I need a new headshot, but I have no idea where to go!

I’ve heard this from so many over the years.  Choosing a location seems to be one of the biggest stumbling blocks for planning headshots.  But fear not, I have a number of options to share, and hopefully, some may spark your own ideas.

Pittsburgh is such a beautiful city with so many great places that can work for headshots.  Whether you’re in a more creative field or in a business, science, or tech field, together we can find the perfect location for you.  

Oakland

In and around the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon campuses, you’ll find a number of great spots that will work for headshots.  The college buildings and the greenery provide variety without being a distraction.  Each spring, my calendar fills up with portrait sessions for college graduates, and we always make a point to include time for a quick headshot.  Even if you’re not affiliated directly with the colleges, the columns of Mellon Institute and areas around the Cathedral of Learning provide beautiful locations for all types of portraits.

The steps and columns at Mellon Institute

The sidewalk between Mellon Institute and Heinz Chapel.

The steps outside the Cathedral of Learning.

Pittsburgh Parks

Pittsburgh is a city full of parks.  Frick, Schenley, and Point State Park are just a few that I regularly visit for portrait sessions, including headshots.  The parks are great for those who want a bit more color in their photos.

Schenley Park and the outdoor garden at Phipps Conservatory.

Panther Hollow Bridge in Schenley Park.

For creators who also want to show off their products, including them in the session can give you more variety with your photos.  Theresa Grosh of Naptime Inspirations decided to include her handmade purses in her session (Be sure to check out her beautiful creations found online and in shops in the Lancaster area). 

North Park.

For a photographer who works on location, North Park is the perfect location for headshots. 

North Park

Flexibility is one thing I value in my business, which is why I try to be flexible with what my clients need.  I’ve often included some quick headshots at the end of family sessions.  We’re all so busy and being pulled in different directions, sometimes scheduling time for multiple portrait sessions can be too much.  This flexibility allows my clients to tackle two items on their to-do list: the family photo and a quick headshot.  And as you can see above, the same location can work well for both mom and dad.

Downtown

Downtown Pittsburgh is the best location if you want to connect your business with the Pittsburgh area, and the North Shore is a prime location for headshots.  There, you have the river, bridges, and city in your background, clearly showing that you are a member of the Pittsburgh community.  But if you need a bit more variety, there are also nearby spots that offer more subtle backdrops, color, greenery, or other designs.  

The North Shore Trail, Pittsburgh.

The North Shore Trail next to the base of the Andy Warhol Bridge

The alley next to the Warhol Museum.

Downtown Pittsburgh 6th Street.

Inside Options?

Outside is great, but sometimes my clients need a more reliable environment.  Pittsburgh weather does not always cooperate and can be a challenge if you’re up against a deadline.  No worries.  I have indoor options for you to consider as well. 

First, we have studios!

There are a number of studio spaces available to rent all over Pittsburgh.  My favorite happens to be over near Frick Park.  For a small fee, we can enjoy a dry and temperature controlled space to create a variety of headshots and content to cover all your website and social media needs.

Studio near Frick Park

If you would like a location that is more personal, we can plan for headshots in your own home, office, or studio for my fellow artists and photographers out there.  Amanda Brisco of Amanda Brisco Photography has such a pretty and flexible studio space!  I loved working with her!

and as I mentioned, your office at work or at home can work (and we’re often the most comfortable and relaxed in those spaces).  I recently had the opportunity to do some headshots for my husband (at his work) and for myself and my son in our livingroom.  

image 1: The office at Health Monitoring, images 2 & 3: taken in my home.

Hopefully, this gives you some inspiration to update your own headshots in the next year, and I’m always happy to help brainstorm more ideas with you.

For more headshot information, check out my page, or contact me, and we can start planning.