Should you choose a white or grey background?
Four helpful tips – use a white or grey background color for your headshot
The background of a professional headshot is just as important as the subject itself. A well-chosen neutral headshot background enhances your image. It helps to keep the focus on you, ensuring that nothing distracts from your expression and professional presence. A clean, neutral, or subtly branded background also helps convey credibility, confidence, and approachability. These are all key traits for business professionals looking to attract business opportunities. A polished headshot with the right background makes you stand out in a crowded digital world, increasing engagement on LinkedIn, company websites, and other professional platforms.
Consider the following helpful tips when updating your professional headshot.
📌 1. Clean and Minimalist Look.
First, white and grey backgrounds provide a clean and minimalist aesthetic. These colors allow the focus to be on the subject since they are the only thing in the picture for the eye to rest on. Because there is no other eliminating distraction, the picture creates a timeless and professional look.
📌 2. Versatility.
Choosing a white and grey background color for your headshot makes it easy to adapt to various business purposes and contexts. The neutral colors of white or grey complement different skin tones and clothing choices. Secondly, these colors also offer a wide range of professional applications. Such as, corporate websites, LinkedIn profiles, resumes, or business cards.
📌 3. Branding and Consistency.
A person’s professionalism, elegance and sophistication are commonly associated with white and grey backgrounds. Using these background colors for headshot photography will help maintain a consistent look and feel across a business or professional brand. Also, this consistency can contribute to a cohesive visual identity and reinforce a professional image.
📌 4. Easy to Match with Other Visuals.
Selecting a white and/or grey headshot background can be easily matched with other visual elements. For example, a “clean” headshot can help to support a company’s marketing materials. The neutral background color also helps to seamlessly integrate your headshot into places such as, a website or other media material.
✔ It’s important to note, the choice of background color ultimately depends on a number of things. For example, the specific context, brand guidelines, personal preferences, and the intended use of the headshot. Remember a non-standard background color or texture may be suitable for certain industries, professions, or creative purposes. Choose the color background that best showcases your brand.
A grey background is a great choice for LinkedIn because it’s neutral, professional, and keeps the focus on you. It complements all outfits and skin tones without distractions. Grey has a modern, sophisticated look that works across industries. It also prevents harsh shadows or unwanted color casts. Plus, it’s versatile for use on resumes, company websites, and other professional platforms.
A white background is a great choice for LinkedIn because it looks clean, professional, and timeless. It creates a bright, fresh look that enhances facial features and makes you stand out. White works well with all skin tones and outfits, ensuring a polished appearance. It also gives a crisp, high-end feel that suits corporate and creative industries alike. Plus, it’s versatile for resumes, websites, and other professional platforms.
Now that you have a good idea what color the background should be for your headshot, next think about what to wear!