Should I Schedule a Natural Light Or Studio Session

As of December, I am only offering natural light sessions for individual headshot bookings. I am still offering mobile studio setup for teams and companies that can allow us to photograph in your office space.

I am often asked if clients should book a natural light or studio headshot session. I decided to write down some key differences between both options. There is a 3rd option that utilizes both, I consider them to be called indoor environmental portraits.

Indoor Studio Sessions

Advantages:

1. Controlled Environment: One of the biggest benefits of an indoor studio session is the control over lighting and environment. Studio lighting allows for consistent results, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. Hot sunny days will make clients skin oily and sweaty. Windy days are a nightmare for hair, etc.

2. Versatility: With a range of backdrops and props at your disposal, studio sessions can be tailored to fit different styles and professional needs. Whether you want a classic, clean look or something more creative, the studio offers flexibility.

3. Privacy: Studio sessions provide a private setting, which can be more comfortable for those who may feel self-conscious or nervous in public spaces. Also having access to a bathroom is nice for wardrobe changes and restroom breaks.

4. Clean/Minimalist Look: The studio light just has such a punchy, crisp, and clear look to it. It’s a look of its own that cannot be replicated in my option with natural light.

Ideal For: Corporate headshots, Professional LinkedIn profiles, Actors' headshots, Formal business portraits

Note: Some of these shots are shot in studio with natural light

Outdoor Natural Light Sessions

Advantages:

1. Beautiful Natural Light: Outdoor sessions take advantage of the soft, flattering natural light that can add warmth and vibrancy to your photos. Golden hour, the time shortly after sunrise or before sunset, is particularly ideal for capturing stunning images.

2. Scenic Backgrounds: The great outdoors provides a variety of beautiful backdrops, from lush parks to urban Downtown settings, that can add depth and context to your headshots. This setting can help convey a more relaxed and approachable image.

3. Dynamic and Engaging: Outdoor sessions often result in more dynamic and engaging photos. The natural surroundings can help you feel at ease, leading to more genuine and spontaneous expressions.

4. Forgiving!: The soft light is usually very forgiving for skin and wrinkles. This being said, if its windy it can be very difficult to work in.

Ideal For: Creative professionals, Outdoor enthusiasts, Casual business profiles, Lifestyle branding

Note: Some of these shots are shot with natural light on a studio backdrop

Indoor Environmental Portraits

Why not have the best of both worlds. Studio lit images, indoors, with an environmental background. This works great if you have a beautiful office space, commercial building, or even home.

Making Your Decision

When deciding between an indoor studio session and an outdoor natural light session, consider your personal and professional needs, as well as the image you want to project. Here are a few questions to help guide your decision:

• Do you prefer a more formal (studio) or casual look (natural light)?

• Are you comfortable with the potential unpredictability of outdoor sessions?

• Do you have long hair, if its a windy day this might affect the session in a negative way.

• Is there a specific setting or backdrop that aligns with your personal brand?

• Still dont know? We can always do both looks!

Ultimately, both options can produce great headshots that highlight your best features and convey your unique personality. Whether you opt for the controlled environment of a studio or the dynamic beauty of the outdoors, the key is to choose the setting that makes you feel most confident and authentic.

Ready to book your headshot session? Contact me today to discuss your vision and schedule your indoor or outdoor shoot. Let's create headshots that make you stand out from the rest

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Mike Vidales Productions, LLC is a premier photography studio specializing in professional headshots, captivating portraits, and dynamic corporate event photography on Oahu, Hawaii. With an expert eye for composition and lighting, we help individuals and businesses create compelling visual narratives that make lasting impressions.

Our services include:

• Professional Headshots: Elevate your personal brand with polished, contemporary headshots perfect for executives, entrepreneurs, actors, and professionals across all industries

• Portrait Photography: Capture your unique personality with stunning portraits ideal for personal branding, social media, and professional profiles

• Corporate Event Photography: Document your company's most important moments with sophisticated event coverage, including conferences, meetings, award ceremonies, and team celebrations

At Mike Vidales Productions, we combine technical excellence with artistic vision to deliver exceptional photography that helps our clients stand out in today's visual-first world. Whether you're an individual seeking to enhance your professional image or a business looking to showcase your corporate culture, our photography services are tailored to exceed your expectations.

Contact us today to schedule your photography session and experience the difference that professional photography can make for your personal or business brand.