This week I wanted to show some images from a recent headshot session in downtown Portland. Most of the time it’s typical to be shooting in an office, outside or in a studio. I have my typical approach for each of these; I can usually find a large white wall in an office (or bring a backdrop). Outside offers plenty of opportunities to incorporate buildings and nature. The studio is controlled and the light is quite consistent.

Shooting in an apartment or a house is especially difficult because you would hope to place your subject across from your light source (a window). However, that means the background is the inside of their home. This does not make for a professional image. My client was hoping to have the city skyline as the background, meaning they are completely backlit and we’re standing in a dark apartment.

For this shoot I used a on-camera flash in the same way I’d use a studio strobe. I mounted it to a stand and threw an umbrella over it. It is not the perfect setup but you have to work with what you have with you. The results are still great! I stand by my previous blog post, that the expression is much more important than any other aspect. If the client likes how they look, then you’ve done a great job.