are overexposed, use a gradient mask to selectively lower exposure only in those problem spots.

Lowering highlights only in distracting hot spots draws more attention back to the face.

Minimize Distracting Elements

Clone, heal, or use other retouching tools to remove any small distracting objects like leaves, branches, power lines etc. around the head.

Aim to simplify and clean up the frame without noticeably altering the background.

Safety Tips for Outdoor Headshot Sessions

When shooting on location outdoors, preparation and vigilance ensures a safe, succesful session.

Bring a First Aid Kit

Carry a small first aid kit in your gear bag to treat minor scrapes, burns, or injuries that may happen outdoors.

Bandages, antiseptic wipes, sting relief spray, tick removal tools, and other essentials can save the day.

Guard Against Sunburn

Pack sunscreen to prevent painful burns that could cut a shoot short and ruin the day. Reapply throughout long sessions.

Have models wear hats between takes and seek shade whenever possible. Monitoring sun safety avoids overexposure.

Prevent Dehydration and Fatigue

Bring plenty of water and hydrating drinks. Dehydration causes discomfort, moodiness, and lack of focus quickly.

Healthy snacks provide energy when shooting for long hours outside. Granola bars, trail mix etc. are easy options.

Watch for Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards

Scope out locations ahead of time looking for anything that could potentially cause slips, trips, or falls. Avoid uneven terrain.

Make sure models wear appropriate stable footwear. Solid grip shoes are much safer than fancy slippery heels.

Know the Area and Avoid Risks

Research if the location has any specific dangers like poison ivy, bears, drop-offs etc. Prepare properly to manage known risks.

Tell all members of the team about potential hazards so everyone remains alert and careful.

Conclusion

Mastering outdoor headshots requires both technical expertise and artistic vision. While indoor studio shoots provide the benefit of stable controlled conditions, natural outdoor settings speak to our souls on a deeper level.

The spontaneity of shifting light and environments demands you remain attuned to subtle visual nuances. But embracing the unpredictability rather than fighting it often yields images brimming with authentic life and stirring emotional resonance.

By blending a journalistic photojournalistic eye with careful attention to flattering lighting angles and thoughtful subject direction, outdoor images spring vibrantly from the page rather than appearing flat or artificial.

Arriving extremely prepared to shoot efficiently during optimal morning and evening time windows ensures ample opportunities to explore a breadth of looks. Meanwhile, maintaining an easygoing energy and rolling with the small hiccups breeds creative inspiration as perfect moments organically unfold.

The tips provided throughout this guide aim to equip you with versatile skills for excelling in diverse, changing outdoor conditions. Master these techniques, internalize the core mindsets, stay flexible to flow in the moment, and your portfolio will overflow with diverse dramatic imagery conveying intriguing intimate narratives beyond just posed portraits.