Why Professional Portrait Photographers Use Grey Backgrounds
©Borcila Dorinel photography
Portrait and headshot photography are some of the most versatile photos you can invest in, whether it’s for your LinkedIn profile or company website. As a portrait photographer based in Northampton, I worked with different clients to create professional headshots that stand out on websites, CVs, and portfolios.
Grey backdrops are typically a solid colour – even if they don’t look like it in the final edit. These solid colour photography backgrounds create a professional visual and elevate the overall image, enhancing its high-quality look. Backgrounds give photographers control over what to include in the final edit and allow them to focus on the person in the portrait without distractions.
A grey background gives your portrait photography a polished look. It’s the most popular backdrop colour for professional photography as it allows for easy editing. You can create different distinctive looks from just one photography session by using a grey background with different lighting setups, from 1 to 4 lights.
The images in this article where created using only one speedlight from Godox, model V860iiiC and for the creative part i used one background light with a red gel.
Portrait of young woman on a grey background.
ISO: 100
SS: 1/180s
Aperture: f8
Canon eos 6D MKll + EF 85mm f1.8
Lighting: Godox V860lll + Octa softbox 65cm
Why Backgrounds Matter for Professional Photography
Colour backgrounds are a game-changer for portrait photography. My goal as a Northampton photographer is always to use simple backgrounds that keep the attention on the subject and give the creative freedom to experiment while editing if that’s what the client wants.
The backdrop colour for professional photos sets the tone and mood, determining how the subject is seen. Professional photographers use colour backdrops to give a flexibility with a background that complements with the subject, instead of distracting from them. It’s easy to adjust the lighting when you use a coloured background to get the subject from their best angle.
A solid colour backdrop can contrast or complement the subject’s outfit, creating depth for portrait photography. A professional photographer will choose a neutral backdrop to prevent it from clashing with the subject’s clothing and maintain interest in the photo.
Despite being neutral, grey backgrounds offer plenty of opportunities for creativity. Photographers can experiment with different lighting techniques, poses, props, and editing styles to create unique and visually stunning portraits.
Portrait of young woman in a black jacket.
ISO: 100
SS: 1/180s
Aperture: f8
Canon eos 6D MKll + EF 85mm f1.8
Lighting: Godox V860lll + Octa softbox 65cm + Grid
Choosing a Colour Background for Portrait Photography
Not every coloured backdrop works for portrait photography. White backgrounds aren’t easy to adjust when editing and don’t absorb light. By comparison, a black backdrop requires a strong light to adjust the background to a different colour. A grey background gives the flexibility to take a portrait photo that captures the subject in the best light and makes it easier to edit the photo afterwards.
Grey is the most common backdrop for portrait photography as it offers a clean and professional look, ideal for a headshot. This colour provides a subtle contrast against any skin tone, creating a more dynamic photograph.
Professional photographers can adjust the backdrop into another colour to align with your company branding or online image. While grey might not scream creativity, it’s the most versatile backdrop and allows you to create distinctive looks to get the most out of your portrait photography session.
In conclusion, the choice of grey background by professional portrait photographers is not only a matter of neutrality; it's a deliberate and strategic decision fixed in versatility, timelessness, and creativity. By providing a neutral background that highlights the subject without distraction, grey backgrounds allow photographers to create portraits that are visually captivating. Whether used to convey a sense of classic elegance, contemporary chic, or artistic expression, grey backgrounds serve as a powerful tool in the hands of skilled photographers, enabling them to create timeless images that leave a lasting impression on viewers.
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