Relaxed outdoor headshots for LinkedIn, social media and dating profiles
In September 2025, Rory booked a one-hour professional headshot session in woodland just outside Hitchin.
He wanted a varied set of natural portraits that he could use across LinkedIn, work profiles, social media and dating apps. By combining three outfits across several areas of the location, we created 14 finished photographs without needing a studio or a complicated lighting setup.
Rory booked the Signature package available at the time, which included the full one-hour session and 14 professionally edited images.
The brief for Rory’s headshot session
Rory did not need one formal corporate headshot against a plain background.
He wanted photographs that looked professional enough for LinkedIn and work, but still felt relaxed and natural enough to use elsewhere. That meant creating a mix of closer headshots, wider portraits and more casual images rather than repeating the same pose with slightly different expressions.
The final photographs needed to show his personality while still giving him control over how he presented himself across different platforms.
That is one of the main advantages of booking a longer headshot and personal branding photography session. Instead of leaving with one profile photograph, you can create a small, versatile image library for several different uses.
Choosing an outdoor headshot location near Hitchin
We photographed the session in woodland just outside Hitchin.
An outdoor location suited the relaxed style Rory wanted. The trees, paths, benches and natural backgrounds gave us several distinct settings within a relatively small area, allowing us to create variety without wasting time travelling between locations.
Woodland also produces soft, muted backgrounds that keep attention on the person rather than competing with them.
Outdoor headshots are not automatically better than studio portraits. The right choice depends on where the images will be used and how you want to come across.
A studio can provide a clean, controlled appearance. A workplace can add context to what you do. An outdoor setting often feels more approachable and informal, making it particularly useful for entrepreneurs, professionals, creatives and anyone who dislikes the look of a conventional corporate portrait.
I photograph people and businesses throughout the area, as shown in my wider guide to working with a commercial photographer in Hitchin.
Creating variety with three outfits
Rory brought three different outfits to the session.
- Each one created a slightly different impression:
- A smarter look suitable for LinkedIn and professional profiles
- A relaxed outfit for social media and more informal use
A casual alternative that worked well for dating profiles and personal accounts
Changing clothing is one of the simplest ways to make a single photoshoot produce a more varied gallery.
We also changed the backgrounds, framing, body position and distance from the camera. Some photographs were tightly framed around Rory’s face and shoulders, while others showed more of the surrounding location.
The aim was not to make the images look disconnected. They still needed to feel consistent, but not as though every photograph had been taken in exactly the same spot within a few minutes.
Helping someone feel comfortable in front of the camera
Most of the people I photograph are not professional models and do not arrive knowing how to pose.
That is completely normal.
During a headshot session, I give clear direction on posture, hand placement, body position and where to look. I will also keep adjusting the pose rather than expecting someone to hold an uncomfortable position while I take dozens of nearly identical photographs.
The aim is to make the session feel straightforward rather than overly staged.
Rory mentioned this directly in the Google review he left after the shoot:
“Lee took some great headshots, which I needed for work. From the moment I arrived, he made me feel at ease, very friendly and clearly passionate about what he does. He gave good direction throughout, and I'm really happy with the final shots. Really quick turnaround too!”
Photographing the session with natural light
The session was photographed entirely with natural light using a Canon EOS R5 and a 70-200mm lens.
The longer lens allowed me to photograph Rory from a comfortable distance while compressing the woodland behind him into soft, uncluttered backgrounds. This kept the photographs focused on Rory while still retaining enough of the location to give the images a natural outdoor feel.
There was nothing particularly difficult about the conditions, but that does not mean the camera can simply be pointed at someone and expected to produce a professional result.
Even in good light, I am paying attention to the direction of the light, distractions in the background, skin tones, posture, expression and how the finished image will crop on different platforms.
LinkedIn profile photographs, for example, are often displayed very small and cropped tightly. Wider personal branding photographs need more breathing room and may require both portrait and landscape compositions.
Planning for those uses during the shoot makes the finished gallery far more practical.
The finished professional headshots
The finished gallery gave him several different looks that could be used without every account displaying the same photograph. He has since used the images across LinkedIn, dating profiles and social media.
Most importantly, he was happy with both the experience and the finished results.
A technically strong photograph is not much use if the person in it feels uncomfortable or does not recognise themselves. My editing is intended to produce a polished result while still keeping skin, facial features and expressions natural.
From professional headshots to fitness branding photography
I later photographed Rory again at Body Ethics Gym in Hitchin.
That second shoot had a different purpose. Instead of creating general professional portraits, we used the gym environment and controlled off-camera lighting to photograph his fitness progress.
The two sessions show how location and lighting can change the message of the photographs while still authentically presenting the same person.
You can see the second session in my fitness branding photoshoot in Hitchin case study.
How does an outdoor headshot session work?
1. Discussing how the photographs will be used
Before the shoot, I will ask where you intend to use the images and what impression you want them to create.
Someone needing a formal company headshot may require a different approach from someone who wants photographs for LinkedIn, their website, social media and dating profiles.
2. Choosing the location and clothing
We will agree whether an outdoor location, workplace, studio or another setting is most appropriate.
You can bring several outfit options, and I can help you decide which combinations will provide the most useful variety.
3. Photographing the session
I will guide you throughout the shoot, including your posture, position and expression.
We will create a mixture of closer headshots and wider portraits, changing backgrounds and outfits where the session allows.
4. Selecting the finished images
After the shoot, you will receive a private online gallery from which you can select the photographs included in your package.
Your chosen images will then be professionally edited and delivered as high-resolution digital files.
Professional headshot photography prices in Hitchin
Individual headshot and personal branding sessions currently start from £149.
Packages vary depending on the length of the session, the number of finished photographs and the amount of variety required. Longer sessions provide more time for different outfits, backgrounds and image styles.
Rory booked an earlier version of my Signature package that included 14 edited photographs. Package contents have since been updated, so check my current headshot and personal branding photography packages for the latest prices and inclusions.
Corporate headshots and team photography are quoted separately based on the number of people, location, and required setup.
Professional headshot photography FAQs
How much does a professional headshot session in Hitchin cost?
Individual headshot sessions currently start from £149. The final cost depends on the session length, number of edited images, location and whether you need several outfits or setups. Current packages and prices are available on my headshot and personal branding photography page.
Where can a headshot session take place?
Headshots can be photographed outdoors, at your workplace, in your home or in a hired studio. The best location depends on how you plan to use the images and whether you want a formal, environmental or more relaxed result.
What should I wear for professional headshots?
Choose clothing that reflects how you want to present yourself professionally. Plain colours usually photograph well, while large logos and very busy patterns can be distracting. Bringing two or three different options gives us more flexibility during the session.
Can headshots be used for LinkedIn and dating profiles?
Yes. A varied headshot session can create professional images for LinkedIn and work alongside more relaxed portraits for dating profiles and personal social media. Tell me about each intended use beforehand so I can create suitable expressions, framing and outfits.
What happens if I feel awkward in photographs?
Most clients are not used to being professionally photographed. I will guide you throughout the session, including where to stand, what to do with your hands and how to position yourself. You do not need to know how to pose before arriving.
How long does a professional headshot session take?
My individual sessions generally last between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the package. Rory’s session lasted one hour and included three outfit changes and several different woodland backgrounds.
How quickly will I receive my photographs?
Most individual headshot and personal branding galleries are delivered within a few working days. Priority turnaround may also be available when images are needed urgently.
Are outdoor headshots suitable for professional use?
Yes. Outdoor headshots can still look polished and professional, while often feeling more relaxed and approachable than a studio portrait. They work particularly well for LinkedIn, personal branding, websites and social media, provided the location, lighting and background are chosen carefully.
Book professional headshots in Hitchin
Whether you need a new LinkedIn photograph, images for your website, personal branding content or a more natural set of portraits for social media, I can plan the session around how you intend to use them.
I am based in Hitchin and photograph individuals and businesses across Hertfordshire, London, the East Midlands and the wider UK.
Get in touch to discuss your headshot session and check availability.
Lee Charlton is a Hertfordshire photographer with more than 16 years of professional experience photographing people, businesses, brands and organisations.
He spent nine years working as Global Photography Manager and sole in-house photographer for TUI. He also worked at the RHS for four years, producing photography for marketing, press, events and corporate communications.
His work includes professional headshots, personal branding photography, corporate teams, events and commercial campaigns throughout Hertfordshire, London, the UK and internationally.
