Studio, Outdoor, or Office Headshots in Boston: How to Choose What Makes Sense for Your Team

When people reach out for professional headshots for teams in Boston, one of the first questions they ask is, “Should we do this in a studio or outside?”

And my answer is usually: it depends on why you need the headshots and how you plan to use them.

There isn’t one right option for everyone. Each setup—studio, outdoor, or office—has its own benefits. The key is choosing the one that supports your brand and makes sense long term.

Let’s start with studio headshots.

Studio headshots are the most consistent and efficient option, especially for teams. The lighting is controlled, flattering, and designed to look professional on every face. That consistency is important, not just for today, but for the future.

If your company hires new team members throughout the year, studio headshots are easy to recreate. The lighting setup, background, and overall look can stay the same, so new hires blend seamlessly with existing staff. This is a big reason why many law firms, finance companies, healthcare offices, and corporate teams choose studio headshots.

Studio sessions are also weather-proof. No rescheduling because it’s too cold, too hot, raining, or windy—which, if you live in New England, you know matters. A studio headshot looks just as good in January as it does in July.

Next we have outdoor headshots:

Outdoor headshots can feel more relaxed and lifestyle-driven, and they work well for certain professions. However, they come with limitations that people don’t always think about at first.

In Boston and the surrounding areas, we have four very distinct seasons. The light changes, the foliage changes, and even the color tones shift dramatically throughout the year. That makes outdoor headshots difficult to recreate consistently.

If you photograph your team outside in the fall, but need to add a new employee in the spring, the images won’t match. From a branding and efficiency standpoint, this can be challenging for growing teams.

Outdoor headshots can still be a great choice for individuals who don’t need long-term consistency—like creatives, consultants, or small business owners—but they’re usually not ideal for teams who want a unified look.

There’s also a third option that often gets overlooked: enviromental office headshots.

If your office has a beautiful lobby, clean architectural lines, natural light, or a well-designed background, using your own space can be incredibly effective. Office headshots can feel polished, professional, and very on brand—without relying on outdoor conditions.

I’ve photographed teams in offices where the background alone elevated the images. A modern lobby, a textured wall, or a thoughtfully designed common area can add personality while still keeping the photos cohesive.

Office headshots are especially useful when your space is part of your brand. They show clients and visitors exactly where you work, while still maintaining a professional look that works for websites, LinkedIn, and marketing materials.

Before recommending this option, I always look at the space first. If it supports the brand visually, it’s worth using. If not, a studio setup—either in my studio or as a mobile studio brought into your office—is often the better choice.

At the end of the day, professional headshots should make your life easier, not harder. They should be consistent, easy to update, and aligned with how your business actually operates.

That’s why I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all headshots.

Whether we photograph you in the studio, outdoors, or in your office, the goal is the same: professional headshots that look intentional, cohesive, and ready to grow with your team.

If you’re planning professional headshots in Boston and aren’t sure which option makes the most sense, take a look at the work I’ve done in studio and on-location—and let’s talk it through. Choosing the right setup from the start saves time, money, and stress down the road.