The easiest way to get started with actor headshots? Find a good window! Now, there’s certainly more to it than just that, but when you’re looking for clean, natural light, a window can be your best friend. Of course, it all depends on the window. Some windows, like the one in my studio, can be a bit fickle and feisty.
For example, my studio window is south-facing, which means it gets a lot of sunlight—but that also means the light can be unpredictable. On certain days, it can shift dramatically from warm and bright to flat and grey, sometimes in the space of just a few minutes, especially when clouds are moving quickly across the sky. The result? It’s a bit of a challenge to predict and work with.
But, when the light is behaving, there’s no better source. On those days when everything aligns, the window light is stunning—soft, natural, and flattering. It wraps around the subject in a way that creates a beautiful, even tone on the face, without the harsh shadows that can come with artificial lighting. It’s the kind of light that can make your headshot feel genuine, timeless, and full of life.
In short, while windows can be temperamental, when they’re at their best, they offer unbeatable light for actor headshots—clean, dynamic, and natural. So, if you’re looking to capture the essence of someones personality in a headshot, a good window is often the perfect place to start.
Why Window Light Works So Well for Actor Headshots
Soft and Flattering
Window light, particularly on overcast days or early in the morning and late afternoon, is soft and diffused. This means harsh shadows are minimized, and the light wraps gently around your face, creating a natural, flattering glow. With my South facing window when direct light hits I use diffusion material to spread and soften the light even further. But on a grey winters day sometimes the light is so dull and flat., even in the middle of the day, that for my taste I can’t get the quality of light I would like, it also lacks a lot of colour and vibrancy.
My Studio window with a Lencarta Skye Scrim diffusing it further.
2. True Skin Tones
Artificial lighting setups can sometimes distort skin tones, making them appear warmer or cooler than they really are. Natural light, however, produces a more accurate representation of your skin’s true tones, Theres just a quality to it that cannot the replicated with any light i’ve tried. There’s some scientific data that I won’t misquote here but light is made up of many colours and nothing has yet replicated the sun to 100% of its colour spectrum.
3.No Need for Complex Gear
One of the biggest advantages of using natural window light for headshots is that it doesn’t require a complicated setup of studio lights and reflectors. A simple backdrop and a window with plenty of natural light can provide all the illumination you need to create a professional, high-quality shot. This simplicity also means fewer distractions, allowing you to focus on your expression and pose, which is the heart of any great headshot. And floor space, no light stands , large lighting modifiers or cables to interrupt your flow.
The Negatives of Window Light for Actor Headshots
While window light is often praised for its natural, soft quality, there are several challenges that come with relying on it for actor headshots—especially in a city like London. Let’s explore the drawbacks of using window light and why it’s not always the perfect solution for every shoot.
1. Reliability: The London Challenge
The most obvious negative of using window light is its reliability—or lack thereof. In a city like London, the weather is unpredictable, and even the best windows can disappoint on certain days. A window that delivers soft, flattering light one moment can be suddenly overcast or shadowed just minutes later, especially when fast-moving clouds are involved. As a photographer, this inconsistency can make it difficult to plan and execute a headshot session that relies solely on natural light.
For me, this unpredictability is why I can't build my entire business around window light. It's a fantastic tool to have in my kit, but not the only one. If I'm shooting an actor who has flown in from Europe for a session, I can’t afford to tell them, "Sorry, the light’s a bit grey today. Can you come back another time?" or worse, offer them a dull, flat shot that doesn’t represent their potential. I need to have the flexibility to work around any lighting conditions, and that’s where my artificial lighting options come in. A great headshot should never be limited by unreliable weather or fluctuating light levels.
2. Creativity: The Limitations of Soft, Default Light
While window light can be incredibly flattering when it’s used simply, it can also be limiting if that’s the only tool you rely on. The default effect of natural window light is soft and even—which is fantastic for certain types of portraits—but if you want to create depth, drama, and variety in your shots, you may find yourself hitting a wall.
Yes, you can experiment with the placement of your subject or block parts of the light to create some shape and contrast. But, essentially, a window is a giant soft light source, and without additional tools, it doesn’t offer much more than that.
I prefer to get a little more creative with window light. Instead of relying on it as a standalone solution, I often blend it with other lighting tools. A small softbox, for example, can help add contrast and shape to the image, allowing me to balance the window’s softness with sharper shadows or more definition. When blended correctly, the window light becomes the fill, softening shadows and adding a natural warmth to the image, while the additional light gives the headshot more structure and visual interest.
In other words, while window light is wonderful, it’s best used in conjunction with other tools to create more dynamic, multi-dimensional shots.
3. Size and Location: The Struggle to Find the Perfect Window
For window light to be truly reliable and ideal, you need a big window—really big. Think 3 meters wide and high. The larger the window, the more light you can work with, and the better the potential for flattering portraits. You also want the window to be north-facing, as this provides consistent, soft light throughout the day without the harsh direct sunlight you get from east or west-facing windows.
Additionally, you need the room to be spacious enough—ideally 400 square feet or more—to accommodate the subject, the backdrop, and enough room for the light to fill the space evenly. Of course, it’s not just about having a large window; you also need the window to be unobstructed, with no nearby trees, buildings, or anything that could block the light.
Now, here’s the real challenge: finding such a perfect setup in London without blowing your budget. I’ve been in my current studio for 14 years, and while I’ve always dreamed of having a larger, north-facing window, the reality is that the cost of upgrading to a space with a better window would likely triple my overheads. The great lease I have now allows me to run my business in a profitable margin, but adding a bigger window and a larger space could make it harder to maintain that profitability.
The cost of an ideal space with a perfect window in London simply doesn’t align with my business model. So, while I continue to dream of a bigger window, I’ve had to find a balance between the best lighting conditions and the practical realities of running a business.
Conclusion: The Trade-Offs of Window Light
Window light is a fantastic tool in any photographer’s kit, offering soft, flattering, and natural light that is often perfect for actor headshots. But, as with anything, there are trade-offs. The unpredictability of the weather, the limitations in creativity if you only use it in its simplest form, and the difficulty of finding an ideal space all make window light less than ideal as the sole option for professional headshot photography.
For me, window light is just one of many tools I use. When the light is good, it’s unbeatable, but I always come prepared with backup options. That way, no matter what the weather brings, I can guarantee my clients the high-quality, versatile headshots they deserve.