The Hand Test: My Go-To Trick for Perfect Outdoor Headshot Lighting
When it comes to headshot photography, especially outdoors, great lighting isn’t just important—it’s everything. Natural light can be beautiful, but it’s also unpredictable. As a headshot photographer working in the ever-changing light of Los Angeles, I’ve learned to adapt quickly. That’s why I rely on one simple, reliable technique every single time: the hand test.
Why Lighting Matters So Much
Lighting has the power to make or break a headshot. Harsh midday sun can cast deep shadows, accentuate wrinkles, or create unwanted shine. Backlighting can leave your subject looking like a silhouette. But soft, even lighting brings out skin tones naturally, flatters facial features, and makes your subject’s eyes shine—all of which you’d want in a professional headshot.
The Hand Trick: Fast, Reliable, and Client-Friendly
Before I ever ask a client to step into a shot, I hold out my hand and observe how the light hits my palm. If the light is soft, shadow-free, and evenly distributed, I know it will translate beautifully onto their face. If it’s too contrasty or harsh, I keep moving until I find just the right spot.
This simple test lets me dial in the best lighting before my client even steps in front of the lens. It saves time, minimizes awkward standing around, and keeps the entire experience relaxed and efficient. Clients appreciate that they’re not being shuffled from spot to spot while I guess and check—they can just step in, feel confident, and get the results they came for.
Shade Is Your Best Friend
Nine times out of ten, I’ll shoot in the shade. A wall, the side of a building, or even the edge of a tree line can provide soft, indirect light that wraps around the face beautifully. Shade offers consistent, flattering light without the need for bulky equipment or harsh reflectors. It also helps avoid squinting and keeps clients cool and comfortable—especially during those warm LA afternoons.
A Visual Example: What Bad vs. Great Light Looks Like
In the graphic that accompanies this post, the left side shows poor lighting conditions—backlit and shadowy, with uneven exposure. The right side shows what I look for: bright, balanced light that brings out natural skin tones and flattering detail. That’s the difference between a poor headshot and one that truly looks like it was shot by a professional.
Keeping Things Comfortable and Efficient
One of the reasons clients return to me again and again is because my process is smooth and efficient. I’m not just here to take your picture—I’m here to guide you through a relaxed, professional experience that doesn’t waste your time. Whether we’re shooting at your office, outdoors, or at one of my locations in Venice, Santa Monica, or Culver City, I come prepared to make the most of your session—down to the smallest detail, like testing the light with my hand.
Let’s Create Your Best Headshot Yet
If you’ve been putting off updating your headshot because you’re worried about the lighting, the look, or how the session will go—don’t. I’ve spent years refining my approach to make it quick, easy, and flattering for everyone, whether you’re a CEO, a startup founder, or updating your LinkedIn profile.
I shoot headshots across the LA area, with offices in Venice, Santa Monica, and Culver City, and I regularly travel for company-wide headshot events on location.
Call me at 323-493-2552 to schedule your session.
Let’s create something great together.
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Client Spotlight: Nicholas Townsend | Los Angeles Automotive Product Specialist
I recently had the opportunity to photograph Nicholas Townsend, an experienced automotive product specialist based here in Los Angeles. Nick brings over a decade of expertise in live events, drive programs, and product education. He’s passionate about delivering engaging and informative vehicle experiences and thrives on connecting people with the latest in automotive innovation.
For Nick’s session, we shot at my Venice office at BLANKSPACES coworking — an incredible creative environment that used to be part of the original Snapchat campus. The location offers a mix of modern indoor spaces and outdoor areas full of natural light. It’s one of my favorite places to work with clients because of the backgrounds it offers, and the vibrant feel that really comes through in the photos.
About the Location: BLANKSPACES Venice
Our session with Nick took place at BLANKSPACES Venice — a creative and inspiring coworking space located in the heart of Venice, CA. Once part of the original Snapchat campus, BLANKSPACES offers a stylish mix of indoor offices, lounges, and beautiful outdoor courtyards perfect for photography sessions. Whether you’re looking for a clean, professional backdrop or a more relaxed, lifestyle vibe, this location provides plenty of versatile options. The energy of Venice combined with the innovative history of this space makes it a fantastic setting for headshots and branding photography.
Nick’s warm smile and easygoing energy made the shoot natural and effortless. His blue shirt was a perfect choice, highlighting his blue eyes and adding a bright, polished feel to his professional look. Beyond photographing well, Nick is someone I’ve personally worked with in automotive marketing projects — and he’s just as friendly, professional, and engaging in person as he appears in his photos.
If you’re ready to update your professional image, I’d love to help you create headshots that truly reflect your personality and brand. I offer photography sessions at my offices in Santa Monica, Venice (at BLANKSPACES coworking), and Culver City, and I’m available to travel throughout the greater Los Angeles area for on-location shoots.
Give me call at 323-493-2552 to book your session and Let’s make your headshots shine!
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As a headshot photographer, I love exploring new ways to make portraits feel more alive—more interesting, more personal, and more memorable. Whether I’m photographing a CEO, a lawyer, or a fresh college grad, my goal is to create an image that’s both professional and full of personality.
One of my favorite tricks for doing just that? Using a window as the background.
It might sound simple, but the impact it creates can be stunning.
When I position someone in front of a window, I’m not just using natural light—I’m using the world outside the glass as part of the image. Reflections of trees, sky, buildings, or greenery add this subtle texture and dimension to the background. It softens the image in a natural, organic way, and gives a sense of place without being distracting.
To take things even further, I shoot with a wide aperture (usually f/3.6), which blurs those reflections into a smooth, dreamy backdrop. What you get is a professional headshot that still feels creative and unique—something that stands out from the sea of white backgrounds and stiff studio setups.
It’s not about making things complicated—it’s about being intentional with small choices that make a big difference. This is one of the ways I keep my craft sharp. Photography, to me, is more than just a job. It’s something I constantly experiment with, and refine. Simple techniques like this let me stay creative while delivering results that clients love.
A few years ago, I worked with a finance company that provides capital to underserved communities—fairly and responsibly. I traveled to three of their offices across Los Angeles and Orange County, and each time, we used a window as the backdrop. The reflections we captured with trees and bushes added this subtle richness to each portrait. The consistency of the setup gave the team a unified look, while the unique backdrops brought out the character of each location. It’s still one of my favorite series of headshots. If you’re looking for a headshot that feels both professional and fresh, I’d love to work with you. I serve the entire LA metro area and regularly host company-wide headshot days on location.
Give me a call at 323-493-2552 to book your session.
Let’s make something that actually feels like you.
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#HeadshotPhotography #CreativePortraits #NaturalLightPhotography #LAHeadshots #VeniceCA #LosAngelesPhotographer #ProfessionalHeadshots #BusinessPortraits #PortraitPhotography #SantaMonicaPhotographer #CulverCityPhotographer
