The Simple Technique That Makes Headshots Pop
April 24, 2025As 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.
—
#HeadshotPhotography #CreativePortraits #NaturalLightPhotography #LAHeadshots #VeniceCA #LosAngelesPhotographer #ProfessionalHeadshots #BusinessPortraits #PortraitPhotography #SantaMonicaPhotographer #CulverCityPhotographer