Why Grey Backgrounds Are My Go To For Headshots
When it comes to headshots, there are endless choices for backgrounds. All of them have their place but none are quite as versatile as my favourite: grey. Grey is the unsung hero of headshot photography.
Here’s why I love it:
1. It’s Classy and Professional
Grey is a great choice for executives or anyone needing a serious, polished headshot. While marketing professionals might opt for something bold, industries like finance and law benefit from a more refined, sophisticated look—exactly what a grey background delivers.
2. It Flatters Every Skin Tone
Harsh colours like white, can sometimes wash people out or create unflattering undertones. Grey, on the other hand, plays nice with just about every complexion, creating a balanced and natural look without competing for attention.
3. It Compliments All Clothing Colors
Not sure what to wear? No worries—grey works with everything. From bold jewel tones to classic neutrals, it never clashes, making outfit selection easier, too..
4. It Works with All Hair Colors
Blonde, brunette, redhead, or silver fox—grey won’t overpower or compete with your hair. Instead, it allows the hair's natural tone to shine through.
5. It Can Change Its Own Colour (Or Be Tweaked in Editing!)
One of the greatest things about a grey background is its flexibility. With lighting adjustments, it can shift from light to dark and dramatic. Want a subtle colour tint? A simple gel filter can do the trick. And if you change your mind later, grey is one of the easiest backgrounds to tweak in editing - whether that means adjusting the tone or swapping it out entirely.
6. It’s Easy to Cut Out or Replace
Need a headshot with an office background? A branded graphic? A dramatic cityscape behind you? Grey makes it easy to swap backgrounds, add text, or repurpose your headshot for business cards, LinkedIn banners, and other promotional materials.
7. It Makes for Stunning Black and White Portraits
There’s something about the way grey translates to black and white—it just works. The even tones create beautiful contrast without harsh distractions, giving your headshot a timeless, striking quality. If you love the classic look of black-and-white photography, a grey background is the perfect foundation.
8. It’s Easy to Make Dramatic
Grey isn’t just for corporate headshots—it can also create bold, moody portraits with the right lighting. By playing with shadows and contrast, a simple grey background can transform into something striking and cinematic. This makes it a fantastic choice for actors, performers, or anyone looking to add a bit of drama and depth to their portrait.
Bonus: It Keeps the Focus on You
At the end of the day, a headshot should be about you, not the background. A grey backdrop keeps things clean and simple, making sure your face and expression take centre stage.
So next time you book a headshot session and I suggest grey, you’ll know why. It’s versatile, flattering, and effortlessly professional. But hey—if you still want something else, I’m always up for an experiment!
Nina Beilby – Professional Photographer
With a degree in professional photography (AAS PP Honors) and over 25 years of experience, Nina Beilby is a highly skilled photographer specializing in corporate and business imagery. Her background in corporate IT and marketing gives her a deep understanding of the visual needs of businesses, from large enterprises to solo entrepreneurs. As a small business owner herself, she knows the power of high-quality imagery in building a strong brand. Based in Sydney, Nina works globally, bringing her expertise in lighting and photography to organisations that value professionalism and impact.
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