More and more corporate clients want to move away from overly formal, traditional headshots. Instead, they’re opting for more relaxed business portraits that capture personality and approachability. Many now prefer ‘lifestyle’ portraits taken in and around the office using natural daylight.
As a London corporate headshot photographer, this shift is ideal for me because I specialise in natural light photography. However, working with available light in office spaces and outdoor environments comes with its challenges. Here’s how I make the most of natural light to create flattering and professional portraits.
Using Natural Light in Office Environments
While natural light can be incredibly flattering, many modern office spaces rely on automatic lighting systems with fluorescent strip lights. These lights can create unflattering ‘panda eyes’ (dark shadows under the eyes), which is not ideal for professional portraits.
My Approach to Natural Light in Offices:
- Turning Off Artificial Lights (Where Possible): If the overhead lighting can be switched off, I take advantage of that to minimise harsh shadows.
- Working with Window Light: I place my subject facing a window, which acts as a natural softbox, providing even, flattering light that enhances skin tones and eye colour.
- Using Side Lighting for Depth: Sometimes, I position my subject to the side of a window for a more dynamic and sculpted look—this often works well for men but can be flattering for everyone.
- Shooting Against a Window (With Adjustments): If the composition requires the subject to be positioned in front of a window, I adjust the exposure to ensure they are well-lit and not silhouetted against the bright background.
When natural light isn’t sufficient, I sometimes use on-camera flash or my Profoto B1 550 AIR flashlight to supplement the available light, ensuring a clean and polished result.
How a Business Portrait Photographer Uses Natural Light Outdoors
Shooting outdoors provides incredible opportunities for natural, engaging business portraits, but direct sunlight can be tricky to work with. My approach focuses on creating soft, even lighting that flatters my subject while maintaining a professional aesthetic.
My Outdoor Lighting Techniques:
- Finding Shade: I often position my subject in shaded areas with textured backgrounds to avoid harsh shadows and squinting.
- Utilising Golden Hour: Early morning or late afternoon light (golden hour) is ideal for a warm, natural glow without the harsh contrast of midday sun.
- Using Architectural Features: Doorways, archways, and covered walkways create beautifully diffused lighting while adding an interesting visual element to the shot.
- Avoiding Direct Overhead Sunlight: In summer, the sun sits high in the sky, creating strong shadows. I position my subject away from direct sunlight to maintain even illumination.
- North-Facing Light for Consistency: North-facing light provides the most stable and flattering conditions. When shooting near buildings, I prefer east-facing locations in the morning and west-facing locations in the afternoon for the best light.
Studio Lighting vs. Natural Light for Business Portraits
Some clients prefer studio lighting because it offers complete control over the light source. While studio lighting is great for consistency—especially in offices with harsh artificial lighting—I personally find it more static and less versatile than natural light. However, when I do need additional lighting in an office setting, I use my Profoto lights to override the strip lighting and create a professional, well-balanced portrait.
Final Thoughts on Natural Light in Business Portrait Photography
As a business portrait photographer, my goal is always to create portraits that feel natural, approachable, and professional. Whether in an office or outdoors, understanding how to work with available light ensures that my clients receive high-quality, flattering images that represent them authentically.
If you’re looking for a business portrait photographer or a London corporate headshot photographer who specialises in natural light photography, have a look at my headshots here for examples.
For more information or to make a booking for Personal Branding Photography London, or for other professional photography services in London, please contact us at our West London Studio on info@serenabolton.com or on +44 (0)7415 792499. Or click here to fill out a contact form.
“Photography through the lens of a storyteller”
LONDON HEADSHOT AND CORPORATE PHOTOGRAPHER
The cardinal direction trick for outdoor sessions is something I wish I’d noted down earlier in my career rather than just internalising it through trial and error. North-facing light genuinely gives you that consistency that’s hard to replicate with any other natural setup. One thing I’d add from shooting business portraits and headshots at Lemon Shark Studio in Fulham is that even when we’re working in the studio with controlled lighting, we often reference what north window light looks like as the quality target. It’s a useful mental benchmark even when the actual windows are behind you.